Short answer: For training, choose thin meat strips or jerky that you break into small pieces. For a calm chewing session, dried beef is a better fit. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, choose a single animal protein and stick with it for a while. Meat strips are safe as long as the piece suits the size of your dog, you stay nearby and all treats combined stay within roughly 10 per cent of daily energy intake.
What is the difference between meat strips, jerky, fillet and dried beef?
Everything in this collection is dried meat or dried fish. The main differences are the shape and how long your dog will be busy with it. Thickness and hardness can vary slightly from batch to batch because these are natural products. So always take a quick look at what you have in your hand.
| Type | Examples | Texture | Chewing time | Suitable for |
|---|
| Meat strips | Canis Vleesstrips Kip, Canis Vleesstrips Hert, Canis Vis Strips | Thin and dry, easy to break | Short | Training, rewards in between, variety in flavour |
| Jerky | Canis Jerkey met Kip, Canis Jerkey met Lam, Canis Beef Jerkey | Dried bars, easy to divide into pieces | Short | Training and regular rewards |
| Fillet and soft strips | Canis Kipfilét, Canis Eendenfilét, Canis Kip Strip | Softer texture | Short | Puppies, small dogs and older dogs |
| Dried beef | Canis Gedroogd rundvlees INDIA, Canis ACTIEKNALLER Gedroogd Rundvlees | Firmer pieces | Longer | A supervised chewing session |
Which meat strip suits my dog?
Start with what you want to use the treat for, then look at the flavour.
- For training: choose a thin strip or jerky that you break into small pieces. That way you can reward often without it adding up to a lot. You will find more options among the training treats.
- For a puppy or small dog: give softer fillet or break strips into small pieces. You can read which treats suit which age in when can a puppy have chew treats.
- For a sensitive stomach or allergy: beef and chicken are among the protein sources that most often cause food allergies in dogs. An animal protein your dog has rarely had, such as rabbit or horse, can then be a logical choice. Always consult your vet first when starting an elimination diet.
- For a fussy eater: alternate between poultry, game and fish. Bear in mind that with an allergy you should not alternate.
Are meat strips safe for dogs?
For most healthy dogs they are, provided you get a few things right. Give a piece that suits the size of your dog. It should be too big to swallow in one go, or small enough that it can do no harm. Dogs that gulp their food sometimes swallow thin strips almost whole. Break them into pieces for those dogs. Stay nearby while your dog chews on firmer dried beef and take away the last small piece. Always put out fresh water, as dried meat contains little moisture.
How many meat strips can you give your dog?
All treats combined should not exceed roughly 10 per cent of daily energy intake. Dried meat is concentrated and rich in protein. A handful of strips therefore adds up faster than you might think. If you train a lot on a given day, give slightly less of the main food. Nutritional values differ by animal protein and by batch, so the label is what counts. In how many treats can a dog have per day you will find a calculation table by weight.
How do you store meat strips?
Store meat strips in a dry, cool place and keep them well sealed, for example in the resealable bag or a dry storage tin. Moisture is the biggest enemy of dried meat. If a strip smells musty or you see mould, throw it away. Wash your hands after handling raw dried meat, especially before you eat yourself or let children give the dog something.
Ingrid's tip: Before a training session, break the strips into pieces in advance and put them in a separate bag. That way you know exactly how much you have given that day and you don't have to break them with greasy fingers while you are out.
Frequently asked questions
Can puppies have meat strips?
Yes, in small pieces and preferably the softer fillet. Do not give hard chews while the adult teeth are coming through, roughly from 3 to 4 months until 6 to 7 months. Start with a small amount to see how the stomach reacts.
Which meat strip is suitable for a dog with an allergy?
There is no strip that suits every allergic dog. Choose a single animal protein your dog tolerates and introduce it gradually. You will find more information in grain-free dog treats and allergies.
Why do people choose fish strips?
Fish is an alternative for dogs that prefer not to eat meat from land animals or that you want to give a different protein source. Fish naturally contains omega-3 fatty acids. Fish strips also count towards the daily treat allowance.
Can my dog get diarrhoea from meat strips?
That can happen if you give a lot at once or introduce a new animal protein too quickly. So build up slowly. If the symptoms persist, contact your vet.
Sources
About the author
Ingrid Kooijman is the founder of Canis Snacks. She selects natural single-protein dog treats, sells them online and at markets in Brabant, and answers dog owners' questions about food and chews every day. Questions about these treats? Email info@canissnacks.com.
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