There’s nothing quite like the joy of making homemade treats for your pup. If your dog loves a good, chewy snack, these Beef and Vegetable Jerky Sticks are the perfect healthy, protein-packed treat. They’re made with real beef, fresh vegetables, and nutritious add-ins to keep your furry friend happy and energized.
I’ve always enjoyed making jerky treats for my dogs because they’re free from preservatives and unnecessary fillers found in many store-bought options. Plus, these sticks are soft yet chewy, making them great for dogs of all ages—including puppies and senior dogs with sensitive teeth.
Let’s dive into the recipe so you can start making these delicious, tail-wagging treats at home!
Why Homemade Jerky Sticks Are the Best Choice for Your Dog
Many commercial dog treats contain artificial flavors, unhealthy additives, and excessive salt. By making these jerky sticks at home, you ensure your dog is getting wholesome, real ingredients without anything harmful.
Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:
✅ High in protein – Keeps your pup full and supports muscle health.
✅ No artificial ingredients – 100% natural and healthy.
✅ Easy to digest – Perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
✅ Customizable – You can swap out veggies or proteins based on your dog’s preferences.
Ingredients You'll Need
To make these Beef and Vegetable Jerky Sticks, you’ll need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef (or turkey/chicken if you prefer)
- ½ cup finely chopped spinach (rich in vitamins & antioxidants)
- ¼ cup grated carrot (adds a touch of natural sweetness & fiber)
- ¼ cup rolled oats (helps bind the mixture and provides energy)
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed (great source of Omega-3s for skin & coat health)
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder (anti-inflammatory & great for joint health)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional) – Contrary to common myths, tiny amounts of garlic can have health benefits, but feel free to omit if you’re unsure.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, spinach, grated carrot, rolled oats, flaxseed, turmeric, and garlic powder (if using).
- Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated. Using your hands works best to ensure an even blend.
Step 2: Shape the Jerky Sticks
- Preheat your oven to 170°F (or use a dehydrator if you have one).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into stick shapes about ½-inch thick and 4-5 inches long.
- Place them on the baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching.
Step 3: Bake or Dehydrate
Oven Method:
- Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 4-6 hours at 170°F.
- Halfway through, flip the sticks to ensure even drying.
- The jerky sticks should be firm, chewy, and slightly dry on the outside but still pliable.
Dehydrator Method:
- Arrange the sticks on the trays, leaving space between them.
- Set your dehydrator to 160°F and dehydrate for 6-8 hours until they are fully dried but not too hard.
Step 4: Cooling & Storage
- Let the jerky sticks cool completely before serving.
- Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Customizations & Variations
Want to tweak the recipe to fit your pup’s preferences? Here are a few ideas:
🥩 Protein Swap – Instead of beef, use ground turkey, chicken, or even venison.
🥕 Veggie Mix – Try swapping spinach for kale, zucchini, or pumpkin.
🫐 Sweet Addition – A handful of blueberries can add antioxidants.
Final Thoughts
These homemade beef and vegetable jerky sticks are a fantastic, nutritious treat that your dog will absolutely love. They’re chewy, packed with flavor, and completely natural.
Want more fun homemade dog treat ideas? Check out these Blueberry Pumpkin and Oatmeal Chews for another healthy snack your pup will enjoy!
Happy treat-making! 🐶❤️
PrintBeef and Vegetable Jerky Sticks Recipe for Dogs
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes - 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 jerky sticks 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Beef and Vegetable Jerky Sticks for dogs are healthy, protein-packed treats made with real ingredients like lean beef and fresh vegetables. These chewy snacks are easy to make, free from artificial additives, and perfect for dogs of all ages.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- ½ cup finely chopped spinach
- ¼ cup grated carrot
- ¼ cup rolled oats
- 1 tbsp ground flaxseed
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
Instructions
- 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
- Use turkey, chicken, or venison as an alternative to beef.
- 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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours
- Category: Dog Treats
- Method: Baking or Dehydrating
- Cuisine: Homemade Dog Treats
Nutrition
- 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
Keywords: Beef and Vegetable Jerky Sticks for Dogs, homemade dog treats, healthy dog snacks, dog jerky recipe, DIY dog treats
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