Jerky treats are a favorite for training and rewarding dogs. Not all of them are made the same, though, and ingredients matter a lot.
The biggest thing to check is where the treat is made. Jerky sourced and produced in the USA is the safer bet, and real meat should be the first ingredient on the label.
This article covers ten jerky treats, from Farmers Market and Buddy Biscuits to Full Moon and True Chews. Some are soft enough for senior dogs or dogs with dental issues, which is worth knowing if your dog struggles to chew.
It also answers common questions, including how many treats are safe to give in a day.
Quick Comparison Chart
| # | Product | Our Rating | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  |
Farmers Market Grain-Free Jerky Dog Treats | ★★★★★ | Check Price |
| 2 |  |
Buddy Biscuits Mini Jerky Grain-Free Dog Treats | ★★★★★ | Check Price |
| 3 |  |
Natural Farm Pixie Bully Sticks 6 Inch | ★★★★☆ | Check Price |
| 4 |  |
Nudges Grillers Made with Real Steak | ★★★★☆ | Check Price |
| 5 |  |
Blue Wilderness Trail Treats Turkey Jerky | ★★★★☆ | Check Price |
| 6 |  |
BIXBI Liberty Trainers Grain-Free Dog Training Treats | ★★★★☆ | Check Price |
| 7 |  |
Full Moon All Natural Human Grade Chicken Jerky | ★★★★☆ | Check Price |
| 8 |  |
Wag Chewy Whole Muscle American Jerky Chicken | ★★★★☆ | Check Price |
| 9 |  |
True Chews Premium Jerky Cuts Chicken | ★★★★☆ | Check Price |
| 10 |  |
I and Love and You Nice Jerky Bites | ★★★★☆ | Check Price |
1. Farmers Market Grain-Free Jerky Dog Treats
A grain-free jerky made with fresh meat as the primary protein in four flavors including BBQ beef and chicken with rosemary. Enriched with vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids and free from artificial flavors and preservatives.
Pros
- Fresh meat is the primary protein source
- Free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
- Omega-3 and omega-6 support healthy skin and coat
- Probiotic inulin supports healthy digestion
- Available in four flavors for variety
Cons
- Some bags have inconsistent quality between orders
- Treats are individually wrapped inside, creating extra packaging waste
- Availability can vary by flavor on Amazon
Farmers Market is a solid pick if your dog does better with variety. It comes in four flavors: barbecue beef with tomato, chicken with rosemary, lamb with rosemary, and wild game with apple.
Fresh meat is the main protein source, and the recipe is grain-free with no artificial flavors, coloring, or preservatives.
The main ingredients are beef, chicken, beef liver, glycerol, and tapioca starch. It’s made in the USA and comes in a 7 oz (200g) bag.
The omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids support healthy skin and coat. It also contains inulin, a prebiotic fiber that supports digestion.
2. Buddy Biscuits Mini Jerky Grain-Free Dog Treats
A grain-free mini jerky made with real chicken as the first ingredient, dried in small batches in the USA. Only 8 simple ingredients with no corn, wheat, soy, fillers, artificial colors, or flavors.
Pros
- Real chicken is the first ingredient
- Grain free with no by-products or fillers
- Air-dried in small batches for quality control
- Soft texture easy to break into smaller pieces
- Low calorie and no artificial dyes or BHA
Cons
- Some dogs experience digestive upset after eating
- Occasionally bad batches reported with off smell
- Pricier than basic supermarket jerky treats
Buddy Biscuits are a good fit if you want a clean, simple treat with real chicken as the first ingredient. The recipe is grain-free, made without gelatin, sulfur dioxide, or shellfish-derived ingredients, and dried in small batches in the USA.
The ingredients include chicken, potato, and chickpea flour, with no artificial dyes, BHA, or artificial flavors.
They’re soft enough to break in half easily, which is handy for training. Low calorie and not particularly stinky, so you won’t be washing your hands between every repetition.
3. Natural Farm Pixie Bully Sticks 6 Inch
Thin 6-inch bully sticks made from 100% grass-fed beef, slow oven-baked in a food-grade facility with no hormones, grains, or chemicals. Supports dental health by reducing plaque and tartar while keeping dogs occupied.
Pros
- 100% all-natural beef with no added hormones or chemicals
- Slow oven-baked to preserve nutrients
- Great for puppies, small breeds, and senior dogs
- Helps clean teeth and remove plaque buildup
- Pack of 20 good for training rewards
Cons
- Stick thickness varies widely between packs
- Very thin sticks can splinter into sharp pieces
- Goes quickly for aggressive chewers
Natural Farm Pixie Bully Sticks are made from 100% grass-fed beef with no hormones, additives, or chemical treatments. They’re slow oven-baked to preserve nutrients and come in a pack of 20.
These sticks are made from the gullet (esophagus), which naturally contains chondroitin to support joint health. They’re also grain-free, hormone-free, and chemical-free, and made in the USA.
The thin 6-inch format works well for puppies, small breeds, and senior dogs. The chewing action also helps remove tartar and plaque, so they do double duty as a dental treat and a training reward.
4. Nudges Grillers Made with Real Steak
A soft, tender jerky made with real steak as the first ingredient and naturally charred for rich flavor. No animal by-products, no preservatives, and no artificial flavors, all made in the USA.
Pros
- Real steak is the first ingredient
- Tender charred texture dogs find irresistible
- No animal by-products or artificial flavors
- Soft enough for senior dogs with fewer teeth
- Comes in a resealable bag to stay fresh
Cons
- Larger bags often contain many broken crumbles
- Treats dry out quickly if the bag isn't resealed well
- Occasional batch with an off smell reported by reviewers
Nudges Grillers are soft and tender enough for older dogs with fewer teeth, and they hold up well as a daily training reward. Real steak is the first ingredient, and the treat is naturally charred for flavor.
The full ingredient list includes beef, ground rice, vegetable glycerine, sugar, natural flavors, tapioca starch, salt, distilled vinegar, natural smoke flavor, and paprika for color. No animal by-products, no preservatives, and no artificial flavors.
It comes in a resealable bag to stay fresh, and it’s made in the USA.
5. Blue Wilderness Trail Treats Turkey Jerky
A simple grain-free turkey jerky from Blue Buffalo with a short ingredient list and no by-products, preservatives, or artificial flavors. High-protein and made in the USA for dogs that love clean, simple treats.
Pros
- Short ingredient list with real turkey as the first ingredient
- Grain-free and free from gluten-containing grains
- No by-products, preservatives, or artificial flavors
- High-protein treat suitable for all breed sizes
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Some bags contain a large amount of small crumble pieces
- Can be too high-calorie for frequent daily treating
- Ingredient labeling on packaging can be inconsistent
Blue Wilderness Trail Treats Turkey Jerky keeps it simple with just three ingredients: turkey, sugar, and salt. That short list is part of the appeal, especially for dogs with ingredient sensitivities.
It’s 100% grain-free, high in protein, and free from by-products, preservatives, and artificial flavors. It’s also made in the USA.
The grain and gluten-free formula makes it easy on digestion for most dogs.
6. BIXBI Liberty Trainers Grain-Free Dog Training Treats
Small low-calorie training treats made in the USA with grain-free, gluten-free ingredients and no artificial preservatives or flavors. Only 4 calories per treat and soft enough for dogs of any size.
Pros
- Very low calorie at just 4 calories per treat
- Grain and gluten free for sensitive stomachs
- No artificial preservatives or flavors
- Soft moist texture stays pliable when broken in half
- Perfect size for frequent training reward sessions
Cons
- Pricier per ounce compared to larger jerky bags
- Peanut butter flavor not appealing to all dogs
- Contains sorbic acid as a preservative
BIXBI Liberty Trainers are designed for frequent rewarding, coming in at just 4 calories per treat. They’re available in three flavors: chicken, bacon, and peanut butter, and come in a 6 oz bag.
They’re all natural, low calorie, and grain and gluten-free, which makes them a reasonable option for dogs with sensitive stomachs. The main ingredients include chickpea flour, peanut butter, natural maple-flavored syrup, vegetable glycerin, tapioca starch, gelatin, and sorbic acid as a preservative.
The soft, moist texture works well for dogs of any size, and they’re easy to break in half for smaller rewards during training sessions.
7. Full Moon All Natural Human Grade Chicken Jerky
A human-grade chicken jerky slow-cooked in small batches using just four ingredients including whole chicken breast from USA farms. No glycerin, grains, by-products, artificial flavors, preservatives, or colors.
Pros
- Human-grade quality meeting USDA standards
- Only four ingredients including antibiotic-free chicken
- No glycerin, grains, corn, wheat, soy, or artificial additives
- Slow cooked in small batches to bring out natural flavor
- Easy to break into smaller pieces for training
Cons
- Recent batches reported harder and less chewy than before
- Some dogs experienced diarrhea after eating
- Higher price point than average jerky treats
Full Moon uses only four ingredients: chicken, dried cane molasses, rosemary extract, and vinegar. The chicken is human-grade, sourced from the USA, and slow-cooked in small batches.
There are no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives, and the recipe is glycerin-free and grain-free. Each piece is roughly 4.5 inches long, 1.5 inches across, and 0.25 inches thick, so they break apart easily for training.
The net weight is 680 grams, and the calorie content is 3,251 kcal/kg. It’s made in the USA.
8. Wag Chewy Whole Muscle American Jerky Chicken
An Amazon-brand oven-baked chicken jerky made with whole muscle chicken breast sourced 100% in the USA. No added grain, corn, soy, wheat, colors, or artificial flavors with a simple limited ingredient recipe.
Pros
- Whole chicken breast is the number one ingredient
- 100% USA sourced and oven-baked
- No added grain, corn, soy, wheat, or artificial flavors
- Chewy texture satisfying for most dogs
- Resealable bag keeps treats fresh longer
Cons
- Contains salt, which is a concern for dogs with heart conditions
- Sodium level not listed in guaranteed analysis
- Tougher texture may be hard for senior or small dogs
Wag is Amazon’s own brand, and this chicken jerky is 100% made and sourced in the USA. Whole chicken breast is the number one ingredient, oven-baked with a limited ingredient formula.
There’s no added grain, corn, wheat, or artificial preservatives and flavors. The main ingredients are chicken breast and vegetable glycerin, with a calorie content of 2,840 kcal/kg.
It comes in a resealable bag, which helps keep it from drying out between uses.
9. True Chews Premium Jerky Cuts Chicken
A premium slow oven-roasted chicken jerky packed with protein and made in the USA from antibiotic-free chicken. No artificial preservatives, by-products, or additives and comes in a large resealable 22-oz bag.
Pros
- High protein with chicken as the first ingredient
- Made from USA chicken raised without antibiotics or hormones
- No artificial preservatives, by-products, or additives
- Soft and chewy texture dogs love
- Large resealable 22-oz bag offers good value
Cons
- Some bags arrive dried out and less fresh than expected
- Potatoes and paprika may upset dogs with sensitive stomachs
- Large pieces can be a choking risk if not broken up
True Chews Premium is a high-protein, slow oven-roasted chicken jerky with chicken as the first ingredient. The chicken is raised without hormones, antibiotics, or steroids, and the recipe contains no artificial preservatives, by-products, or additives.
The main ingredients are chicken, vegetable glycerin, natural flavors, distilled vinegar, salt, natural smoke flavor, and paprika for color. Calorie content is 3,606 kcal/kg.
It’s made in the USA and comes in a resealable 22-oz bag. The soft and chewy texture works for most dogs, and the pieces break apart easily if you need smaller training bites.
10. I and Love and You Nice Jerky Bites
Soft grain-free jerky bites available in five flavor combinations including beef and lamb, chicken and duck, and salmon and chicken. No by-product meals, fillers, artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors and great for training.
Pros
- Available in five flavor combinations including salmon and chicken
- Soft enough for puppies, small breeds, and senior dogs
- No by-products, fillers, wheat, corn, soy, or artificial additives
- Easy to tear into smaller pieces for training
- Comes in sizes from 4 oz up to 1 lb bags
Cons
- Small bag sizes empty quickly with medium or large breeds
- Flavor intensity varies between the different variety options
- Not widely available in all local retail stores
I and Love and You Nice Jerky Bites come in five flavor combinations: beef and lamb, chicken and duck, salmon and chicken, venison and lamb, or a variety pack. The salmon and chicken option is worth noting because salmon is naturally rich in DHA, which supports nervous system and eye health.
There are no artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors, and the ingredients are sourced from the USA. No by-products, fillers, wheat, corn, or soy.
The soft texture makes them appropriate for puppies and older dogs. They come in sizes from 4 oz up to 1 lb, and you can easily tear them into smaller pieces for training.
Choosing A Jerky Treat
Knowing what’s in a jerky treat matters more than most owners think. Certain brands, particularly those imported from China during the period of 2007 to 2015, were linked to serious illness and deaths in dogs.
Low-quality ingredients can still cause problems today, so it’s worth reading labels carefully. Jerky treats are a supplement, not a replacement for food, and too many can throw off your dog’s nutritional balance and contribute to obesity.
If your dog vomits right after eating a treat, it’s often a case of eating too fast rather than a toxic reaction, though getting it checked out is the safe call. Dogs with a history of allergies may do better with gluten-free jerky treats.
Good quality jerky can support strong bones, healthy skin, and a nice coat. The risks, when they come up, tend to involve treats from questionable sources and include diarrhea, vomiting, kidney failure, Fanconi Syndrome, and in severe cases, death.
Pick The Right Size
Picking the right size reduces the risk of choking, and texture matters almost as much as size. Puppies are still developing teeth, so hard or crunchy treats aren’t a good fit for them.
Senior dogs tend to do better with soft and chewy options, while larger breeds can usually handle bigger, crunchier pieces. If you end up with a treat that’s on the larger side, breaking it into smaller pieces is an easy fix.
Stick To Jerky Treats Made In The USA
Sticking to jerky treats made in the USA is sound advice. The documented issues between 2007 and 2015 involving jerky imported from China are reason enough to keep sourcing local.
Processed ingredients can cause stomach upset regardless of origin, but USA-sourced products carry a better track record. Check labels for grains, by-products, and fillers, and make sure meat is listed first.
Salt is another ingredient to watch. Too much can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and muscle spasms, and in extreme cases, it can be fatal.
Always Supervise
Keep an eye on portion size based on your dog’s age and size. Puppies need small pieces proportional to their mouths, and larger breeds can handle bigger treats.
Knowing the ingredients in a jerky treat helps you catch anything your dog might be allergic to. Always make sure fresh water is available after treating.
Understand Your Reasons For Buying a Jerky Treat
Training is one of the most common reasons people reach for jerky treats. If that’s your goal, you want something palatable enough that your dog genuinely looks forward to it, so the reward actually reinforces the behavior.
If you’re trying to manage a specific condition like arthritis, look for a treat that contains a relevant nutrient or supplement rather than just any jerky.
If dental health is the priority, look for one that’s designed to reduce tartar buildup. You end up rewarding your dog and cleaning their teeth in the same session.
Common Questions
Are Jerky Treats Safe For Dogs?
Most jerky treats are safe for dogs when they’re made properly and sourced from the USA. The key things to check are what meat is used and where it comes from.
A well-made jerky treat should contain protein and be naturally dehydrated to retain its nutritional value. It should be free from preservatives, artificial flavors, spices, and excess salt, all of which can cause stomach upset or other issues in dogs.
How Do You Store Dehydrated Jerky Treats For Dogs?
Dehydrated treats should never be left open to the air. Exposure accelerates degradation and increases the risk of bacteria growth.
Sealing them in a container blocks moisture and keeps the nutrition and flavor intact. A metal container works fine for direct storage, but if you’re using plastic, leaving the treats in the original bag and placing that inside the container gives you a better environment.
Are Jerky Treats Hard For Dogs To Chew?
Most jerky treats are soft, which makes chewing easy for the majority of dogs. Some are hard and crunchy, but those can be broken into smaller pieces for training.
Soft options are best for dogs with missing teeth or puppies that are still developing. Larger breeds tend to handle the bigger, crunchier varieties just fine.
Is It Right To Feed My Dog Jerky Treats Every Day?
Jerky treats do have real benefits. They contain protein that supports energy, and some include omega-6 fatty acids that benefit skin and coat. Certain types also help with dental health.
That said, jerky treats should only be used as supplements and rewards, not as a meal replacement. Experts suggest keeping them to no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake to avoid nutritional imbalance.
Can Jerky Treats Kill Dogs?
According to FDA updates, between 2007 and 2015, 6,200 dogs became sick and 1,140 dogs died from eating jerky treats. Investigations traced those illnesses and deaths to jerky imported from China.
That history is the main reason it’s recommended to buy jerky treats that are sourced and manufactured in the USA.
How Many Jerky Treats Can I Give To My Dog?
Jerky treats should never replace your dog’s regular food. They’re useful for training and rewarding, but the calorie count still adds up.
Too many treats can cause obesity and lead to a dog losing interest in their actual meals. A good rule of thumb is to keep jerky treats to no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake to avoid a nutritional imbalance.
Final Thoughts
Jerky treats work best when they play a supporting role in your dog’s diet rather than taking center stage. Keeping them to around ten percent of your dog’s daily calorie intake lets you reward freely during training without throwing their nutrition out of balance.
Farmers Market Grain-Free Jerky tops this list because real meat leads every flavor and the formula skips the artificial additives that show up in cheaper options. If your dog has a history of allergies, reading ingredient labels carefully before you buy can save a lot of frustration.
Source matters more than most owners realize, and the well-documented concerns about imported jerky from certain regions are reason enough to stick with options made in the USA. Salt and hidden fillers in the ingredient list are worth watching for too, especially for dogs who are sensitive or on a restricted diet.
The smaller and softer the piece, the more versatile it becomes as a training tool you can use throughout an entire session without your dog losing interest.
