Best Meat for Beef Jerky, Smoking, and for Dogs – Easy Guide
Want to know the best meat for beef jerky, for smoking, or for your dog? Here is the lowdown, simplified, with information on nutrition, preparation time, and how best to cook them.
Best Meat for Beef Jerky
Beef jerky is ideally made of lean meat, as fat will make it go bad. Following are the best picks:
- Eye of Round
Why it’s so wonderful: It is lean, slice-friendly, and picks up flavors easily.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 4-6 hours
Nutrition value (per 3 oz cooked portion): 140 calories, 26g of protein
- Top Round
Why it’s so great: A bit firmer than Eye of Round
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 4-6 hours
Nutrition: 160 calories, 25g protein, 5g fat
- Bottom round
Why it’s great: Inexpensive, lean, though a bit tougher.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4-6 hours
Nutrition: 150 calories, 24g protein, 4g fat
- Sirloin Tip
Why you’ll love it: Tastier and softer, though a tad more expensive.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 4-5 hours
Nutrition: 180 calories, 7g fat, 27
- Flank steak
Why you’ll love it: Extremely flavorful, though potentially chewy.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 4-6 hours
Nutrition: 210 calories, 23g protein, 10
How to Make Beef Jerky
Cut meat into ¼-inch thick strips.
Marinade in soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and spices.
Or dehydrate at 160 degrees Fahrenheit, or 175 degrees Fahrenheit, with the oven door ajar.
Keep tightly covered in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
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Best Meat to Smoke
Smoked meat requires fatty cuts because fat maintains the meat moist through the extended, low-heat cooking process.
- Brisk
Why it’s so great: The best smoked meat, deliciously juicy.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 12-16 hours
Best woods: Hickory, oak
Nutrition, cooked (3 oz): 250 calories, 23g protein, 17g
- Boston Butt (Pork Shoulder)
Why it’s awesome: Ideal for pulled pork, juicy and tender.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 10-14 hours
Best wood: Apple, Cherry
Nutrition: 290 calories, 22g protein, 21g fat
- Beef Short Ribs
Why it’s so good: Rich, meaty, full of flavour.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 6-8 hours
Best wood: Mesquite, oak
Nutrition: 310 calories, 20g protein, 24g fat
- Pork Ribs, Spare or Baby Back
Why it’s so good: Timeless BBQ favorite, smoky and fall-apart tender
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 5-7 hours
Best wood: Apple, Cherry
Nutrition: 280 calories, 21g protein, 20g fat
- Tri-T
Why it’s so good: Burns fast (just a few hours) and is very tasty.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
2-3 hours cooking time
Best wood: Oak, Mesquite
Nutrients: 220 calories, 26g protein, 12
How To Smoke Meat
Trim off excess fat, leaving only a thin layer for moisture.
Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder (or a dry rub).
Pre-heat smoker to 225°F and add wood chips.
Smoke low and slowly, spritzing with broth, or apple juice for moisture.
Let the meat rest for 30 minutes before slicing.
Best Meat for Dogs
- Dogs require high-protein meat with no spices, salt, or preservatives.
- Chicken breast
Why it’s so good: It’s lean, simple to digest, and inexpensive.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
Nutrition (per 3 oz cooked serving): 140 calories, 26g of protein,
- 90% Lean Ground Beef
Why it is wonderful: Rich in protein and iron.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10-15 minutes
Nutrition: 220 calories, 22g protein, 14g fat
- Turkey breast
Why it’s so good: Like chicken, but with less fat.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15-20 minutes
Nutrition: 130 calories, 25g protein, 1g fat
- Boneless Cooked Salmon
Why it’s fantastic: Excellent for canines’ coats and skin (rich in omega-3).
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
180 calories, 22g of protein, and 10g of
- Lamb (Lean Cuts)
Why it’s great: Ideal for dogs who are allergic to chicken, beef.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20-30 minutes
Nutrition: 250 calories, 23g protein, 17g fat
- Beef liver (in moderation)
Why it is wonderful: Extremely rich in nutrients, but excessive is bad.
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Nutrition: 180 calories, 19g protein, 6g fat
Meats to Avoid for Dogs:
Processed meats (ham, sausage, bacon) – Too fatty and salty.
Raw pork – May have parasites.
Cooked bones can splinter, potentially causing choking.
Seasoned Meats – Garlic, onions, and excessive salt are poisonous.
How to Prepare Meat for Dogs
Cook thoroughly, never raw meat.
Skip seasonings (dogs don’t require salt or spices).
Boil, bake, or grill for a healthy, easy meal.
Chop into small sizes to prevent choking risks.
Use sparingly as part of a balanced diet.
Final Thoughts
For beef jerky, use lean cuts such as eye of round or top round. For Smoking: Select the fattier cuts such as brisket and pork shoulder. For Dogs: Stick with lean, unseasoned meats such as chicken, turkey, and salmon.
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