Natural Flexi-Stix Beef Jerky Treats
Verified Jun 4, 2026
A soft, stick-shaped beef jerky treat for adult and senior dogs, made primarily with beef, whole grain oats, and wheat-based ingredients. It includes chicken fat, pork gelatin, and chicken cartilage, which provide additional animal proteins and natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint tissues. This is a supplemental snack designed to be fed alongside a complete and balanced dog food.
This is a well-formulated joint-support treat that uses beef as the main meat ingredient and includes chicken cartilage as a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin. The moderate protein and fat levels and relatively high carbohydrate content are fine for a treat, and the sodium level is reasonable for most healthy adult and senior dogs when fed in moderation. It’s best suited for dogs without beef, chicken, wheat, or pork sensitivities and should only make up a small portion of the daily calorie intake.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
KibbleLab may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through a link. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.
At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Beef listed first, with additional animal ingredients like chicken fat, pork gelatin, and hydrolyzed chicken liver providing high-quality, digestible protein sources for a treat.
- Includes chicken cartilage, which naturally provides glucosamine and chondroitin to help support joint tissues, aligning with its joint-care focus.
- Uses grains (whole grain oats and wheat) that offer energy and fiber rather than relying on less nutritious fillers.
- Clearly formulated as a supplemental snack, with calorie information per treat to help owners keep treats within a reasonable portion of daily calories.
Considerations
- Contains multiple potential allergens including beef, chicken (fat, cartilage, liver), pork, and wheat, so it is not a good choice for dogs with sensitivities to any of these ingredients.
- At about 29 calories per treat and a high carbohydrate content, portions need to be limited, especially for dogs prone to weight gain or with lower activity levels.
- Not a complete and balanced diet, so it must be fed only as a treat alongside a full, balanced dog food.
Full Ingredient List
Ingredients and analysis reflect manufacturer data at the time of our last update and can change without notice. Always check the actual product packaging before feeding.
Ingredient filtering helps identify compatible options but is not a substitute for a veterinary elimination diet.
Top 5 Ingredients Explained
01
Beef
Beef is commonly used in dog and cat foods as a primary animal protein and palatability enhancer, supplying high-quality essential amino acids, B vitamins, iron, and zinc that support muscle maintenance and overall health. Owners should note beef can be calorie- and fat-dense and is a relatively common allergen, and raw or improperly handled beef carries microbial risks, so formulation, fat content, and sourcing/processing are important considerations.
02
Whole Grain Oat
Whole Grain Oat is used in pet foods primarily as a digestible carbohydrate and source of soluble and insoluble fiber—especially beta‑glucans—that support healthy digestion and can help moderate post‑meal blood sugar and lipid levels. It also provides modest protein, B‑vitamins and minerals, is generally well tolerated by dogs (cats require far fewer carbs), but should be fed in appropriate amounts for weight or diabetic pets and may pose an issue for animals with grain sensitivities unless certified gluten‑free and properly processed for digestibility.
03
Wheat Flour
Wheat flour is commonly used in pet foods as a carbohydrate source, binder and extender that provides digestible energy, some protein (including gluten), and small amounts of fiber and B‑vitamins when enriched. While generally safe and economical for many dogs, it is not a required ingredient for obligate carnivores like cats, can contribute to excess calories or a high glycemic load, and can trigger food allergies or gluten sensitivity in susceptible pets, so animals with known wheat sensitivities or weight concerns may benefit from wheat‑free formulations.
04
Wheat Starch
Wheat starch is a concentrated carbohydrate commonly used in pet foods as a binder, thickener and energy source to help form kibble structure and improve texture during processing. It is highly digestible but supplies little protein or essential nutrients—cats receive minimal nutritional benefit—and may affect blood glucose in overweight or diabetic pets; dogs with wheat or gluten sensitivities can also react, so formulas for those animals typically avoid wheat-derived starches.
05
Glycerol
Glycerol (glycerin) is used in pet foods primarily as a humectant and sweetening agent to retain moisture, improve texture and palatability, and serve as a solvent or carrier in wet foods, treats, and liquid supplements. It provides a modest source of metabolizable energy for dogs and cats, but in large amounts can cause gastrointestinal upset and may affect blood glucose, so products intended for diabetic pets or sensitive animals should be used with caution.
Nutritional Breakdown
How to read As Fed versus Dry Matter
As fed shows the numbers straight off the label, water included. Dry matter removes the water so you can compare a wet food and a dry food fairly.What is calorie density
How many calories the food packs per unit. Denser foods mean smaller portions for the same calories.Product Details & Brand
Product Specs
AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional
adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.Brand
Hill's Natural is Hill's Pet Nutrition's treats line, offering natural and grain-free dog treats such as jerky strips, soft savories, crunchy snacks, and baked biscuits made without artificial flavors or preservatives.
Visit Hill's NaturalWSAVA publishes criteria for evaluating a manufacturer (qualified nutritionists, feeding trials, published research); it does not certify or endorse brands.
Manufacturer
Hill's Pet Nutrition maintains strict quality and safety standards in all of its manufacturing sites, with adherence to rigorous ingredient testing and safety validation procedures. Facilities follow current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs) and are regularly audited for quality, safety, and consistency. All products meet or exceed AAFCO and FDA regulatory standards for pet food.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Hill's Natural Natural Flexi-Stix Beef Jerky Treats has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
Sign up for the full picture
Feeding Calculator
Personalized portion sizes based on your pet's weight, age, and activity level.
Get started
Post your dog's report card and challenge friends to check their food.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Hill's Natural ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Hill's Natural. We monitor the FDA Pet Food Recall Database daily.
How does KibbleLab rate foods?
Our scores are based on ingredient composition, nutritional profile, AAFCO compliance, and health considerations. We don't penalize by-products, grains, or synthetic preservatives. Brands cannot pay for higher scores.
Is KibbleLab a substitute for veterinary advice?
No. KibbleLab provides data-driven food analysis, not medical advice. Always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes, especially for pets with health conditions.
KibbleLab provides informational content only. This is not veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.
KibbleLab may earn affiliate commissions through product links. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.
Product data sourced from manufacturer websites, AAFCO statements, and FDA recall database. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check.
Continue with Google
Continue with Facebook