Homemade chicken jerky for dogs is a chewy and high-protein treat for your pet. If your dog loves to chew on things, then they will really enjoy this savory snack.
Dehydrated chicken jerky dog treats made at home are budget-friendly and so much better than store-bought. In fact, they are so easy to make, that you’ll be able to make them whenever you run out.
Plus, these chicken jerky treats for dogs are shelf-stable too! So, make a big batch for your furry friend and give them a treat that will fuel their muscles (and entertain their mouths).
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Why These Dehydrated Chicken Dog Treats are the Best
Some dogs just love to chew, don’t they? If you have a pup that is a muncher, then dog chicken jerky treats are perfect for them. When you follow this recipe, you’ll turn regular chicken breast into a snack that resembles leather.
Plus, jerky for dogs is savory and almost salty without adding extra salt. Remember, dogs are very sensitive to sodium. Thankfully, this jerky is so delicious it doesn’t need any extra salt!
It’s also really good for your dog’s teeth, too! As dogs gnaw on the leathery meat, it removes plaque and tartar build-up, both are things that could lead to cavities later on.
If you have ever looked at the price of jerky in the store, you’ll be so happy you found this recipe! Chicken breast is so much cheaper than store-bought jerky. And it has way less salt too.
Benefits of Chicken
Chicken dog treats are so good for your pet because there are lots of health benefits of chicken.
The biggest benefit is that chicken provides your dog protein that they use for energy and to build lean muscles. What you might not know is that chicken also has Omega-6 fatty acids. These fatty acids will help your dog have a shiny coat and healthy skin.
Chicken also has glucosamine which helps them have strong, healthy bones.
It really is an overall healthy type of meat that you can feel good about giving your dog.
Chicken Jerky for Dogs Recipe Ingredients
There’s just one ingredient in these amazing homemade chicken dog treats. Yep, one simple thing you get all the time:
- Chicken
Good ‘ole boneless, skinless chicken breasts. And you can get organic chicken if you want to kick it up another healthy notch.
Is Chicken Jerky Safe for Dogs
Before I show you how to make jerky for dogs, I want to answer one very important question. How safe is it?
For the most part, this is a very safe treat. There are always variables, so this is what you should watch out for.
- Dog Allergy – some dogs cannot tolerate chicken because they are allergic to it.
- Choking Hazard – always watch your dog when you give them jerky or any similar treat.
So, is dehydrated chicken safe for dogs? Yes, it is. As long as your dog doesn’t have an allergy to chicken and they don’t normally choke on things, this should be just fine for them.
How long do dehydrated dog treats last?
These dehydrated chicken treats will last from 1 week to 1 month, depending on the level of dryness.
- Soft, chewy jerky has more moisture and is generally good for about a week.
- Crispy, almost crunchy jerky with little moisture can be good for weeks.
Serving Size
How much DIY dog jerky you give your pet depends on what else they ate that day. This is a pretty low-calorie snack, but it is still a snack. This should not be their main source of calories.
The serving size also depends on your dog’s size. Smaller dogs need fewer calories than larger dogs.
Generally, I would say that about 2 pieces of jerky is one serving. Give your pet as much of this jerky as you would any other rare or special treat.
Equipment Needed
You may have the kitchen items you need to make these dehydrated chicken dog treats. But just in case, here’s what you need:
- A plastic dishwasher-safe cutting board is best for raw meat.
- A good, sharp chef’s knife to cut through the chicken.
- Food Dehydrator to dehydrate the chicken.
How to Make Chicken Jerky for Dogs
These are the recipe steps and some photos of the process for making the dehydrated dog treats. I hope they help you make this healthy dog jerky recipe!
You can scroll down to the bottom of this article for a printable recipe card.
- Place chicken breasts on a plate with space between them (not touching each other).
- Place the chicken in the freezer for about an hour or until semi-frozen.
- Remove the chicken from the freezer and cut the chicken into thin strips.
- Place the chicken strips on dehydrator trays.
- Dehydrate at 170 degrees for 4 to 5 hours or until the jerky is fully dry and has a slight snap when broken.
How to Store Jerky
Store the chicken jerky dog treats in an airtight container for dog treats. A dog treat jar is best for dog jerky storage so it is not mistaken for jerky made for people. Here are some cute ones on Amazon:
- Metal Farmhouse Style Dog Treats Jar
- Rae Dunn Good Dog Ceramic Dog Treats Canister
- Clear Plastic Paw Print Air-tight Container
Can you eat dog chicken jerky?
Yep, you sure can eat these dried chicken dog treats! It is safe for human consumption. Since they are not flavored, you probably won’t like them as much as chicken jerky made for people. I suggest making Honey Soy Chicken Jerky with a little kick of heat from chili garlic sauce.
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More Homemade Dog Treat Recipes
Want to make some more tasty treats for your dog? If you enjoyed this homemade jerky for dogs then I have some more treats you should check out. Here are a few different types of dog treats to make:
- 3 Ingredient Dog Treats
- Banana Dog Treats
- Blueberry Dog Treats
- Chicken Wrapped Sweet Potato Dog Treats
- Dehydrated Pumpkin for Dogs
- Homemade Dog Donuts
- Homemade Dog Treats with Rolled Oats
- Liver Dog Treats
- Salmon Dog Treats
- Sweet Potato Dog Chews
- Venison Jerky for Dogs
- Yak Cheese Dog Chew
Homemade Chicken Jerky for Dogs
Equipment
- Food Dehydrator
Ingredients
- 1 pound Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
Instructions
- Remove chicken breasts from the package and place them on a plate without the sides of the chicken touching each other.
- Place the chicken in the freezer for approximately 1 hour or until semi-frozen.
- Remove the chicken from the freezer and using a knife, make ⅛ – ¼ inch thick slices going against the grain or with the grain for slightly chewier treats.
- Place the chicken strips on dehydrator trays being sure that the pieces are not touching each other.
- Dehydrate at 170 degrees for approximately 4 to 5 hours or until the chicken is fully dry and has a slight snap when broken.
I cannot find a dehydrator that can go to 170 degrees. The highest I’ve seen only go to 165 degrees. How crucial is the temp?
165 degrees would be fine. Just watch it and make sure it doesn’t get too dried out.
This is the one I use and totally endorse.
Sous VideTools 6 Tray Stainless Steel Food Dehydrator | Touch Panel with Timer and Thermostat Control | Commercial Dehydrator Machine | Better for Drying Fruit, Meat and Vegetables | (229033) https://amzn.eu/d/0wcZjKM
I always make my dogs chicken Jerky on 165
I have a Colzer I use with our dog treat business and they go 194 degrees – check Amazon
I have a little Cosori that gets into the 170s
I just got a 3 later dehydrater can I make all 3 layers
The recipe doesn’t mention cooking the chicken. Do you dehydrate the chicken raw?
Yes, you dehydrate raw chicken.
Yes dehydration is a very slow cooking. This cooks the moisture out of the meat without burning it.
Can I dehydrate in an oven since I don’t have a dehydrator????
Yes. Place the raw chicken strips on a wire rack on top of a rimmed baking sheet. Set the oven to 170°F or the lowest temperature setting. Cook for 2 hours or until the chicken is fully dried.
What about 104 degrees (40 Celsius)?
I keep the organic meat in the dehydrator for 32 – 48 hours at 40 celsius as it keeps more nutritious at lower temps, they become very crispy.
The water activity devices are too expensive, can’t afford them. So I don’t take risk and dry as much as possible.
….and then cut blend and mix them with organic ingredients to make homemade dog food cuz I don’t trust branded foods.
Any thoughts much appreciated
Dehydrated Organic Beef Meat 65%
Dehydrated Organic Beef Livers 10%
Dehydrated Organic Coconut Flakes
Dehydrated Organic Apple Cubes
Organic Chia Seeds
Organic Brewer’s Yeas
Dehydrated Organic Parsley
Organic Sunflower Seeds
Dehydrated Red Algae
Dehydrated Organic Kelp
The lowest temperature you can dehydrate chicken is 160 degrees Fahrenheit in order to kill any bacteria.
My dehydrator only goes to 160 degrees, and that is absolutely fine. Don’t let anyone tell you differently.
My dog is only 10 pounds, so I generally cut the chicken breast crosswise and fairly thin. You’ll get the hang of it after you’ve made it a few times based on your dog’s size. I use a little organic EVOO spray on the trays to keep it from sticking…NO COCONUT OIL or other sprays…they’re bad for canines.
Lay the pieces out in the trays with gaps between each piece, crank the heat up and let ‘er rip. Rotate the trays and flip the meat every few hours to enhance thorough drying – just like with all jerky. Dry times will vary depending on your brand of dehydrator. My Nesco FD-2000 takes around 12 hours to get ‘er done. I let the meat dehydrate until it’s absolutely as dry and tough as possible. Wanna make her work at it.
Remove the meat from the dehydrator, put it in zip-lock bags and throw them in the freezer. Feed them as desired. And don’t think for a minute that your dog cares if it’s frozen. LOL. You’re pooch will absolutely enjoy it. 😉
Can you vacuum seal it and keep it in the cupboard? Or would storing it in the fridge be better?
Yes, you can vacuum seal it and store it in the cupboard for up to 2 months. Refrigerating does not extend the shelf life.
Can you safely handle after dehydrating?
Yes. Drying (dehydrating) is the world’s oldest form of food preservation.
The lowest temp my oven goes down to is 200. Is it ok to use that setting, because everything I have read says 160 and 180, but not 200. Thanks in advance.
Yes, it is okay to use your lowest setting. Follow your dehydrator’s instructions for dehydrating meat.
The highest my dehydrator goes is 68 degrees/ 155 Fahrenheit? Is that okay to dehydrate the chicken in? Thanks
Yes, you can dehydrate the chicken at 68°F/155°F.
Hello Renee,
My Dehydrator only goes to
(70 degrees Celsius). Can I dehydrate raw chicken for my fur babies?? Or do I have to pre cook it slowly in the oven first?
To get the 165°F temp to kill bacteria, you can either pre-cook the chicken in the oven to that temp or bake the dehydrated strips in a 275°F oven for about 10 minutes. Be sure to place the dehydrated strips on a baking sheet so they’re not touching and bake. Then let them cool before storing.
Hi Nathan, I have just found this site and I realise that it is 2022, but I thought I would answer you anyway. My dehydrator only goes up to 70º Celsius and I do the chicken breast for 12 hours. I also pound it thin with a mallet beforehand. Hope this helps.
For how long can I storage the dehydrated strips?
Thanks in advance!
You can store them for up to 2 months at room temperature or freeze them for up to 6 months.
I do not have a dehydrator. Can I get the same results in my oven?
Yes, you can dehydrate chicken in the oven at 170°F or the lowest setting. Check them after 2 hours to see if they are fully dried. If not, continue baking, checking every 30 minutes, until they are dried. Oh, and put the chicken strips at least ½ inch apart on a wire rack that’s been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray to prevent them from sticking to it. Put that wire rack on top of a baking sheet. This helps the air flow around the chicken.
What’s the benefit of freezing the chicken for an hour first?
To make it easier to slice the chicken into thin strips.
Hi there – I’m looking for a long lasting chew treat for my daughter’s 5-pound MaltiPoo who is a supersonic chewer… How long does it take your dog to chew the largest piece of your chicken jerky?
Many thanks!
Lynn
It doesn’t take long for Milo and Luke to chew up a big piece of the jerky. I give them dehydrated duck feet or bully sticks for a longer-lasting chew.
I would like to know how to make it soft, I see many brands have soft chicken jerky.
The only thing I can think of to soften them after dehydrating is to rehydrate them with a little by either brushing them with water or dipping them in water.
Those “soft” chicken jerky strips are most likely formed in a machine similar to a pasta maker but they must use ground chicken to start with. My Whippet, Carter’s, first choice are the ones that are made by Full Moon called Sliced Chicken Jerky, Natural Cuts which are real dehydrated random shaped strips. These are the ones I’m trying to duplicate. A 6 oz bag costs about $11.99. They also make another version that is processed into uniform strips. That’s Carter’s 2nd choice when I run out of the sliced version.
The ingredients for each is different. The Natural Cuts have Chicken, (no kidding), Organic Cane SUGAR, Vinegar, SALT, Rosemary extract. The “formed” ones have Chicken, Cassava root, organic cane sugar, Salt, Vinegar, SMOKE FLAVOR, Rosemary extract.
This is why I want to make my own…just plain Chicken! The last time I tried, I used packaged Thin Sliced chicken breasts in 350 F. oven before I put them in my dehydrator for about 4 hours. The only problem was that some of the pieces bubbled up making soft spots. That happened because the chicken slices were not perfectly uniform in thickness. Next attempt: Partially Freeze skinless, boneless chicken breast . Easier to slice more uniform thin pieces with my big butcher knife with a 11″ long blade.
How do you get the oil out of the chicken?
Dry more?
There isn’t much fat in boneless, skinless chicken breast (2 grams in 4 ounces). Just dehydrate until fully dried and crispy.
Making for Christmas for all out pup friends
Oh, fantastic! I hope all your pup friends will enjoy them.
Thank you, Renee, for your website and sharing your wonderful knowledge.
I’m halfway through dehydrating my 1st batch
I have a king Charles cavalier (Scotch) and a Beaglier (Soda). Scotch is a very fussy eater and has been spoiled by my wife and i (spoon feeding). We feed them Boiled chicken and rice on a daily basis and just would like to eliminate the hand feeding for scotch. Hence the reason why I am dehydrating chicken. Is there a reason as to why I cannot crumble the same amount of jerky as we would feed him with boiled chicken and mix it with rice, which we know he would absolutely eat on his own, as it seems to retain all the nutrients and health benefits.
The jerky is more to be as a snack or treat. I recommend discussing using it as food with your vet.
How many calories would you say each strip is? I know it’ll depend on size of strip but based on ⅛ – ¼ inch strip?
Each strip is about 9 calories.
Also, can I use a air fryer instead? If so would I set to 170 degrees?
You can use an air fryer at 180°F and air fry for 2 hours. It may take more time or less time depending on how thin you cut the chicken. You know when they are done the strips are hard and not spongy to the touch.
Can the chicken strips be wrapped around a carrot and then dehydrated?
I haven’t tried it but I think it would work.
I’m traveling 1800 miles with 4 dogs and thought making jerky would be a great food source due to stressors of traveling. Most recipes I have called for curing. Do you need to cure? Since I’m traveling without refrigeration would vacuuming sealing be safe enough? Thank you.
You do not need to cure the chicken before dehydrating. To ensure any harmful bacteria is killed, it is a good idea to heat it to 165°F and you can do that in the oven after dehydrating it. Then vacuum sealing would be just fine for storage.