Store-bought dog treats have become absurdly expensive, and reading the ingredient labels usually reveals a chemistry experiment I’d rather not feed my dog. The good news is that dehydrated dog treats are one of the few categories where simple really is better: a single ingredient, dried slowly, with nothing added. You can buy them ready-made or make them at home in a dehydrator for a fraction of the price.
This guide covers both. First, three store-bought dehydrated dog treats worth a look and how to judge a label. Then 10 homemade recipes that use single ingredients or simple combinations, organized from easiest to most involved.
Best Store-Bought Dehydrated Dog Treats
These picks are all dehydrated or slow-dried (not freeze-dried, not rawhide), and each brand publishes its ingredient list and where the product is made. Pros and cons are based on the manufacturers’ stated specs. Check the current label before you buy, since formulas and sourcing can change.
1. The Honest Kitchen Purely One White Fish Filets (Best for Training)
The Honest Kitchen Purely One White Fish Filets (formerly Wishes)
Best for: Dogs that do better without chicken or beef, and owners who want a treat that breaks into small training pieces.
What it is: One ingredient, dehydrated white fish. The brand says the fish is wild-caught and MSC-certified (Icelandic catfish, or haddock, cod and pollock from North America, depending on availability) and that the treats are made in the USA.
Pros
- Single ingredient, human-grade
- Breaks easily into bite-size pieces
- Brand lists about 28 calories per filet, which makes portioning easy
Cons
- Small 3 oz bag
- Fish species varies with availability
- Noticeable fish smell
2. The Honest Kitchen Ocean Chews Crispy Cod Fish Skins (Best Rawhide Alternative)
The Honest Kitchen Ocean Chews Crispy Cod Fish Skins (Beams)
Best for: Dogs that want something to chew but can’t have rawhide or meat-based chews.
What it is: Dehydrated cod skins, nothing else. The brand says the cod is wild-caught in Iceland, Alaska or Canada, MSC-certified, and that the chews are made in the USA.
Pros
- Single ingredient
- Brand lists about 24 calories per average small chew
- Two sizes (2.75 oz and 5.5 oz bags)
Cons
- Strong fish smell
- Chew count per bag varies by weight
- Needs supervision while chewing, as the brand advises
3. Sam’s Yams Veggie Rawhide Sweet Potato Chewz (Best Sweet Potato Chew)
Sam’s Yams Veggie Rawhide Sweet Potato Dog Chewz
Best for: Dogs with protein sensitivities, or owners who want a long-lasting plant-based chew.
What it is: Dried sweet potato. Front Porch Pets says it uses 100% USA-grown sweet potatoes, slow-dried at low temperature and made in Wisconsin.
Pros
- Single ingredient, grain-free
- US-grown and US-made, per the brand
- Several sizes, including smaller cuts for small dogs
Cons
- Brand lists an average of 93 calories per piece (14 oz size), a lot for a small dog
- Sweet potato is high-glycemic, so ask your vet first if your dog is diabetic
If you’d rather make your own, the dehydrated sweet potato dog treats recipe is the easiest place to start, and chicken jerky for dogs is the next step up. For complete meals rather than treats, see our best dehydrated dog food roundup.
How to Choose Store-Bought Dehydrated Dog Treats
A short ingredient list and a clear origin tell you most of what you need to know. Here’s what to check on the bag:
- Single ingredient (or close to it). The best dehydrated dog treats list one thing: chicken breast, fish, liver, sweet potato. Every extra ingredient is something else your dog might react to.
- Where it’s sourced and where it’s made. “Made in USA” and “sourced in USA” are not the same claim. Look for brands that state both, or name the country the main ingredient comes from.
- No added sugar or salt. Cane sugar, molasses, salt and glycerin show up in a lot of jerky treats. Dogs don’t need them.
- Nothing toxic to dogs. Skip anything with garlic, onion, xylitol, grapes or raisins, or macadamia nuts, all on the ASPCA’s list of foods to keep away from pets.
- Size and calories. A treat that’s fine for a Lab can be a quarter of a Chihuahua’s daily treat allowance. If the bag lists calories per piece, use it.
- Sell-by date and packaging. Pick the freshest date on the shelf and a resealable bag. Once opened, store as the label says; many single-ingredient treats have no preservatives.
Starting in 2007, the FDA began receiving reports of dogs getting sick after eating jerky treats. By the end of 2015 it had logged about 5,200 complaints tied to chicken, duck or sweet potato jerky treats, covering more than 6,200 dogs and more than 1,140 dog deaths. Most, though not all, of the treats involved were sourced from China. The FDA notes jerky treats aren’t needed for a balanced diet and asks owners to watch for decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and increased drinking or urination. Source: FDA, Animal Illnesses Linked to Jerky Pet Treats.
This is the main reason people read jerky labels closely now. It doesn’t mean all imported treats are unsafe, but a clearly stated origin is a reasonable minimum. If your dog gets sick after a new treat, stop feeding it, call your vet and keep the bag with its lot number.
Food Safety for Homemade Dog Treats
Raw meat can carry salmonella and E. coli, so homemade meat treats need the same care you’d give your own jerky. Your dehydrator’s air temperature alone doesn’t make meat safe. What matters is the internal temperature of the meat: 160°F for beef and other red meat, 165°F for chicken and turkey.
The simplest way to get there is to heat the strips before drying. Steam, roast or simmer them in plain water until they reach 160°F (165°F for poultry) on a thermometer, then dry them in a dehydrator set to 145–155°F. The alternative, from the National Center for Home Food Preservation, is to heat strips after drying: for strips ¼ inch thick or less, 10 minutes in an oven preheated to 275°F. Thicker strips need longer.
Cross-contamination is real. Use separate cutting boards for meat and vegetables, wash your hands thoroughly, and sanitize your dehydrator trays after making meat treats. I keep a set of trays specifically for meat and another for fruits and vegetables to avoid any mix-ups.
Vegetable and fruit treats don’t carry the same bacterial risks, but they need to be dried completely to prevent mold. Any moisture left in the center of a sweet potato chew can ruin an entire batch during storage.
Heat chicken, turkey and chicken liver to an internal 165°F, and beef or beef liver to 160°F, either before drying or with the 275°F oven step afterward. Don’t rely on the dehydrator dial alone. Never add garlic, onion, salt or seasoning blends to dog treats.
What You Need to Get Started
You don’t need a top-of-the-line dehydrator to make dog treats. A basic model with adjustable temperature control and a timer will handle everything here. The Nesco Snackmaster works fine for beginners, while the Excalibur 9-Tray handles bigger batches if you have multiple dogs. Our best dehydrator for dog treats guide compares more options.
Beyond the dehydrator, you’ll need:
- A sharp knife or mandoline for consistent slicing
- Cutting boards (separate for meat and produce)
- An instant-read thermometer for meat treats
- Parchment paper or mesh sheets to prevent sticking
- Airtight storage containers or mason jars
- A kitchen scale (optional but helpful for portioning)
10 Homemade Dehydrated Dog Treat Recipes
1. Basic Chicken Jerky (Beginner-Friendly)
The gateway treat for most people. Slice boneless, skinless chicken breast into ¼-inch strips, removing all visible fat. Heat the strips to an internal 165°F (steaming or simmering in plain water both work), then arrange in a single layer and dry at 145–155°F until the strips are dry and firm with no moist spots, usually 6–10 hours. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 6 months. Full method: chicken jerky for dogs.
2. Sweet Potato Chews (One Ingredient)
Peel and slice sweet potatoes into ¼-inch rounds or strips, then steam until just fork-tender (the AKC advises feeding sweet potato cooked, never raw). Dry at 135°F for 6–8 hours until leathery. Most dogs prefer the texture of the rounds over strips. Step-by-step: dehydrated sweet potato dog treats.
3. Chicken Liver Training Treats (High-Value)
Chicken liver is nutrient-dense and strong-smelling, which makes it perfect for recall training. Rinse the livers, simmer in plain water until cooked through (165°F inside), then cut into pea-sized pieces. Dry at 145–155°F for 6–8 hours until crisp. Use sparingly; too much liver can cause vitamin A toxicity. More in our liver dog treats guide.
4. Beef Liver Jerky Strips
Beef liver is firmer than chicken liver and makes better jerky strips. Slice into ¼-inch strips, trim any visible fat, and heat to 160°F before drying. Dry at 145–155°F for 8–10 hours. The texture should be leathery but not brittle. These keep for 2 weeks refrigerated.
5. Turkey Breast Jerky
Turkey follows the same process as chicken but tends to dry faster because it’s leaner. Slice turkey breast into thin strips, heat to 165°F, and dry at 145–155°F for 6–10 hours. The lower fat makes it a good choice for overweight dogs.
6. Apple Chips (No Added Sugar)
Core apples and slice into ⅛-inch rings. Soak in lemon water for 5 minutes to prevent browning, then pat dry. Dehydrate at 135°F for 6–8 hours until crisp. Remove all seeds; they contain small amounts of cyanide compounds. These make light, crunchy treats for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
7. Banana Chips (Potassium Boost)
Slice ripe but firm bananas into ¼-inch coins. No pretreatment needed. Dehydrate at 135°F for 8–10 hours until leathery. Bananas are high in sugar, so feed sparingly, and skip them for diabetic dogs unless your vet says otherwise. The natural sweetness makes them good high-value training treats.
8. Carrot Coins (Crunchy Chew)
Scrub carrots and slice into ¼-inch coins. Blanching for 3 minutes before dehydrating helps keep the color, but it’s optional. Dehydrate at 135°F for 8–10 hours until shrunken and leathery. Dogs that like to crunch tend to love these.
9. Green Bean Crunchies
Wash fresh green beans and trim the ends. Dehydrate whole at 135°F for 8–12 hours until completely dry and crisp. These are low-calorie treats that work well for weight management. Frozen green beans work too; add about 2 hours to the drying time.
10. Pumpkin Puree Leather
Spread canned pure pumpkin (not pie filling, which contains sugar and spices) ⅛ inch thick on fruit leather trays. Dehydrate at 135°F for 6–8 hours until pliable. Cut into strips or bite-sized pieces. Plain pumpkin is a common go-to for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Chicken Jerky for Dogs
Ingredients
- 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Instructions
- Freeze chicken for 1-2 hours for easier slicing.
- Trim all visible fat and slice into ¼-inch strips.
- Steam or simmer the strips in plain water until they reach 165°F inside.
- Pat dry and arrange in a single layer on dehydrator trays.
- Dry at 145-155°F for 6-10 hours until dry and firm throughout.
- Cool completely before storing.
How to Store Homemade Treats
Proper storage determines how long your treats last. Meat-based treats contain proteins and fats that can go rancid, while vegetable treats can mold if moisture remains. Conditioning the batch for a day or two before storing helps catch pieces that aren’t fully dry; see conditioning dehydrated food.
Meat and liver treats: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks, or freeze in portioned bags for up to 6 months.
Fruit and vegetable treats: Keep in an airtight container at cool room temperature for up to 2 weeks, refrigerate for up to 2 months, or freeze for up to 6 months. Glass jars keep crisp treats crisp better than plastic bags.
Frozen treats thaw in about 15 minutes at room temperature, or you can give them frozen as a cooling summer snack.
Label containers with the date and treat type. Homemade treats don’t have preservatives, so rotate stock and use oldest first. When in doubt, freeze rather than risk spoilage.
Serving Sizes and Feeding Guidelines
Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories, according to the American Kennel Club. The AKC’s example: a dog eating 1,456 calories a day should get no more than about 146 calories from treats. That budget includes every treat, training reward and table scrap, so trim meals slightly on heavy training days.
For store-bought treats, use the calories per piece on the bag. For homemade treats, weigh the raw ingredient, look up its calories, and divide by the number of pieces you get. Drying removes water, not calories, so a small dried piece carries all the calories of the fresh slice it came from.
Introduce new treats gradually. Sudden dietary changes can cause digestive upset, even with healthy ingredients. Start with one new treat type per week and monitor your dog’s stool and energy levels.
Some dogs have food sensitivities. Common culprits include chicken and beef. If your dog develops itchy skin, ear infections or digestive issues after starting new treats, stop them and check with your veterinarian.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most are, but read the label. Choose treats with a short ingredient list, no added sugar or salt, and a clearly stated country of origin for the main ingredient. The FDA’s jerky treat reports mostly involved chicken, duck and sweet potato jerky sourced from China, so origin is worth checking on those in particular.
Dehydrated treats are dried with warm moving air, which gives a chewy or crunchy, jerky-like texture. Freeze-dried treats are frozen and dried under vacuum, which leaves them light and crumbly. Freeze-dried treats are often sold raw, while home-dehydrated meat treats should be heated to a safe internal temperature as described above.
Yes. Set your oven to its lowest temperature (usually 170-200°F) and prop the door open slightly with a wooden spoon to let moisture escape. Place treats on wire racks over baking sheets. Oven drying is usually faster than a dehydrator but less even, so check often to prevent scorching.
Meat treats should be dry and firm all the way through, with no moist or pink spots. Vegetable treats should be leathery or crisp with no soft spots. Cut a piece open to check the center. If you see moisture or feel softness, keep drying. Under-dried treats mold quickly in storage.
Many of them are, in small pieces, but ask your vet before adding treats to a young puppy’s diet. Cut treats small to prevent choking, go easy on liver because of its high vitamin A content, and introduce one new treat at a time.
It’s best not to. Salt, garlic, onion and nutmeg are all problems for dogs, and most dogs prefer the plain flavor of meat and vegetables anyway. If you want variety, change the main ingredient rather than adding seasoning.
Chewy texture usually means the slices were thick or need more time. Cut sweet potatoes no thicker than ¼ inch and return them to the dehydrator for another 2-3 hours. Many dogs prefer them chewy, so this is only a problem if you wanted crisp chips, as long as the centers are fully dry.
Conclusion
The best dehydrated dog treats, bought or homemade, have one thing in common: a short ingredient list you can actually read. If you’re buying, check the origin, skip added sugar and salt, and match the piece size to your dog. If you’re making them, start with chicken jerky or sweet potato chews. Both are hard to mess up and most dogs love them.
Once you’re comfortable with the basics, experiment with combinations like chicken-sweet potato strips or apple-carrot chips. Keep your dehydrator clean, heat meat treats to a safe internal temperature, and store everything properly. Knowing exactly what your dog is eating makes the extra effort worthwhile.
