If 2020 taught dog parents anything, it’s that bargain labels can become headlines overnight. When news broke about Ol’ Roy Dog Treats being pulled from shelves amid possible salmonella contamination, families on tight budgets were left scrambling for answers—and peace of mind. Five years later, many still type variations of “Ol Roy recall” into search bars, worried history might repeat itself with another low-cost brand.
The good news? The pet food aisle of 2025 looks nothing like it did in 2020. New labeling laws, third-party testing, and transparency initiatives have raised the floor on safety—without raising prices sky-high. Below, you’ll find everything you need to navigate today’s treats, recognize hazard signals, and confidently pick budget-friendly options that keep tails wagging and wallets intact.
Top 10 Ol Roy Dog Treats Recall 2020
Detailed Product Reviews
1. Ol’ Roy Beefhide Chicken Coated Munchy Sticks 40 Count Dog Treats, 16.9 Ounce Bag
Overview: Ol’ Roy Beefhide Chicken Coated Munchy Sticks are 100% edible rawhide chews dipped in a savory chicken coating. Packaged in a 40-count, 16.9-ounce resealable bag, these treats target dogs of every size and life stage.
What Makes It Stand Out: Real chicken tops the ingredient deck within an otherwise classic grocery-store rawhide, delivering extra protein flavor without a boutique price tag. The bite-sized sticks reduce choking risk for small breeds while still allowing large dogs several minutes of gnawing.
Value for Money: At $1.42 per ounce and roughly 60¢ per stick, you get 40 chews that last longer than soft training treats but won’t crater your wallet like single-ingredient jerky.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros—easy portioning via size-based feeding guide, resealable bag keeps product fresh, wide retail availability. Cons—beefhide can still swell in stomachs of sensitive dogs, chicken coating is powdery and can stain light carpets.
Bottom Line: A solid everyday chew for budget-minded owners whose dogs crave chicken flavor but don’t need grain-free or ultra-premium labels.
2. Munchy Bone Dog Treats, Variety Pack, 21 Count, 60 oz | Long-Lasting Chews for All Dog Sizes | Assorted Flavors: Chicken, Liver, Peanut Butter
Overview: Munchy Bone’s 21-count Variety Pack delivers 60 oz of long-lasting, flavored rawhide alternatives designed for dogs from dachshunds to Dobermans. Flavors rotate among chicken, liver, and peanut butter in a single bag.
What Makes It Stand Out: Unlike bulk-rawhide bags selling identical strips, this pack keeps picky eaters guessing. Added vitamins and minerals plus a tough, grooved surface elevate the product beyond “just a chew.”
Value for Money: At $1.86 per count—higher than basic rawhide—you’re paying for engineered durability, dental ridges, and nutrient fortification. For heavy chewers, one stick can replace three or four budget biscuits, balancing the cost.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros—three flavors prevent boredom, fortified nutrition, pronounced dental ridges. Cons—size variation within bag can leave big-dog owners shortchanged on thicker pieces, price jump may deter multi-dog households.
Bottom Line: Best for owners willing to pay a premium for flavor variety and dental benefits—skip if your dog devours everything in under two minutes.
3. Ol’ Roy Rawhide Free Chicken Flavor Twist Sticks Dog Treats, 16 Ounces
Overview: Ol’ Roy Rawhide-Free Chicken Flavor Twist Sticks swap traditional rawhide for an all-edible, chicken-laden chew. Fifty twist sticks come sealed in a 16-ounce resealable pouch.
What Makes It Stand Out: Zero rawhide means no swelling or blockage worries—ideal for dogs with sensitive digestion. Still shaped as a twist to satisfy the instinctual need to gnaw.
Value for Money: $1.44 per ounce puts the cost in line with mid-tier biscuits while offering chew-time that outlasts soft treats.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros—digestible recipe, light on artificial additives, good stick yield. Cons—texture softer than classic rawhide; aggressive chewers can finish one in minutes.
Bottom Line: A safer everyday chew for rawhide-intolerant pups; best reserved for light to moderate chewers rather than power-gnawers.
4. Ol’ Roy Bark’n Bac’n Dog Treats, (Bark’n Bac’n, 50-Ounce)
Overview: Ol’ Roy Bark’n Bac’n packs 50 ounces of bacon-inspired crunchy biscuits into one jumbo bag. Serving size is left to owner discretion; simple ingredient list of wheat, corn, and bacon flavoring keeps it grocery-aisle familiar.
What Makes It Stand Out: Massive volume approach—perfect for filling training pouches, kongs, or multi-dog picnic days. Distinct bacon scent overshadows typical biscuit smell, turning heads even outdoors.
Value for Money: At just $0.36 per ounce, this is among the cheapest calorie-dense treats available; the 50-ounce sack lasts months for a single small dog.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros—rock-bottom price, crunchy texture aids plaque scraping, loud bacon smell equals high reward. Cons—heavy filler content, limited size guidance, doesn’t work for grain-sensitive pups.
Bottom Line: Buy if you want a giant biscuit reservoir for daily casual treating; skip if you monitor ingredients or dog has wheat intolerance.
5. Ol’s~Roys Rawhide Free Twist Sticks with Chicken Dog Treats, 16 Oz ~ (50 Count) ~ 1 Pack
Overview: Ol’s~Roys Rawhide-Free Twist Sticks blend real chicken with peanut butter in 50-count, 16-oz resealable packaging. Chews deliver dual flavor minus rawhide pitfalls.
What Makes It Stand Out: The peanut-butter twist differentiates from standard chicken-only chews, plus the 50-count bag uses re-closable zip packaging at a sub-$17 price.
Value for Money: $1.03 per ounce undercuts comparable rawhide-free brands by 25%–30%, while still yielding functional dental benefits and decent chew time.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros—rawhide-free, dual flavor keeps interest high, digestive-friendly. Cons—twist is thinner than Product 3’s version, so big breeds may inhale them quickly; peanut butter fans risk calorie overload if unmonitored.
Bottom Line: A bargain rawhide alternative with bonus peanut-butter aroma; stick count plus digestible formula make it our best budget pick among Ol’ Roy chew lines.
6. Ol’ Roy 50-Ounce Bark’n Bac’n Treats, Twin Pack, Two 25oz. Stay Fresh Pouches
Overview: Ol’ Roy 50-Ounce Bark’n Bac’n Treats arrive as a twin-pack of stay-fresh pouches promising bacon-flavored excitement for dogs of every size.
What Makes It Stand Out: The dual 25-oz resealable bags keep aroma locked in longer, letting you ration out rewards without the usual rapid staleness. At $6.34/lb you’re getting nearly three pounds of bites in one purchase—ideal for multi-dog households or heavy trainers.
Value for Money: Dollar-wise, this is among the lowest-priced treats per ounce on retail shelves. Corn-syrup and by-product heavy ingredient decks explain that cost, but there’s no denying the sheer volume for the price when measured against premium competitors that retail north of $12/lb.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: ultra-low cost, large quantity, dogs reliably love the smoky aroma, convenient twin-pack. Cons: first two ingredients aren’t meat, high in salt and preservatives, bits turn crumbly near bag bottom.
Bottom Line: If your primary goal is bulk training rewards without budget shock, this twin pack is a pragmatic choice. For owners prioritizing clean nutrition, look elsewhere.
7. Ol~Roy Bark’n Bac’n Lean Dog Treats with Real Bacon Chews ~ 25 Oz Pouch ~ (1 Pack)
Overview: The single 25-oz pouch of Bark’n Bac’n Lean positions itself as a lighter version of the classic strip, again championing real bacon up front.
What Makes It Stand Out: Marketing emphasizes “lean” formulation; calorie count per strip is indeed lower, offering guilt-free repetitive rewarding during obedience sessions.
Value for Money: At $6.39/lb you pay a penny more per pound than the twin-pack, a negligible difference unless you’re price-scrutinizing bulk purchases.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: tasty and soft for senior dogs, first ingredient is real meat, dogs treat-orient faster, resealable pouch. Cons: still contains corn and soy, strips shred easily creating carpet dust, a single pouch empties quickly with big breeds.
Bottom Line: Hands-down better than the non-lean twist, and still wallet-friendly. It isn’t gourmet, yet owners seeking a softer, lower-calorie training bite will be satisfied.
8. Ol’~Roy Jerky Stick Dog Treats with Real Beef Chews ~ 25 Oz Box ~ (2 Pack)
Overview: A 2-pack of 25-oz boxes offering jerky-style sticks made with real beef, pitched as solid long-lasting chews and an economical pick all in one.
What Makes It Stand Out: Real beef leads the ingredient list while the jerky texture delivers a mild dental scrubbing action. Two separate boxes split the volume neatly—store one, freeze one, or gift one.
Value for Money: At $0.72 an ounce ($11.50/lb) it costs noticeably more than the Bark’n Bac’n line, but remains significantly cheaper than most boutique jerkies.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: meat-forward formula, reduced artificial flavorings, chew keeps dogs occupied, 50 oz lasts weeks. Cons: uniform size may overwhelm tiny breeds, dehydrates into sharp shards if left in open air, sodium level is worrisome for salt-sensitive pups.
Bottom Line: A solid middle-ground treat: not raw diet purity, yet far better than corn chip-style snacks. Stock up during sales.
9. Ol’ Roy Rawhide 2.5″ Roll with Chicken Dog Treats 36 Count Per Bag
Overview: 36 tightly-rolled 2.5″ rawhide spirals wrapped in dried chicken, targeting power chewers who need something to gnaw.
What Makes It Stand Out: Each roll is petite enough for daily use yet thick enough to survive determined chompers. Chicken coating masks rawhide funk and entices picky dogs.
Value for Money: At over $18/lb this is the priciest item in the Ol’ Roy lineup. You’re paying primarily for chicken layering and roll uniformity rather than rawhide mass.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: keeps destructive dogs busy, chicken layer leaves minimal crumbs, individually wrapped rolls reduce staleness. Cons: rawhide digestion risk remains, coating sticks to carpets, price climbs quickly if Fido demands two rolls daily.
Bottom Line: Moderation is key—great for weekly chewing sessions, steep if used habitually. Supervise heavy chewers.
10. Ol’ Roy Porkhide Chicken Wrapped Twists Dog Treats, 18 Ounces
Overview: Porkhide twists wrapped in chicken occupy an 18-oz bag holding exactly 16 pieces, advertised as grain-free, additive-light chews meant for any dog size.
What Makes It Stand Out: Porkhide is reputedly easier on digestion than beef rawhide, and the spiral shape unrolls slowly, stretching chew time while scraping teeth.
Value for Money: At $1.33/oz ($21.30/lb) pricing reaches boutique treat territory. One bag treats a 50-lb dog to eight days of snacking if fed daily.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: single-ingredient porkhide plus visible chicken, no artificial dye mess, enticing aroma, twists break in half for toy breeds. Cons: high price tag, bag reseal sometimes fails, pork odor lingers on hands.
Bottom Line: Quality ingredients justify cost for owners whose dogs tolerate porkhide; use strictly as high-value chews rather than everyday nibbles.
Why the 2020 Ol Roy Recall Still Matters
The recall’s ripple effect went far beyond a single SKU. It exposed fragile supply chains, weak microbial controls, and sluggish reporting windows that left consumers uninformed for weeks. Beyond the immediate health risk, it shattered trust in “big-box” grooming-aisle staples and pushed shoppers to question whether low cost automatically equals low care.
Health Risks Highlighted by the Contamination
Salmonella doesn’t just cause vomiting or diarrhea in dogs; it colonizes their digestive tract and can live in feces for weeks—turning any household into a cross-contamination zone. Immunocompromised pups, senior dogs, and homes with kids or elderly residents felt the brunt. The incident also spotlighted aflatoxins, mycotoxins, and low-grade preservatives that fly under the radar when recalls focus solely on bacteria.
How Pet Food Safety Standards Have Changed Since 2020
In 2021, the FDA rolled out a guidance that triggered stricter environmental monitoring plans for all pet-food manufacturers. By 2024, random finished-product testing for pathogens became industry norm, not the exception. Meanwhile, AAFCO strengthened definitions around “human-grade,” “natural,” and “organic,” forcing brands to back up buzzwords with third-party audits. UPC-level traceability tags now make it possible to pinpoint a recall down to the hour of production.
Decoding Budget vs Premium Labels Without the Marketing Spin
Price is shaped by marketing overhead, packaging sex-appeal, and celebrity endorsements—not just ingredient integrity. Learn to read the guaranteed analysis and the nutritional adequacy statement on the back panel first; the silky glossy photo on the front is just a pretty distraction. In 2025, mid-range price points often mirror premium nutrition if you know which corners to care about (hint: it’s rarely the gold foil embossing).
Spotting Red Flags in Ingredient Lists FAST
Red-dyed kibble pieces, generic “meat by-products,” or any chemical sounding like jet fuel—D-xylose, BHT/BHA, or rendered “digest”—should prompt a mild panic attack. Words such as “meal,” “flour,” or “concentrate” can be safe when accompanied by named species (chicken, salmon), but when paired with vague terminology like “animal” or “poultry,” you’re buying a black box.
Manufacturing and Sourcing Transparency: What You Must Ask
Modern packages carry QR codes that zip you straight to supplier audits, COAs (Certificates of Analysis), and recall histories. If that information takes more than two clicks to find—or you’re told to email customer service—treat it as a demerit. Under FSMA Section 204, traceability lot codes now travel from farm to bowl in under 24 hours. Demand nothing less.
The Role of Third-Party Testing Certificates
Look for a visible seal from NASC, NSF, or SQF. These bodies don’t sell food; they sell accountability, and neither tax nor label guile can hide prior violations from them. Each audit is searchable by lot number, giving you an unprecedented “open payroll” view of a treat’s journey.
Portion Control Tricks That Save You Money—and Calories
Over-treating is the silent budget killer. Pre-portion snacks into weekly silicone freezer trays or re-use cleaned spice shakers to dole out freeze-dried cubes like sprinkles. A smaller treat, paired with enthusiastic praise, can carry more emotional punch than a fist-sized biscuit your dog finishes in half a second.
Texture and Dental Considerations for Everyday Snacks
Crunchy treats add abrasion that scrapes plaque; soft, chewy ones offer jaw exercise for seniors with worn teeth. The ideal rotation employs both—morning dental crunch, evening soft reward. Just ensure softer treats aren’t loaded with extra sugars to compensate for moisture content.
Allergen & Homemade Angle: Cooking for Your Dog Without Going Broke
Batch-cook steamed sweet-potato coins or dehydrated chicken breast in a countertop air fryer. Per-treat cost undercuts store-bought grain-alternative SKUs, and you’ll see every ingredient. Freeze extra slices on parchment trays, then store in sandwich bags—your future self will thank you on busy weekday mornings.
Storage Tips to Extend Shelf Life and Prevent Spoilage
Vacuum-sealed mason jars or desiccant-lined buckets can double the safe-use window on delicate freeze-dried liver. Keep treats away from garage heat spikes; temperatures above 85 °F rapidly oxidize fats and reactivate dormant microbes. A min-max digital thermometer next to your treat stash pays for itself in prevented waste.
How to Monitor Your Dog for Food-Safety Issues at Home
Log new treats in a running spreadsheet or a simple phone note: brand, lot code, date started, and daily stool score (1–7 scale). Within 72 hours of a new batch, watch for soft stools, excessive gas, or low appetite—subtle but early red flags. Any sudden uptick warrants both veterinarian contact and a temporary diet reset.
Leveraging Loyalty Programs, Auto-Ships, and Bulk Buying to Lower Costs
Subscription discounts and BIG-BAG calculators taught savvy owners that 25-lb bundles cut per-treat price by 30-40%. Just ensure you’ll realistically use that volume before fat rancidity sets in—usually six months for most shelf-stable treats. Many retailers also allow loyalty points on treats combined with vet-recommended food, so stack savings intelligently.
The Rise of Sustainable Proteins as Affordable Alternatives
Crickets, invasive Asian carp, and spent brewing grains are no longer fringe hippie fare—they’re scalable, hypoallergenic protein inputs that thrive on minimal water and land. The result is a mid-range price tag that often undercuts traditional chicken-based snacks once subsidies fluctuate or feed prices spike.
Quick Safety Checklist Before You Click “Buy” or Leave the Store
• Check lot code: less than six months old
• Verify intact seal, no pinholes or dents
• Run QR scan to view most recent COA
• Glance at ingredient panel: single named protein + recognizable produce
• Confirm country of manufacture shows clear regulatory oversight
Frequently Asked Questions
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Were any Ol Roy treats actually linked to dog deaths in 2020?
Official reports listed no confirmed deaths, but dozens of dogs required vet visits for moderate to severe GI upset. -
Is “Made in the USA” always safer than imported treats?
Not automatically. Quality hinges on sourcing and testing, not a passport stamp. -
How can I estimate per-treat cost without buying the bag?
Multiply total weight by treat density (listed on back), then divide package price by estimated count. A kitchen scale helps. -
Are freeze-dried or baked treats more shelf-stable?
Freeze-dried win on shelf life and microbial safety, provided oxygen absorbers remain sealed; baked treats need fat stabilizers. -
Can expired dog treats make my puppy sick if they look fine?
Rancid fats oxidize invisibly; off smells may not appear until well past expiry. Discard dated stock on principle. -
My dog has a chicken allergy—what budget proteins are safest?
Single-ingredient salmon, lamb lung crisps, or novel insect bases remain gentle on wallets and tummies alike. -
How long is too long for a treat pouch to sit in my car?
Temperatures above 70 °F for more than four hours accelerate spoilage; use insulated bags in summer. -
Do subscription boxes provide cost transparency compared to grocery aisles?
Worth it only if they list $/oz and allow user-customized ingredient filters—otherwise you’re gambling. -
Are dental chews considered treats or supplements?
If calorie-dense and fed daily, count them as treats; if small and fed rarely for mechanical abrasion, class them as hygiene aids. -
Can I trust online reviews labeled “verified purchase”?
Use cross-platform vetting: ignore 5-star floods from launch week, focus on 3-star critical reviews that discuss ingredients and packaging.