Skip to main content

Follow Me

Dog Treats I’ve Actually Tried (And Why I Suggest You Try Them Too)

 

Dog Treats I’ve Actually Tried (And Why I Suggest You Try Them Too)

Working in a pet store, surrounded by all sorts of dog treats, it’s easy to get curious. Some treats are clearly made for dogs only, others? Well, let’s just say humans aren’t missing out. Over the years, I’ve tried several dog treats myself—and some even ended up as unintentional human snacks. Here’s a roundup of my favorites (and funny mishaps) that I genuinely recommend.

Three Dog Bakery: Mini Cremes

These were little gems—think Oreo, but healthier. Sadly, the mini versions have been discontinued, though the full-sized cookies are still available. Funny story: my son once took a bag of Mini Cremes to kindergarten and ate them at lunch. Cue a call from the school about my child eating dog treats. My response? “Check the ingredients and try one. If there’s still a problem, call me back.” Spoiler: they never did.

When Three Dog Bakery launched their peanut butter-stuffed pretzel bites, my daughter devoured the entire bag before we even got home from the store (a two-minute drive). Her review? “These are the best pretzels I’ve ever eaten, but I wish they had more salt.” Honestly, I couldn’t argue with her.

Lord Jameson Treats

These treats first caught my eye because they looked like little cake balls. Curiosity got the better of me, and I tried one. To my surprise, they were pretty good. Think slightly overbaked, dry cake balls—maybe not gourmet for humans, but definitely enjoyable as a novelty snack.

My staff loved them too. When I asked my team to recommend a must-try product, Lord Jameson treats came up repeatedly. It’s always a good sign when the store staff secretly snack on the products they sell.

The Butcher's Companion: Sausage Bites (Pork Recipe)

This was the one product I knew I had to test. Mini pepperoni sticks for dogs? Genius. The dogs went wild, of course, but the real surprise was the kids. Both started packing them in their lunches and occasionally squabbling over the last piece. My typical refrain: “They are dog treats, not school snacks!” But in reality, it’s hard to complain. The treats are low in sodium, high in protein, and perfect for dogs—and apparently pretty irresistible to humans too.

Merrick Dog Food: The Chicken Wing Experience

I had the privilege of meeting a representative from Merrick, who explained their unique approach to dog food—like including an entire chicken wing (bone and all) in their cans. Naturally, that meant tasting it myself. The verdict? Tender, flavorful, and shockingly delicious. Not something I’d normally eat, but if you ever get the chance… well, it might just change your perspective on dog food.

Performatrin Ultra: Chicken Stew

This one comes with a “don’t try this at home” twist. I brought home a can of Performatrin Ultra Chicken Stew for my dog—damaged label, questionable appearance, the works. I marked it simply as “chicken stew” on the top and left it on the counter. Later that night, I asked my husband how the dogs liked their dinner… only to learn he had eaten it himself. His verdict? “Very good for a canned stew—just needs a little salt and pepper.”

The Risks of Trying Dog Treats and Food

While tasting dog treats can be fun and sometimes surprisingly tasty, there are real risks to keep in mind:

  • Ingredient differences: Some dog foods contain vitamins, minerals, or supplements in concentrations suitable for dogs but not for humans. Consuming large amounts could cause digestive upset.

  • Raw or undercooked ingredients: Certain raw proteins or organ meats carry a risk of bacterial contamination, like Salmonella or E. coli, which can be harmful to humans.

  • Sodium and additives: Some treats may have higher salt or preservatives than you’re used to, which can be harmful if eaten frequently.

  • Choking hazards: Many dog treats are designed for smaller mouths or chewing patterns different from ours. Eating treats too quickly could be a choking risk.

So, while sampling a tiny piece can be fun—and sometimes educational—it’s best to limit it to fully-cooked or baked treats and always check the ingredients first. When in doubt, let the dogs enjoy them safely instead.

Why I Recommend Trying Dog Treats (For Dogs, Mostly)

Some dog treats are surprisingly high-quality, made with real ingredients, and—let’s be honest—delicious. Whether it’s cookies, mini sausages, or peanut butter pretzels, these treats often focus on the health of your dog: low sodium, low calories, high protein. Sampling them occasionally gives you peace of mind about what you’re feeding your furry friends—and maybe even a funny story for your family.

Dogs deserve the best, and sometimes, humans get lucky enough to taste it too.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Winter Effects on Your Dog’s Weight

Winter Effects on Your Dog’s Weight: Why It Happens and How to Help Winter can be a challenging season for dogs — from icy walks to long, lazy days indoors. But did you know that cold weather can also affect your dog’s weight? When the snow starts to fall and temperatures drop, many of us notice changes in our dogs — from lower energy to dry skin. One change that can sneak up on pet parents is weight fluctuation . Dogs may gain or lose weight in the winter depending on their activity level, metabolism, and environment. Understanding these seasonal shifts can help you keep your pup at a healthy weight year-round. A brisk winter walk can help your dog maintain a healthy weight. 🐾 Why Dogs May Gain Weight in Winter Less activity: Cold weather and shorter days often mean fewer walks, shorter playtimes, and less overall movement. Extra calories: Many owners add “comfort foods” or extra treats during the holidays, leading to calorie overload. Indoor l...
6 comments
Read more

Treats That Should Be Marketed for Both Dogs and Cats

Treats That Should Be Marketed for Both Dogs and Cats Because good ingredients don’t need a species label. We live in a world where dogs steal cat treats and cats nibble on dog jerky—and the truth is, many treats don’t need to be separated by species at all. Especially in multi-pet homes, the overlap in healthy, species-appropriate ingredients is huge. So why are treats marketed so differently? Why the Divide Exists Short answer: marketing and money. The pet industry thrives on duplication—more labels, more packaging, more sales. But if you read the back of a high-quality single-ingredient cat treat and compare it to a dog treat… they’re often identical. Dogs are scavenging carnivores, cats are obligate carnivores, and both benefit from meat-first, low-carb, additive-free snacks. Treats That Are Perfect for Both Dogs and Cats 🐟 Freeze-Dried Fish (Salmon, Minnow, Whitefish) Why it works: High in Omega-3s, supports joint and coat health, and irresistible to both speci...
7 comments
Read more

Why the 80/10/10 Raw Food Ratio Isn’t Always Enough for Dogs — and How We Can Do Better

Why the 80/10/10 Raw Food Ratio Isn’t Always Enough for Dogs — and How We Can Do Better If you’ve been in the raw feeding world for any amount of time, you’ve probably heard of the 80/10/10 model — 80% muscle meat, 10% bone, and 10% organ. It’s simple, easy to remember, and feels close to what a “whole prey” meal might look like. But as more feeders (and even nutritionists) dig deeper, we’re learning that the 80/10/10 ratio might be more of a starting point than a perfect formula. A recent article on RawFeederLife made that point beautifully — and it’s worth exploring why it matters for our dogs’ long-term health. The 80/10/10 Rule Was Inspired by Nature… But It’s Not the Whole Story The idea behind 80/10/10 was to mimic a natural prey animal — a rabbit, bird, or rodent — and what a wild canine would eat if it caught one. The problem? Most of us aren’t feeding entire prey animals. Even if you’re sourcing great ingredients, chances are you’re missing a few thi...
11 comments
Read more