# The 7 Best Dog Jerky Treats of 2026 - Canonical: https://33rdsquare.com/the-7-best-dog-jerky-treats-of-2024/ - Published: 2024-01-27 - Author: Savanna Read - Categories: [Dog](https://33rdsquare.com/category/dog/) --- As a dog lover and veterinary expert, I know how much our canine companions love meaty treats. And one of the most popular types of meaty dog treats is jerky. Dogs go wild for the chewy texture and savory flavor of jerky treats. But with so many options on the market, it can be tricky to know which ones are truly the best and healthiest for your pup. In this article, I‘ll share my top picks for the best dog jerky treats you can buy in 2024. I‘ll also provide some tips on what to look for when choosing a jerky treat, how to feed them safely, and even a simple recipe for making your own jerky treats at home. By the end, you‘ll be equipped with everything you need to know to pick out the perfect jerky snack for your dog. ## What Makes a Good Dog Jerky Treat When evaluating any dog treat, the first thing I look at is the ingredient list. And with jerky treats, you want that ingredient list to be as short and simple as possible. The main ingredient should be a high-quality animal protein like chicken, beef, turkey or salmon. Avoid any jerky treats that are made with a lot of fillers, by-products, artificial colors or flavors, or mystery ingredients. I also prefer jerky treats that are sourced and made in the USA, Canada, Europe, Australia or New Zealand rather than China or other countries with looser safety regulations. Jerky treats made in certified organic facilities with human-grade ingredients are even better, but tend to be pricier. The way the jerky is made matters too. I recommend jerky treats that are slow smoked or roasted at a low temperature to preserve nutrients. One ingredient to be cautious of in jerky is salt – some contain too much added sodium which isn‘t great for dogs. ## The 7 Best Dog Jerky Treats Here are my top recommendations for the best dog jerky treats you can buy in 2024, taking into account ingredients, sourcing, preparation methods, brand reputation, customer reviews, and price. ### 1. Rocco & Roxie Gourmet Jerky Sticks These premium jerky sticks from Rocco & Roxie are made with just a few simple ingredients including real chicken, chickpeas, and rosemary extract. They are slow-roasted to preserve flavor and nutrients. I like that they are corn, wheat, and soy-free to avoid common allergens. ### 2. Orijen Original Jerky Bites For a jerky treat that closely mimics whole prey, Orijen is one of the best. Their original bites contain 90% high-quality animal ingredients including chicken, turkey, and fish. The jerky bites also contain nutrient-rich organ meats for an extra health boost. ### 3. Tylee‘s Human-Grade Jerky Dog Treats If you‘re looking for a jerky treat made with human-grade ingredients, Tylee‘s is an excellent choice. Their chicken jerky contains just chicken breast and vegetable glycerin. They also offer beef and duck flavors. All are made in a human-grade kitchen without fillers or preservatives. ### 4. Full Moon Natural Cut Jerky Full Moon uses human-grade ingredients that are fully traceable from farm to kitchen in their jerky treats. They contain just one ingredient – chicken breast, duck breast, or beef sirloin. The jerky is slow-cooked in small batches to retain flavor and nutrients. ### 5. Plato Pet Treats Jerky Plato is another brand that makes single-ingredient jerky treats with duck, turkey, salmon or chicken. Their jerky is slow-roasted in USA facilities. I appreciate that Plato is very transparent about their ingredient sourcing and manufacturing processes. ### 6. True Acre Foods Chicken Jerky For a more affordable but still high-quality option, True Acre Foods offers a very simple chicken jerky treat at a reasonable price point. It contains just chicken breast and mixed tocopherols to preserve freshness. The jerky is easy to tear into smaller pieces for training. ### 7. Waggin‘ Train Chicken Jerky Tenders Another popular value choice, Waggin‘ Train chicken jerky tenders are made with real chicken breast. They do not contain any artificial colors, flavors or meat by-products. The soft, chewy texture works well for dogs of all sizes and ages. ## How to Choose the Right Jerky Treat for Your Dog The jerky treats I‘ve recommended above are all great options, but how do you know which one is the very best choice for your individual dog? Here are some factors to consider: **Your Dog‘s Size:** Smaller jerky treat pieces are better for small dogs and puppies to minimize choking risk. Larger dogs can handle bigger jerky strips and chews. All dogs should be supervised when eating jerky treats. **Age & Dental Health:** Senior dogs or those with dental issues will do better with softer, more tender jerky treats that are easier to chew. Puppies can start enjoying jerky treats after 12 weeks of age. **Allergies & Sensitivities:** If your dog has any protein allergies or sensitivities, make sure to choose a jerky treat made from a novel protein they can tolerate, such as duck or salmon instead of chicken or beef. **Weight Management:** Jerky treats are a great choice for dogs on a weight management program because they are low in carbs and high in satiating protein. However, they are more calorie-dense than some other treats, so portion sizes should be small and factored into your dog‘s daily calorie intake. **Taste Preferences:** I‘ve found most dogs aren‘t too picky about jerky flavors, but some definitely prefer red meat flavors like beef while others favor poultry flavors like chicken or turkey. Experiment to see which animal protein sources your dog likes best! ## Tips for Feeding Jerky Treats Safely Once you‘ve picked out the perfect jerky treats for your pup, it‘s important to feed them safely to avoid any digestive issues or choking hazards. Here are my top tips: 1. Always supervise your dog when they‘re eating jerky treats, especially if they tend to gulp their food. 2. Feed jerky treats in moderation as part of a balanced diet, and don‘t exceed 10% of your dog‘s daily calories from treats. A few small bites are plenty for most dogs. 3. Break or cut up larger jerky treats into bite-sized pieces appropriate for your dog‘s size. This is especially important for small dogs and puppies. 4. Consider any other foods and treats your dog has eaten that day to make sure you‘re not overdoing it on certain ingredients like salt or specific proteins. 5. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, introduce any new jerky treats gradually and keep an eye out for any digestive upset. 6. Store jerky treats in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness. Discard any treats that seem spoiled or smell "off." ## Recent Recalls & Safety Concerns In the past few years, there have been some recalls on popular jerky treats due to safety issues. In 2022, the FDA issued warnings about certain jerky treats made in China that were linked to reports of pet illnesses and deaths. The culprit was never conclusively identified, but the reports highlighted the importance of choosing jerky treats that are made in the USA or other countries with stricter quality control practices. Another common issue with jerky treats is mold growth due to high moisture content and improper storage. Always inspect jerky treats closely for any signs of mold before feeding and store them properly to maintain freshness. If you notice any changes in color, odor, or texture, it‘s best to err on the side of caution and throw them out. ## Benefits of Jerky Treats for Dogs When fed responsibly, jerky treats can be a very healthy addition to your dog‘s diet. Here are some of the key benefits: 1. High in protein to support lean muscle mass 2. Low in carbs which can help with weight management 3. Chewy texture helps remove plaque and tartar from teeth 4. Convenient to break into small pieces for training rewards 5. Long shelf life compared to other fresh treats 6. Single-ingredient options are ideal for dogs with allergies 7. Delicious flavor that dogs love! Of course, jerky treats should not be the only thing you feed your dog. A balanced canine diet should be built on a foundation of high-quality, nutritionally complete dog food with treats making up no more than 10% of total calories. But as an occasional snack or training reward, jerky is one of the best options out there. ## Make Your Own Jerky Dog Treats If you want to have total control over what goes into your dog‘s jerky treats, consider making your own! Homemade jerky treats can be a fun project and you can customize the flavors to your dog‘s taste preferences. Here‘s a basic recipe to try: **Ingredients:** - 1 pound lean meat (chicken, beef, turkey, etc.) sliced into thin strips - Optional: small amount of pureed vegetable like sweet potato or carrot **Instructions:** 1. Preheat oven to 200°F 2. Arrange meat strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper 3. Bake for 2-3 hours until meat is fully dried out, flipping halfway through 4. Allow jerky to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container 5. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks You can also make jerky treats in a food dehydrator if you have one. Just follow the manufacturer‘s instructions for making dried meat and use the lowest temperature setting to preserve nutrients. Always make sure the meat is fully dehydrated with no moisture remaining to prevent spoilage. ## Conclusion I hope this guide has given you all the information you need to pick out the best jerky treats for your dog. Remember, not all jerky is created equal – look for treats that have high-quality, clearly labeled ingredients ideally sourced from the USA or other reputable countries. Feed jerky treats in moderation as part of your dog‘s regular balanced diet for a delicious, protein-packed snack they‘ll love. The 7 best dog jerky treats I recommend for 2024 are: 1. Rocco & Roxie Gourmet Jerky Sticks 2. Orijen Original Jerky Bites 3. Tylee‘s Human-Grade Jerky Dog Treats 4. Full Moon Natural Cut Jerky 5. Plato Pet Treats Jerky 6. True Acre Foods Chicken Jerky 7. Waggin‘ Train Chicken Jerky Tenders Consider your individual dog‘s needs and preferences when choosing the right jerky treat for them. And always practice safe feeding habits to avoid choking or digestive issues. With these tips in mind, your pup can enjoy all the benefits of delicious, nutritious jerky treats as part of a healthy, balanced canine diet. Bon appetit! --- Source: [The 7 Best Dog Jerky Treats of 2026](https://33rdsquare.com/the-7-best-dog-jerky-treats-of-2024/)