Like most dogs, our pups love dehydrated chicken treats.  They are a healthy, tasty snack to provide as a reward and last a little longer than the typical biscuit treat. Did you know that you can make them at home for a fraction of the price compared to store-bought chicken jerky dog treats?  Additionally, they’re a simple, all-natural, and protein-packed alternative to store-bought treats.

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Homemade dog treats are a fantastic way to provide your pup with a healthy, delicious, and cost-effective snack.  By making them at home, you ensure they are free from preservatives, additives, and unhealthy fillers.  In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about making DIY dehydrated chicken treats for your dog, including the benefits, methods, and fun variations to keep your pup excited!

Why Choose Dehydrated Chicken Dog Treats?

Dehydrated chicken treats are popular among pet owners for many good reasons.  The most important being that dogs love these delicious, meaty treats! 

• High in Protein –An excellent source of lean protein which supports muscle development, muscle repair and energy levels.
• Easy to Digest – Gentle on the stomach and ideal for sensitive pups (if your dog has chicken allergies, please keep in mind you can use almost any other meat).
• Long Shelf Life – When stored properly, they stay fresh for weeks.  They can also be made in bulk and frozen.
• Cost-Effective – Homemade treats are much cheaper than store-bought options.
• Completely Natural – By making these yourself, you can ensure there are no artificial preservatives, flavors, or chemicals.

Making your own dehydrated chicken treats allows you to control ingredients, portion sizes, and quality, ensuring your furry friend gets only the best.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

We recommend sticking with boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a lean, low-fat option. Chicken thighs work too, but they have more fat, which can reduce shelf life. Make sure you always trim off any visible fat before dehydrating any meats to prevent spoilage.

Tips for Slicing Chicken for Jerky

For the best results:

• Slice thin: ?–¼ inch thick is ideal. The thinner the slice, the faster it dries.  For success, make sure you are using a sharp knife!
• Cut against the grain for a softer chew (great for older dogs).
• Cut with the grain for a tougher, chewier jerky (good for dogs who like a long-lasting snack).
• Pro tip: Partially freeze the chicken for 30–60 minutes before slicing—it makes it firmer and much easier to cut it thinly and evenly.

Dehydrator vs. Oven vs. Air Fryer – Which One’s Better?

Ultimately, use what you have.  There is no need to buy new equipment.  No matter which method you use, the goal is the same: chicken that’s fully dried, slightly chewy, and safe for your pup to enjoy!

Dehydrator

• Best for consistent, even drying with minimal monitoring.
• Energy-efficient and perfect if you plan to make jerky regularly.
• Ideal temperature: 160°F for 6–8 hours.
• Cons: takes the longest amount of time.  If you don’t already own a dehydrator, a good one can be a bit of an investment. If you are considering a dehydrator, there are many good brands available. We currently use this Excalibur model.

Oven

• A great option if you don’t have a dehydrator.
• Set to the lowest possible temp (usually around 170°F), and prop the door open slightly to let moisture escape.
• Dry time: 4–6 hours, depending on thickness.
• Cons: It can be less energy-efficient than other methods, and can also heat up your home (not great during summer months!). Additionally, because there isn’t the same circulation you would get with a good dehydrator or air fryer, the chicken jerky may not dry as evenly

Air Fryer

• A faster option for small batches.
• Set to 160–170°F (or the lowest “dehydrate” setting).
• Arrange chicken strips in a single layer, without overlapping (consider a rack system to allow for multiple layers like this one).
• Cook time: around 2–3 hours, flipping halfway through.
• Not all air fryers have a dehydration function, so check your model’s manual for guidance.
• Cons: most air fryers have very limited space and items often need flipping or rotating for even drying.  Additionally, the air circulation can cause food to dry too quickly, risking overcooking or brittle treats

Recipe Disclaimer: The recipes available at All For the Love of Dogs are developed from personal experiences in making them and feeding to their dogs. Your dogs may have allergies or other conditions that may make these recipes unsuitable for your dog and/or their lifestyle. Please consult with your veterinarian. Use your own judgement when making and feeding these recipes to your dog. All For the Love of Dogs  is not liable for any allergic reactions, upset stomachs or any other consequences of experimenting with the recipes on this site.

Ingredients & Equipment Needed

Main Ingredient:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breast (high in protein and easy to slice)
• One medium chicken breast will yield about 10-15 pieces of chicken jerky, depending on the thickness and length of the cut. 

Optional Additions:

• Dog-safe herbs like parsley, basil, or oregano.
• Turmeric (for anti-inflammatory benefits).
• Coconut oil (adds flavor and healthy fats).

Equipment:

• Dehydrator (preferred method for best results).
• Oven (alternative for those without a dehydrator).
• Air fryer (quick and efficient method).
• Sharp knife & cutting board for slicing the chicken.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Dehydrated Chicken Dog Treats

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken

• Select high-quality, lean chicken breasts.
• Trim off any excess fat (fat can spoil faster and shorten shelf life).
• Slice the chicken into thin, even strips (about ¼ inch thick) to ensure even dehydration.  Tip: To make the chicken easier to slide, partially freeze the chicken for 30–60 minutes —it makes it firmer and much easier to cut it thinly and evenly.

Step 2: Choosing Your Dehydration Method

There are three primary methods for dehydrating chicken.  Always dehydrate chicken at 160°F or higher to ensure it’s safe and ensures harmful bacteria like salmonella are destroyed.

Using a Dehydrator (Best Method)

• Preheat to 160°F.
• Arrange chicken strips in a single layer on dehydrator trays.
• Dehydrate for 6-8 hours or until fully dried and chewy.

Oven Method

• Preheat to 170°F.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Place chicken strips in a single layer.
• Keep the oven door slightly open to allow moisture to escape.
• Bake for 2-3 hours, flipping halfway through.

Air Fryer Method (Quickest Option)

• Set air fryer to 150-160°F (or the lowest setting available).
• Arrange strips in a single layer.
• Cook for 90 minutes to 2 hours, flipping halfway.

Step 3: Checking for Doneness

• Chicken should be firm but flexible and dry.  It should be a bit chewy but not brittle.
• No pink color should remain inside the strips.
• If in doubt, cut one open—if there’s any moisture or it feels oily, dry it longer.

The Snap Test: Try bending a strip in half. It should bend and crack slightly but not break in two like a cracker. If it snaps cleanly, it may be over-dried (which is still safe, but crunchier). If it bends too easily and feels soft in the middle, it likely needs more time.

Step 4: Cooling & Storage

• Allow the treats to cool completely before storing.
• Short-term storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
• Long-term storage: Freeze in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. 

Flavor Variations & Additions

Want to mix things up for your pup? Try these fun and nutritious variations! Or you can try one of our other dehydrated, puppy pleasing recipes like How to Make Dehydrated Bananas for Dogs at Home or How to Make Homemade Coconut Yogurt Dog Treats – a Step-by-Step Guide

1. Herb-Infused Chicken

• Dog-Safe Herbs: Parsley (fresh breath), oregano (antioxidants), basil, mint or even dill.
• How to Use: Lightly coat chicken strips with chopped herbs before dehydrating, or marinate with herbs and coconut oil prior to dehydrating (blot dry before beginning to dehydrate)

2. Turmeric Chicken (Anti-Inflammatory Boost)

• Benefits: Supports joint health and reduces inflammation.
• How to Use: Sprinkle a small amount of turmeric powder on the strips before dehydrating.

3. Coconut-Coated Chicken Treats

• How to Use: Roll the chicken strips in unsweetened shredded coconut before dehydrating for added texture and flavor.

Recipe Card – Chicken Jerky Dog Treats

Dehydrated Chicken Dog Treats

Simple, single-ingredient dehydrated chicken treats are an easy, healthy, and budget-friendly way to spoil your pup. Made with just boneless, skinless chicken breasts, they’re high in protein, free of preservatives, and perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 hours hrs

Total Time 8 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Dog treats

Cuisine Dehydrated Dog Treats, Dog Jerky Recipes

Equipment

• Dehydrator, Oven or Air Fryer
• Sharp Knife
• Cutting Board

Ingredients

  

• Chicken breast(s)

Instructions

 

• Slice the chicken into thin, even strips (about¼ inch thick) to ensure even dehydration. Tip: To make the chicken easier to slide, partially freeze the chicken for 30–60 minutes —it makes it firmer and much easier to cut it thinly and evenly.

Using a Dehydrator (Best Method)

• Preheat to 160°F.
• Arrange chicken strips in a single layer on dehydrator trays. Do not overlap chicken strips
• Dehydrate for 6-8 hours or until fully dried and chewy.

Oven Method

• Preheat to 170°F.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Place chicken strips in a single layer. Do not overlap chicken strips
• Keep the oven door slightly open to allow moisture to escape.
• Bake for 2-3 hours, flipping halfway through.

Air Fryer Method (Quickest Option)

• Set air fryer to 150-160°F (or the lowest setting available).
• Arrange strips in a single layer.
• Cook for 90 minutes to 2 hours, flipping halfway.

Notes

Checking for Doneness

• Chicken should be firm but flexible and dry.  It should be a bit chewy but not brittle.
• No pink color should remain inside the strips.
• If in doubt, cut one open—if there’s any moisture or it feels oily, dry it longer.

The Snap Test: Try bending a strip in half. It should bend and crack slightly but not break in two like a cracker. If it snaps cleanly, it may be over-dried (which is still safe, but crunchier). If it bends too easily and feels soft in the middle, it likely needs more time.

Cooling & Storage

• Allow the treats to cool completely before storing.
• Short-term storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
• Long-term storage: Freeze in a freezer bag for up to 3 months

Keyword Chicken Jerky, Dehydrated Chicken Dog Treats, Jerky for Dogs

Safety Tips & Best Practices

To keep your pup safe and healthy, follow these guidelines:

• Monitor portion sizes – While healthy, treats should not exceed 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake.  Consider your dog’s ideal treat size when cutting and portion treats prior to dehydration.
• Check for spoilage – If treats develop a bad odor, discoloration, or mold, discard them immediately.
• Avoid seasoning with salt or onions
• Store properly – Refrigerate or freeze for optimal freshness and longevity.

FAQ: Dehydrated Chicken Jerky for Dogs

Conclusion

Making your own dehydrated chicken jerky might take a little time, but it’s such a simple and rewarding way to treat your dog. You know exactly what’s in it, you can customize it to suit your pup’s preferences, and—let’s be honest—there’s something kind of wonderful about seeing their tail wag for something you made.

Whether you’re using a dehydrator, oven, or air fryer, the end result is the same: a wholesome, high-protein snack your dog will love—and you’ll feel good about giving.

If you give this recipe a try, we’d love to hear how it turns out—and of course, we never get tired of seeing happy dog faces, so feel free to share a pic!