
Curious about what’s really in store-bought dog treats?
Skip the guesswork and give your pup all-natural, homemade chicken treats instead!
Dehydrated chicken treats are protein-packed, healthy, and easy to make.
Your dog will love them, and you’ll love the simplicity and peace of mind.
- Make homemade treats with just one simple ingredient.
- Discover why these are healthier than store-bought snacks.
- Customize and elevate the recipe to suit your dog’s taste.
Let’s get started!
Table of contents
- Easy Dehydrated Chicken Treats For Dogs
- How to Make Dehydrated Chicken Treats
- Creative Ways to Use Dehydrated Chicken Treats
- Customizing Your Dehydrated Chicken Treats
- How to Incorporate Dehydrated Chicken Treats Into a Healthy Diet
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Fun Facts About Dogs and Chicken
- Quick Recipe Card: Dehydrated Chicken Treats
- Conclusion
- ⚠️ Quiz: The #1 Dog Food To AVOID (causes weight gain, saps energy & harms your dog’s gut)
- ⚠️ Top Trending Today
Easy Dehydrated Chicken Treats For Dogs
How to Make Dehydrated Chicken Treats
You don’t need fancy culinary skills to make these treats—just a little time and patience.

Below, we’ve outlined two simple methods: one using a dehydrator and the other using your oven.
Option 1: Using a Dehydrator
What You’ll Need:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast (or chicken tenders)
- A dehydrator
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Directions:
- Rinse the chicken under cool water and pat it dry with a paper towel.
- Slice the chicken into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick. Thinner slices will dehydrate faster and ensure even drying.
- Place the chicken strips on the dehydrator trays, ensuring they don’t overlap.
- Set the dehydrator to 150°F (or the “meat” setting) and let it run for 6–8 hours. The chicken is ready when it is completely dry, firm, and slightly chewy.
- Allow the treats to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.
Interesting Fact: Dehydrators use low heat and airflow to remove moisture.
This preserves the chicken and locks in its flavors and nutrients.
Option 2: Using an Oven
What You’ll Need:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast (or chicken tenders)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 170°F (or the lowest possible setting).
- Follow steps 1–2 from the dehydrator method above.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the chicken strips in a single layer.
- Bake for 3–4 hours, flipping the strips halfway through. The chicken is ready when it is completely dry and slightly crispy.
- Let the treats cool before storing them.
Pro Tip: If your oven won’t go below 200°F, leave the door slightly ajar. This will lower the temperature and let moisture escape.
Storage Tips
- Store dehydrated chicken treats in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. They will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks.
- For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze the treats. In the freezer, they can last for up to 3 months!
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Creative Ways to Use Dehydrated Chicken Treats

Dehydrated chicken treats aren’t just snacks—they’re versatile!
Here’s how to get the most out of them:
- Training Rewards: For high-value rewards, break the treats into small pieces. Use them during training sessions.
- Food Toppers: Crumble dehydrated chicken over your dog’s kibble. It adds flavor and protein.
- Chewy Snacks: Serve as a longer-lasting chew for medium to large dogs who love to gnaw.
- Puzzle Toys: Stuff a puzzle toy or a Kong with a few small treats. This will keep your dog engaged and entertained.
Pro Tip: Always supervise your dog when giving treats.
This ensures they chew them properly and don’t swallow large pieces.
Customizing Your Dehydrated Chicken Treats
Want to make your dog’s treats extra special? Here are some creative ways to customize them:
- Flavor Boost: Marinate the chicken in dog-safe flavors before dehydrating. Use unsalted chicken broth, a pinch of turmeric, or parsley.
- Chewiness: Change the chicken slice thickness for softer or crunchier treats. Thinner strips will dry faster and become crispier.
- Add Veggies: For a mixed treat, add thinly sliced sweet potatoes, carrots, or green beans to the dehydrator or oven with the chicken.
- Small Dog-Friendly: Cut the chicken into bite-sized cubes, not strips. This makes it easier for small breeds to chew.
Fun Fact: Turmeric is safe for dogs.
It has anti-inflammatory properties.
They can help with joint health and mobility.
How to Incorporate Dehydrated Chicken Treats Into a Healthy Diet
Dehydrated chicken treats are a great snack for your dog.
But, like any treat, use them in moderation.
Overindulgence can disrupt your dog’s balanced diet or lead to overfeeding.
Here’s how to incorporate these tasty treats into your pup’s daily routine responsibly:
1. Follow the 10% Rule
Dog treats, like dehydrated chicken, should be no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories.
The remaining 90% should come from their regular, nutritionally complete meals.
Example: If your dog eats 500 calories a day, treats should contribute no more than 50 calories.
A small dehydrated chicken strip has about 10–15 calories.
So, adjust portions accordingly.
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2. Consider Your Dog’s Size and Activity Level

The right portion size depends on your dog’s breed, weight, and activity level:
- Small Dogs: Offer smaller strips or break treats into bite-sized pieces.
- Active or Working Dogs: These pups burn more calories. So, they can have slightly larger portions.
- Senior dogs or less active breeds: Give small amounts to prevent weight gain.
Pro Tip: Use a calorie calculator or ask your vet.
They can tell you the safe amount of treats for your dog.
3. Use Treats as Rewards, Not Meal Replacements
Dehydrated chicken treats are perfect for training and walk rewards, or as a snack.
However, they shouldn’t replace a dog’s regular meals.
Chicken is high in protein.
But, it lacks other nutrients.
It has no fiber, vitamins, or minerals. A complete dog food provides these.
Fun Fact: Treats as rewards in training help.
They reinforce good behavior and strengthen your bond with your dog!
4. Tailor Treats to Special Dietary Needs
Every dog is unique. Their treat portions should reflect their health needs.
- Overweight Dogs: Opt for small, lean pieces and use the treats sparingly. Dehydrated chicken is low in fat. So, it’s better than many store-bought options.
- Senior Dogs or Dogs with Dental Issues: Offer softer, chewier pieces. Slice the chicken slightly thicker and dehydrate it for a shorter time.
- Allergy-Prone Dogs: Chicken is usually safe. But if your dog is allergic to poultry, try dehydrated turkey or fish instead.
5. Enrichment and Mental Stimulation
Treats aren’t just about nutrition—they’re also a great way to keep your dog mentally engaged.
Here are a few fun ways to use dehydrated chicken treats:
- Puzzle Toys: Stuff small pieces into puzzle feeders or Kongs. This will challenge and entertain your dog.
- Training Games: Use the treats for hide-and-seek or obedience training. It will make learning fun and rewarding.
- Food Toppers: Crumble dehydrated chicken over your dog’s kibble. It will add flavor and variety.
Pro Tip: Dogs thrive on routine.
So, give treats during regular activities (like training or playtime), not randomly.
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Final Thoughts on Treats and Balance
Dehydrated chicken treats are a healthy, low-fat snack.
But, it’s vital to balance your dog’s diet.
Always prioritize their main meals.
Use treats for training, enrichment, or occasional indulgence.
By following these tips, you’ll keep your pup happy, healthy, and wagging their tail for more!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your dehydrated chicken treats are perfect, avoid these pitfalls:
- Slicing Too Thick: Thick slices won’t dehydrate evenly. They may spoil due to chewy centers. Aim for 1/4-inch strips.
- Skipping Storage Rules: Improper storage can lead to spoilage or mold. Always store in airtight containers and refrigerate or freeze for long-term storage.
- Leaving Skin On: The skin adds fat and moisture. It makes it harder to dehydrate and less healthy for your dog.
- Not Testing Doneness: Break a piece in half to check if it’s fully dried. It should snap rather than bend.
- Dehydrating Wet Strips: Always pat the chicken dry before dehydrating. It will reduce drying time and improve results.
Fun Facts About Dogs and Chicken

- Dogs are naturally drawn to chicken’s aroma because it mimics the lean, high-protein meat they’d hunt in the wild.
- Chicken is easy for dogs to digest. So, it is ideal for pups with sensitive stomachs.
- Dehydrated chicken treats aren’t just snacks. They can also be crumbled over kibble as a healthy food topper.
Fun Fact: Dogs’ sense of smell is so sharp that they can detect the scent of chicken even when it’s drying in the oven!
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Quick Recipe Card: Dehydrated Chicken Treats
Ingredients:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Instructions:
- Slice chicken into thin strips (about 1/4 inch thick).
- Dehydrate at 150°F for 6–8 hours OR bake at 170°F for 3–4 hours.
- Let cool and store in an airtight container.
Enjoy your all-natural, protein-packed treats!
Conclusion
Dehydrated chicken treats are a simple, healthy, cheap way to spoil your dog.
They have no harmful additives or fillers.
These treats are packed with protein and natural flavor.
They are perfect for training, rewarding, or just showing your furry friend some love.
Why not try making a batch today?
Your dog deserves it!
We’d love to see your creations!
Share photos of your dehydrated chicken treats in the comments or tag us on social media.
Let’s celebrate happy, healthy pups together!
⚠️ Quiz: The #1 Dog Food To AVOID (causes weight gain, saps energy & harms your dog’s gut)
A: Chicken
B: Beef
C: Pork
D: Fish
E: Vegetables
Make your selection above or click here to skip straight to the answer.
==> Click Here To Discover #1 Dog Food To Avoid