Functional Jerky Puppy Chicken & Salmon Treats
Verified Jun 8, 2026
This is a high-protein, soft jerky treat for puppies, made mainly from chicken and salmon. It includes added omega-3 fats (from tuna oil and flaxseed) and specific DHA and EPA levels, plus a probiotic, making it a more functional training reward rather than a simple snack. It’s designed to complement a complete puppy diet, not replace it.
Nutritionally, this is a well-designed puppy treat with a strong focus on brain-supportive omega-3s and a clear emphasis on animal protein. The added probiotic and controlled fat and moisture make it a nice option for training or occasional rewards alongside a balanced puppy food. It’s best suited for healthy puppies of any breed as a supplemental treat, especially when owners want something a bit more functional than standard biscuits.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- High protein content (35% as-fed) with chicken and salmon as primary ingredients, giving good-quality animal protein for growing puppies.
- Includes defined levels of DHA and EPA plus omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are important for brain and skin/coat support in young dogs.
- Contains a probiotic strain (Bacillus coagulans), which may help support a healthy gut when used regularly.
- Soft, breakable texture and around 12 kcal per treat make it easier to use for training without adding excessive calories if portions are monitored.
Considerations
- This is a treat intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding only, so it should not replace a complete and balanced puppy food.
- Contains chicken and salmon, which are common allergens for some dogs; puppies with known chicken or fish allergies will need a different option.
- At 12 kcal per piece, it’s important to count these treats toward your puppy’s daily calorie intake to help prevent excess weight gain, especially in small or less active puppies.
- Includes added salt, which is fine in moderation, but another reason to avoid overfeeding treats overall.
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
Chicken
Chicken is a common animal-based protein in dog and cat foods, supplying essential amino acids, B vitamins, and energy-dense fats that support muscle maintenance, growth, and overall health; for cats it also contributes toward dietary taurine but must be present in sufficient amounts or provided via supplementation. It is prized for its digestibility and palatability, though some pets develop sensitivities or allergies to chicken, and nutritional value and safety depend on ingredient quality and processing—raw chicken carries pathogen risks and whole bones can pose choking or GI hazards.
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
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.
04
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.
05
Flaxseed
Flaxseed is used in pet foods as a plant-based source of alpha‑linolenic acid (ALA) omega‑3, soluble and insoluble fiber, and modest protein, often added to support skin and coat condition, digestive health, and kibble texture; ground seed or flaxseed oil is more digestible than whole seed. Dogs can partially convert ALA to long‑chain EPA/DHA but cats convert ALA poorly and therefore still need marine sources for essential DHA/EPA; flax is calorie‑dense, prone to oxidation if not stabilized, and contains lignans (phytoestrogens) and trace cyanogenic compounds, so it should be processed and used in moderation.
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 Puppy Chicken & Salmon 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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