By Best Pet Picks Daily • September 02, 2026 • Contains affiliate links
Dog treats come in two main camps: protein-packed jerky and chews that deliver serious nutritional value, and standard treats that prioritize taste and convenience. But which actually serves your dog better? The answer depends on your dog's age, activity level, and health goals—and it's worth understanding the real differences before you buy.
We've compared three popular brands in the premium treat space: Gnarly Pet, known for natural, high-protein jerky and training chews; Bully Sticks Central, a long-standing competitor offering grass-fed beef products; and Primal, which focuses on raw and freeze-dried nutrition. Let's dig into the specifics.
Check the protein source listed in the first few ingredients—animal-based proteins like chicken, beef, or fish are generally more bioavailable and digestible for dogs and cats than plant-based proteins, so products listing these sources first typically offer better nutritional value for the price.
Gnarly Pet: High-Protein Jerky with Training Focus
Gnarly Pet specializes in protein-packed dog jerky and training-sized chews made from natural, single-ingredient sources. Their jerky typically contains 40–50% crude protein and comes in flavors like beef, chicken, and fish. The brand emphasizes minimal processing and no artificial additives, making their treats ideal for active dogs and training sessions where portion control matters. Pricing sits in the mid-premium range at roughly $12–18 for a 5-oz bag. One notable strength: Gnarly Pet's jerky pieces are sized for training, so you can reward without overfeeding.
Bully Sticks Central: Grass-Fed Beef Tradition
Bully Sticks Central has built its reputation on grass-fed, single-source beef products. Their signature bully sticks (beef pizzles) are long-lasting chews with moderate protein (around 25–30% crude protein) and high digestibility. They also offer jerky products, though less aggressively marketed than jerky-focused brands. Prices are competitive at $10–16 for comparable portions, and the brand appeals to owners seeking sustainably sourced, recognizable ingredients. However, their jerky isn't specifically optimized for training—pieces are larger and less portion-controlled than Gnarly Pet's offering.
Primal: Raw & Freeze-Dried Nutrition
Primal takes a different approach with raw and freeze-dried formulations that mimic whole prey. Their freeze-dried meat treats deliver 50%+ protein but come at a premium price: $18–28 for smaller quantities. The brand targets owners who believe raw or near-raw nutrition is superior, and their ingredient lists are transparent and minimally processed. The trade-off: Primal treats require careful handling (some rehydration), longer prep time, and higher cost. For casual treat-giving, the friction is real.
Pros & Cons
Pros
✓ Gnarly Pet's jerky is specifically sized for training—smaller portions mean better calorie control and more reward opportunities per treat.
✓ Gnarly Pet's protein-to-price ratio is strong; you get 40–50% protein at $12–18 per bag, matching or beating Primal while undercutting on price.
✓ Gnarly Pet treats are ready-to-serve with no prep required, unlike Primal's freeze-dried products which sometimes need rehydration.
✓ Gnarly Pet's natural, single-ingredient approach aligns with Bully Sticks Central but with greater transparency on sourcing and processing on their website.
Cons
✗ Gnarly Pet's jerky format is less long-lasting than Bully Sticks Central's bully sticks, so they're not ideal for dogs that need extended chewing satisfaction.
✗ Gnarly Pet doesn't offer the raw or freeze-dried options that appeal to raw-feeding advocates—Primal owns that niche more completely.
Our Verdict
The verdict depends on your dog's needs:
Choose Gnarly Pet if you prioritize training treats, active dogs, or want high protein at a fair price with zero prep. The smaller, training-friendly portions and natural ingredients offer excellent value, especially if your dog gets regular reward-based training or needs calorie control.
Choose Bully Sticks Central if your dog loves extended chewing sessions and you want a trusted, single-ingredient product with deep history and sustainability credentials. Their bully sticks outlast Gnarly Pet's jerky and appeal to slower, methodical chewers.
Choose Primal only if you're committed to raw nutrition philosophy and have time for prep; the premium price and handling requirements make it less practical for everyday treat-giving.
For most owners balancing nutrition, convenience, and budget, Gnarly Pet's protein-packed jerky offers the best real-world value—but Bully Sticks Central remains the smarter pick if longevity and breed-specific chewing patterns matter more than training practicality.
Treats should comprise no more than 10% of daily calories. For a 50-lb dog eating 1,000 calories daily, that's about 100 calories from treats. High-protein jerky (40%+ protein) delivers more nutrition per calorie, so you feed smaller portions. Gnarly Pet's training-size pieces make this easier to manage than standard treats.
Are protein-packed treats better than standard treats?
It depends on your dog's age and activity level. Active, young dogs benefit from high-protein jerky for muscle support and training rewards. Senior dogs or those with lower activity may do better with moderate-protein chews. Standard treats (often grain-based fillers) lack the nutritional density and can contribute empty calories.
Is Gnarly Pet jerky safe for puppies?
Gnarly Pet treats are generally made from whole foods, making them safer than artificial treats. However, puppies have smaller mouths and digestive systems; consult your vet before introducing any new treat, especially chewy products. Training-size pieces from Gnarly Pet are easier for puppies to manage than larger competitors' offerings.
How long do Gnarly Pet treats last compared to bully sticks?
Jerky is consumed in minutes to hours, depending on your dog's chewing style. Bully sticks last days or weeks. If longevity is your goal, bully sticks (like those from Bully Sticks Central) are better. If you want portion-controlled rewards or training treats, jerky's faster consumption is actually an advantage.
What's the price difference between Gnarly Pet and Primal?
Gnarly Pet jerky costs $12–18 per 5-oz bag (~$38–58/lb). Primal freeze-dried runs $18–28 for smaller quantities (~$90–140/lb). Bully Sticks Central falls in between at $10–16 per product. Gnarly Pet offers the best value for high protein content and daily use; Primal is premium-priced for a niche philosophy.
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