Homemade Dog Jerky Chicken

What’s the one thing dogs love more than belly rubs? Treats!

But not all treats are created equal—store-bought snacks are often pricey and packed with preservatives.

The good news? You can make healthy, protein-rich chicken jerky at home—cheap and with no harmful additives!

Keep reading to discover:

Easy, step-by-step recipe for homemade chicken jerky
Affordable, high-protein ingredients dogs love
Why dogs go crazy for jerky (and its health benefits)
Pro tips for storage, safety, and flavor variations for your pup

Let’s make a treat your pup will drool over!

Homemade Dog Jerky Chicken Recipe

Now, let’s get to the good stuff: How to make this simple, healthy, and delicious treat for your pup.

Ingredients:

2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (organic, if possible).

That’s it—just one ingredient!

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven:

Set your oven to 200°F (93°C).
A low temperature ensures the chicken dries out without cooking too quickly.

2. Prepare the Chicken:

Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water.
Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove surface moisture.
Trim off any visible fat. Fat can spoil more quickly during storage.

3. Slice Thinly:

Using a sharp knife, slice the chicken breasts into thin, even strips.
Aim for about 1/4-inch thickness.
Pro Tip: For easier slicing, partially freeze the chicken for 30 minutes beforehand.

4. Arrange on a Baking Sheet:

Place the chicken strips on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
- The wire rack allows air to circulate around the strips for even drying.
If you don’t have a wire rack, place the strips directly on parchment paper, but flip them halfway through baking.

5. Bake Low and Slow:

Bake the chicken strips for 2–3 hours.
Check on them every 30 minutes to ensure they’re drying evenly.
The jerky is ready when it’s firm and dry to the touch, but not brittle.

6. Cool Completely:

Remove the jerky from the oven and let it cool completely before serving.

7. Store Properly:

Store the jerky in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
For longer storage, freeze it in small portions.

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Pro Tip: If you have a food dehydrator, use it instead of an oven.

Set it to 160°F (71°C) and dry the chicken for 4–6 hours.

Customizing Your Dog’s Chicken Jerky

Want to make your chicken jerky even more exciting for your pup?

Here are some safe, healthy ways to customize the recipe:

Sprinkle with Turmeric

Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory and can support joint health.
Lightly dust the chicken strips before drying. This gives them a golden hue and extra health benefits.

Add a Dash of Parsley

Parsley isn’t just for fresh breath—it’s also packed with vitamins A and C.
Finely chop some fresh parsley and press it onto the chicken strips before baking.

Marinate for Flavor

Soak the chicken strips in a dog-safe marinade for 30 minutes. Use low-sodium chicken broth and a pinch of cinnamon.
Pat them dry before baking to ensure they dehydrate properly.

Mix in Veggies

Add thinly sliced sweet potatoes or carrots to the baking sheet. They’ll make veggie-infused jerky snacks.
These pair perfectly with chicken and add extra nutrients.

Pro Tip: Introduce new ingredients slowly.

This helps prevent allergic reactions in your dog.

Safety Tips for Homemade Dog Jerky

Homemade jerky is a safe and healthy option, but here are a few tips to ensure it stays that way:

Trim the Fat

Fat can spoil quickly, so always remove as much as possible before drying the chicken.

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Cook Thoroughly

Ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) to kill bacteria.

Store in Small Batches

Homemade jerky doesn’t contain preservatives, so refrigerate it.
Only make as much as your dog can eat in 2 weeks.

Avoid Human Seasonings

Salt, garlic, onions, and other spices can be toxic to dogs.
Stick to plain chicken or dog-safe herbs and spices.

Fun Fact: Store-bought jerky treats may harm dogs due to chemical contaminants.

By making your own, you avoid these risks entirely!

Fun Facts About Dogs and Chicken Jerky

Here are some fascinating reasons why chicken jerky is the ultimate treat for dogs:

Protein Power

Chicken is a lean source of protein that supports:

Muscle growth.
Tissue repair.
Overall energy levels.

Natural Chewing Satisfaction

Dogs love to chew. Jerky satisfies this and keeps them entertained.

Low-Calorie Option

Homemade chicken jerky is low in fat and calories. It’s a guilt-free snack for dogs on a diet.

Great for Training

Cut the jerky into smaller pieces to use as high-value training treats.

Trust us—your dog will do anything for a piece of jerky!

Pro Tip: Jerky is great for dogs with allergies.

It’s made with just one simple ingredient.

Signs Your Dog Will Love Chicken Jerky and How to Serve It

Wondering how to tell if your dog will love chicken jerky?

The good news is that most dogs go absolutely crazy for this chewy, protein-packed snack.

Here’s how to recognize whether jerky is a hit with your pup—and some tips for serving it safely and effectively.

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Signs Your Dog Will Love Chicken Jerky

Excitement at First Sniff:
- If your dog’s tail starts wagging the moment they smell the jerky, it’s a sure sign they are ready to devour it.
Chewing Enthusiasm:
- Dogs love the texture of jerky—it satisfies their natural chewing instincts.
- Watch how eagerly they gnaw on it; bonus points if they carry it around like a prized possession!
Picky Eaters Approve:
- Even picky dogs who turn their noses up at other treats often can’t resist the natural flavor of chicken jerky.

How to Serve Chicken Jerky

As a Snack or Reward:
- Serve small strips as a midday treat or use them as a high-value reward during training sessions.
- Cut the jerky into bite-sized pieces for smaller dogs or puppies.
Portion Control:
- While jerky is healthy, it’s also calorie-dense.
- Limit treats to about 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake to maintain a balanced diet.
Supervise Chewing:
- Always watch your dog when giving jerky. This helps prevent choking, especially with larger strips.
For Special Occasions:
- Use jerky as an occasional treat to keep it exciting and to prevent overindulgence.

Bonus Tip: Freeze for Longer-Lasting Fun

Freeze jerky strips for a cool summer treat or to make them last longer during chewing sessions.

Fun Fact: The act of chewing jerky releases endorphins in dogs, making them feel happy and relaxed!

By spotting the signs of a jerky-loving pup, you can safely serve it.

This will make the treat a fun and beneficial addition to their routine.

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Conclusion

Making homemade chicken jerky is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to spoil your dog.

It’s healthy, cheap, and additive-free. Your pup will love it!

You can use it as a treat, a training reward, or just to show your furry friend some extra love.

You can rest easy knowing you’re giving them something truly special.

Have you tried making chicken jerky at home?

Share your experience or tips in the comments below—we’d love to hear how your dog enjoyed this tasty snack!

⚠️ 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