Functional Jerky Healthy Heart Beef & Salmon Dog Treats
Verified Jun 10, 2026
A high-protein, soft jerky treat made with beef and salmon, designed as a supplemental reward for dogs of all ages and sizes. It includes added taurine, L-carnitine, and a source of omega-3s, along with pumpkin, apples, and a probiotic to support overall wellness. This is best used as a training treat or occasional snack alongside a complete and balanced main diet.
Nutritionally, this is a well-thought-out treat with named animal proteins at the top of the ingredient list and a very high protein content for a snack. The added taurine, L-carnitine, omega-3s, and a probiotic make it a more functional option than many standard treats, especially for owners looking for heart-supportive nutrients. It’s still a calorie-dense reward at about 13 kcal per treat, so portion control is important, particularly for smaller or less active dogs.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Beef and salmon as primary ingredients provide high-quality, animal-based protein and essential amino acids.
- Added taurine, L-carnitine, and omega-3 fatty acids supply nutrients that can support heart and overall health when used alongside a balanced diet.
- Includes pumpkin, apples, chicory root, and a Bacillus coagulans probiotic source, which can be helpful for digestive health in some dogs.
- High protein (40% min) and moderate fat (18% min) for a treat, with clear calorie information per treat to help manage intake.
Considerations
- This product is a treat intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding only and should not replace a complete and balanced dog food.
- Contains beef and salmon, which are common protein allergens for some dogs; not suitable if your dog is known to react to these proteins.
- At approximately 13 kcal per treat, overfeeding could contribute to unwanted weight gain, especially in small or less active dogs.
- Includes salt and dried honey, which are acceptable in moderate amounts for most dogs but reinforce the need to limit total daily treat intake.
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
Salmon
Salmon is commonly used as a high-quality animal protein and rich source of omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) in dog and cat foods, supporting skin and coat condition, joint and cognitive health, and overall muscle maintenance. While very nutritious, salmon can be an allergen for some pets and raw salmon may pose risks from parasites, thiaminase-related thiamine loss, and region-specific pathogens (e.g., salmon poisoning); owners should avoid feeding uncooked bones and consider sourcing to minimize contaminant and sustainability concerns.
03
Porcine Plasma
Porcine plasma is a spray‑dried, blood‑derived ingredient used in pet foods and milk replacers as a highly digestible animal protein and palatability enhancer with useful binding and emulsifying properties. It supplies concentrated plasma proteins—including immunoglobulins and growth factors—that may support gut health and nutrient absorption (particularly in puppies and kittens), but because it is pork‑derived some pets with pork sensitivities or owners with dietary/religious concerns may prefer to avoid it; manufacturers typically process it to reduce pathogen risk.
04
Honey
Honey is used in pet foods and treats primarily as a natural sweetener and binder, supplying simple carbohydrates for quick energy but contributing negligible protein, fiber, or essential vitamins. Raw honey contains antioxidants and may have mild antimicrobial or prebiotic effects, but because it is high in sugar and can worsen obesity, dental disease, or diabetes—and may carry microbial contaminants—use should be limited (and avoided in very young or immunocompromised animals); consult your veterinarian before offering honey to pets, especially cats (which are obligate carnivores and gain little benefit) or diabetic animals.
05
Betaine
Betaine is a common feed additive and osmolyte that also acts as a methyl group donor in pet foods, often included to support liver metabolism, cellular hydration, and digestive function. In dogs and cats it can help support normal methylation pathways and stool quality and may improve feed efficiency, and is generally well tolerated at recommended levels, though very high doses can cause gastrointestinal upset so use according to formulation guidelines or veterinary advice.
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
Brand
Nulo is a premium pet food brand focused on grain-free and high-meat-protein recipes for dogs and cats. It is positioned as a performance and wellness brand, emphasizing quality ingredients, ancestral diet alignment, and the inclusion of probiotics to support digestive health.
Visit NuloManufacturer
Nulo partners with trusted manufacturing facilities in the United States and Canada that maintain high food safety standards including HACCP and SQF certification. Nulo oversees ingredient sourcing and quality control to ensure nutritional accuracy and consistency across batches.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Nulo Functional Jerky Healthy Heart Beef & Salmon Dog Treats has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Nulo ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Nulo. 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.
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