There’s something so rewarding about preparing treats by hand for your furry friend—especially when those treats are wholesome, natural, and made with real, recognizable ingredients. These Beef and Vegetable Jerky Sticks are the perfect homemade snack for dogs that crave a chewy, protein-rich reward. Whether you’ve got a playful pup or a mellow senior, these soft yet satisfying jerky bites are sure to be a hit.
Unlike many store-bought options, which are often loaded with preservatives, mystery meat, or excessive sodium, these sticks let you control exactly what goes into your dog’s snack. They’re full of lean protein, fresh veggies, and beneficial ingredients like flaxseed and turmeric, which support everything from healthy skin to strong joints. Plus, they’re fun to make—your dog might even be tempted to hover around the kitchen while you’re prepping!
Why Make Jerky Sticks at Home?
When it comes to dog treats, not all options are created equal. Many commercial snacks are packed with artificial flavors, fillers, and ingredients that are hard to pronounce—let alone digest. Making treats at home gives you full transparency and peace of mind, knowing your pup is getting something that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.
These homemade jerky sticks are also extremely cost-effective and versatile. You can customize the protein source, mix up the veggies, or tweak the texture depending on your dog’s age and needs. Soft enough for teething puppies or seniors with sensitive teeth, yet chewy enough to feel like a real treat, this is one snack you’ll feel proud to serve.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of the wholesome, dog-friendly ingredients that come together to make these tasty jerky sticks:
- 1 lb lean ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken as alternatives)
- ½ cup finely chopped spinach – a nutrient-rich green full of iron and antioxidants
- ¼ cup grated carrot – provides a natural touch of sweetness and fiber
- ¼ cup rolled oats – helps bind the sticks and adds long-lasting energy
- 1 tbsp ground flaxseed – a superfood for dogs, great for coat health and digestion
- 1 tsp turmeric powder – known for its anti-inflammatory properties, great for joint support
- ½ tsp garlic powder (optional) – a small, controlled amount can be beneficial, though always check with your vet
This blend of ingredients isn’t just healthy—it’s flavorful, too. Your pup will pick up on the meaty aroma and earthy notes of turmeric, making each stick irresistible. You can easily tailor this mix depending on what you have in your kitchen or your dog’s specific dietary needs.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Dough
Start by combining the ground beef, vegetables, oats, flaxseed, turmeric, and garlic powder (if using) in a large bowl. Using clean hands to mix is the easiest way to ensure everything is evenly distributed and the mixture holds together well. The oats and flaxseed will help absorb moisture and create the perfect texture.
Step 2: Shape the Sticks
Preheat your oven to 170°F (77°C) or get your dehydrator ready if you have one. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into sticks about ½ inch thick and 4–5 inches long. Uniform size helps them cook evenly. Space them apart on the baking sheet to allow air circulation.
Step 3: Bake or Dehydrate
For the oven method, bake the jerky sticks at 170°F for 4–6 hours, flipping them halfway through to promote even drying. The sticks should firm up and darken but remain slightly flexible.
Using a dehydrator? Place the sticks on trays and dehydrate at 160°F for 6–8 hours. Dehydrating tends to yield a more traditional jerky texture and slightly longer shelf life.
Step 4: Cool & Store
Once the sticks are done, let them cool completely on a wire rack. This step helps them firm up further and prevents condensation when storing. Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Just thaw and serve when needed.
Customizations & Flavor Swaps
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize for your dog’s preferences or dietary restrictions. Here are some ideas to experiment with:
- Protein Swap: Substitute beef with lean turkey, chicken, or even venison for variety.
- Veggie Variations: Use finely chopped kale, shredded zucchini, or canned pumpkin in place of spinach or carrots.
- Sweet Additions: Add a few mashed blueberries or apple shreds for antioxidants and a slight sweetness.
Feel free to leave out the garlic if you’re unsure or your vet advises against it. You can also add a pinch of parsley for fresh breath or sprinkle in a little nutritional yeast for added flavor.
Final Thoughts
Homemade jerky treats might sound like a luxury, but they’re surprisingly easy to make and far healthier than most packaged alternatives. These Beef and Vegetable Jerky Sticks offer the chewy satisfaction dogs love, without any mystery ingredients. Whether you’re training, rewarding good behavior, or simply spoiling your four-legged best friend, these treats are sure to earn you extra tail wags.
Looking for even more DIY dog treat recipes? Be sure to check out our Blueberry Pumpkin & Oatmeal Chews for another snack your pup will beg for!
Beef and Vegetable Jerky Sticks Recipe for Dogs
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 170°F or set up a dehydrator.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, spinach, grated carrot, rolled oats, flaxseed, turmeric, and garlic powder (if using). Mix well.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Shape the mixture into sticks about ½-inch thick and 4-5 inches long.
- Place the sticks on the baking sheet, ensuring they do not touch.
- Bake for 4-6 hours, flipping halfway through, until the jerky is firm and chewy.
- If using a dehydrator, set it to 160°F and dehydrate for 6-8 hours.
- Let the jerky sticks cool completely before serving.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes
Swap spinach for kale, zucchini, or pumpkin for variety.
For added antioxidants, mix in a handful of blueberries.
Ensure sticks are fully cooled before storing to prevent moisture buildup.
- Serving Size: 1 jerky stick
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 2.5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Leave a Reply