Ever peek at the ingredients list on store-bought dog treats and feel your stomach drop? I did—that’s when I started making these mixed meat & veggie jerky sticks for my pup, Baxter. Let me tell you, watching him go nuts for something I whipped up with real beef, chicken, and veggies? Pure joy.
These homemade jerky sticks aren’t just tail-wagging delicious—they’re packed with clean protein from lean meats and sneaky-good nutrients from carrots and green beans. No mystery powders or unpronounceable preservatives here. Just simple, wholesome ingredients that keep Baxter energized (and his coat ridiculously shiny).
I’ll never forget the first batch I made. My kitchen smelled like a butcher shop crossed with a farmers’ market—in the best way. Baxter planted himself RIGHT by the oven, nose twitching, until those sticks cooled. Now it’s our weekend ritual. Once you see your dog’s reaction to these, you’ll be hooked too.
Why You’ll Love These Mixed Meat & Veggie Jerky Sticks for Dogs
Trust me, once you try these, you’ll never go back to store-bought treats. Here’s why:
- Protein powerhouse: Lean beef and chicken give your pup the muscle-fueling goodness they crave
- Veggie boost: Sneaky carrots and green beans add fiber and nutrients without your dog even noticing
- No junk: Zero preservatives, fillers, or mystery ingredients – just real food you can pronounce
- Easy to make: Just blend, shape, and let the oven do the work while you go about your day
- Tail-wagging approval: My Baxter does happy circles every time I pull these out of the jar
Seriously, your dog’s excited face will be all the proof you need that these sticks are special.
Ingredients for Mixed Meat & Veggie Jerky Sticks for Dogs
Here’s the simple lineup that makes magic happen – and trust me, every ingredient plays a special role:
- 1 lb lean beef (ground) – I use 90/10 because fat can go rancid faster
- 1 lb chicken breast (skinless, boneless) – Fresh, not frozen, for best texture
- 1/2 cup carrots (finely chopped) – About 2 medium carrots, peeled and minced small
- 1/2 cup green beans (finely chopped) – Fresh or frozen (thawed) work great
- 1 tbsp olive oil – Helps bind everything together
Pro tip: Don’t skimp on the veggie chopping! Those little bits need to be teeny-tiny so they blend smoothly into the meat mixture. I’ve learned the hard way that big chunks make shaping sticks way harder – and Baxter always picks them out!
Equipment You’ll Need
You don’t need fancy gadgets—just these basics that you probably already have:
- Food processor – My trusty old one gets the meat perfectly smooth
- Baking sheet – Standard half-sheet pan works great
- Parchment paper – Lifesaver for easy cleanup and no sticking
- Airtight container – Mason jars or plastic bins keep treats fresh
That’s it! Well, besides oven mitts—those jerky sticks get HOT after baking all day.
How to Make Mixed Meat & Veggie Jerky Sticks for Dogs
Step 1: Prep the Meat and Veggies
First things first – crank your oven to a low 170°F (75°C). This slow-and-low temperature is key to drying without cooking too fast. While it heats, let’s tackle the meat. I pulse the beef and chicken together in the food processor until it looks like a smooth paste – about 1-2 minutes. Don’t worry if it seems too mushy at this stage!
For the veggies, I go full ninja mode with my knife. The carrots and green beans need to be chopped until they’re practically confetti. Smaller pieces mean better mixing and no weird texture surprises for your pup. I toss them into the meat mixture with the olive oil and squish everything together by hand (my favorite part – it’s so satisfying!).
Step 2: Shape and Bake the Sticks
Now for the fun part! Line your baking sheet with parchment paper – trust me, you’ll thank me later when cleanup takes 2 seconds. I scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll them between my palms into little logs about the width of my pinky finger. Pro tip: Keep a bowl of water nearby to wet your hands – the mixture gets sticky!
Space the sticks about 1/2 inch apart on the tray. They’ll shrink as they dry, so don’t stress perfect spacing. Slide them into the oven and let the magic happen! I check every hour, rotating the tray for even drying. The sticks are done when they’re firm but still slightly bendy – usually around the 6 hour mark in my oven. Your house will smell AMAZING.
Step 3: Cooling and Storage
Here’s where patience pays off. Let those sticks cool COMPLETELY on the tray – I wait at least 2 hours. Trying to store them warm invites moisture, and nobody wants moldy treats. Once cool, I toss them into my airtight container with a little paper towel at the bottom to absorb any lingering moisture.
Fun fact: Baxter gets so excited during this step that he “helps” by picking up any fallen crumbs. Good quality control pup!
Tips for Perfect Mixed Meat & Veggie Jerky Sticks
After making dozens of batches (Baxter insists on quality testing every one), I’ve picked up some game-changing tricks:
- Bend test: Perfect jerky bends without breaking – if it snaps, it’s overdone
- Rotate religiously: Switch tray positions every hour for even drying – my oven’s back corner always cooks faster
- Sample small: Always test one stick on your pup first to check for allergies or tummy issues
- Size matters: Keep sticks uniform so they dry at the same rate – I use a cookie scoop for consistency
- Patience pays: Letting them cool fully makes them crispier – worth the wait when you see that tail wag!
Trust me, these little tweaks take your jerky from good to “drop-everything-and-beg” amazing.
Storage and Shelf Life
Here’s the scoop on keeping those jerky sticks fresh: pop them in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 weeks (if they last that long with your pup around!). For longer storage, the fridge buys you a whole month – just toss in a paper towel to soak up any sneaky moisture that could make them soggy. Pro tip: If your house is humid, fridge storage is your best bet from day one to prevent any mold surprises!
Nutritional Benefits of Mixed Meat & Veggie Jerky Sticks for Dogs
Let me tell you why I feel so good about feeding these to Baxter – they’re packed with everything a pup needs! Each little stick delivers 5g of protein from that lean beef and chicken combo, perfect for keeping those muscles strong. And get this – just 1.5g of fat per serving means no guilt when your dog gives you those “just one more?” eyes.
The sneaky veggie magic? Those finely chopped carrots and green beans add 0.3g of fiber per stick to keep digestion smooth. Plus, with only 35 calories each, they’re ideal for training treats. No sugar crashes here – just wholesome fuel that makes your dog’s tail wag and their coat shine. Honestly, it’s like a vitamin-packed power snack… that tastes like meaty heaven to them!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I use turkey instead of beef or chicken?
Absolutely! Lean ground turkey works great in this recipe – just make sure it’s the 93% lean kind. I’ve used it when Baxter’s tummy needed a break from red meat. The texture comes out slightly softer, but he still goes crazy for it!
Q2. How long can I freeze these jerky sticks?
Freezing is my secret for always having treats on hand. Just pop cooled sticks in a freezer bag with the air squeezed out – they’ll stay perfect for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temp before serving. Baxter actually likes them slightly frozen on hot summer days!
Q3. Are these safe for puppies?
While the ingredients are puppy-friendly, always check with your vet first – especially for tiny breeds or pups with sensitive stomachs. I cut the sticks into smaller pieces for my neighbor’s lab puppy, but every dog is different.
Q4. My dog has allergies – any substitutions?
For chicken allergies, try all beef or turkey. Veggie swaps are easy too – sweet potatoes work instead of carrots, just steam and mash them first. When in doubt, your vet knows best about safe alternatives!
Share Your Experience!
Did your pup go bonkers for these jerky sticks like Baxter does? Snap a pic of their happy face mid-chew and tag me – I live for those drooly grins! Drop a comment below with your dog’s verdict or any clever tweaks you tried. Happy tails mean happy baking in my book!
For more dog treat inspiration, check out our homemade peanut butter for dogs and turkey cranberry dog chews recipes!
You can also find more delicious recipes on our Pinterest page.
Print
3-Ingredient Mixed Meat & Veggie Jerky Sticks Dogs Crave
- Total Time: 6-8 hours 20 mins
- Yield: 20 sticks
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Healthy and protein-rich jerky sticks for dogs made with mixed meat and vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean beef
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 1/2 cup carrots, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup green beans, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 170°F (75°C).
- Blend beef and chicken in a food processor until smooth.
- Mix in chopped carrots, green beans, and olive oil.
- Shape mixture into thin sticks or strips.
- Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 6-8 hours until dry and firm.
- Cool completely before storing.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
- Refrigerate for longer shelf life.
- Check for allergies before feeding.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Dog Treats
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Pet Food
