treats

Rather controversial but still well-loved by pups across the nation, the manufacturer of Greenies just announced today that the product will now be offered exclusively through vet hospitals and pet specialty stores. The hard treats help reduce plaque and tartar buildup, but some dogs have trouble chewing and properly digesting them . . . which leaves many animal lovers confused and on the fence about the snacks. Citing studies that show nearly 75 percent of pets exhibit some stage of oral disease by age 3, Carolyn Hanigan, vice president of marketing for Nutro Products, Inc. says:

We believe that pet medical professionals at veterinary hospitals and well-trained, knowledgeable staff at pet specialty stores are best equipped to answer pet owners’ questions about our products, and to make the right recommendation.

I've given these treats to North in the past and, while he'll gladly gobble most anything, I would never offer one unsupervised. What do you think of the news? Does it change your take on the toothbrush-shaped snacks?

Source

Although Samson isn't Irish (obvs), that didn't stop LilPeaPod from making her little guy some special St. Patrick's Day treats to enjoy so he wasn't left out of the celebration fun. She sent in a few photos, and describes how she made the Irish bars with one of my household's favorite ingredients: peanut butter! She writes:

After attending the St. Patrick's Day parade this weekend in San Francisco, I had enough Irish treats and Guinness to last me a week! Since this was Samson's first St. Patty's Day, I didn't want to leave the little guy out of the fun, and decided to make a green-themed treat for him. I took the Peanut Butter and Oatmeal Cookie recipe you posted last year, and cut them into small, bite sized bars. As you can see, I added to the recipe by topping the cookies with a cream cheese and honey frosting. With just a few drops of organic food coloring that I found at my local Whole Foods, I got the nice green tint. It was super easy to make, and my little guy gobbled them up!

Those cookies definitely look good enough to eat! Check out the full cookie and frosting recipe when you read more

There are so many tempting treats out there for pets, but it's tricky when we're drawn to ones we'd want to eat ourselves based on looks . . . with no clue what's inside. That's not the case with these nutritious treats minus artificial colors or flavors – they're human-grade ingredients meant for healthy pets. Cloud Star Farmstand Slices in Apple ($6) or Carrot ($6) are made from dehydrated fruit and veggies just for furballs – simply offer whole to bigger dogs or break up into tiny training treats, too. Yum!

If Samson even knew what I was writing about, I bet his lil mouth would be watering – after all, he totally loved those wild-salmon yummies! Similarly, these healthy dog treats all feature a first ingredient that's surely also number one on your dog's list: meat. Each variety features three skinny layers of codfish (rich in vitamins A and D and omega 3s and 6s) and two thick ones of actual meat blended with sweet potatoes (high in potassium). I'm betting my nonvegetarian pet would love to get his chompers on these! Check out the meaty offerings in a widget below.

As a kid growing up in the Reagan administration, I couldn't understand why the President was so fond of jelly beans when he could have any candy in the world. But to each his own and as a result, Jelly Belly makes a patriotic mix of their sugary sweets. Celebrate democracy with your lil darlings and reward their good behavior at the polls today with an appropriate treat. Here are some delicious options!

• Jelly Belly's Red, White and Blue Mix ($6). The colors of the American flag are represented by Very Cherry, Blueberry and Coconut flavored jelly beans.
• American Flag Cake. This frosted treat is easy for tots to decorate with a couple of handfuls of fruit. And YumSugar offers a more difficult option for older kids too!
• Fruit Kabobs. Grade schoolers will love compiling the healthy snacks.
• Red, White and Blue Yogurt Parfaits. Enlist lil helpers to scope these celebratory treats.

For more election inspired bites for the family, check out Yum's edible lineup!

OK, OK, I've got a sweet tooth. I could pass up fries or other savory snack, but show me a cupcake or some ice cream . . . and suddenly there's an empty spot in my tummy. Now I think these pastry chef created Petit Fours look absolutely fab . . . and would make a sweet gift for me my doggie!

Made of peanut butter or carob chip flavors, the small snacks are hand decorated with all pooch safe products. Even the packaging of the petit fours or truffles is presentation-worthy and a totally unique gift for your next pet party. Check 'em out below!

In many parts of the country the temperatures are already dropping, but I'm still holding out for a couple more warm weekends in California. Before Fall totally takes over, pick up this Kool Dogz Ice Treat Maker to get one last use now that it's on sale for just $26. The kit includes a steel base with a reservoir to catch the melting water, a reusable freezing bucket with lid to fill, and a sturdy stake to fit in the ground. Plus, there's a book of treat recipes for your pets – or stick toys inside – just like all their zoo friends.

To check out a gallery of my fave zoo ice bucket snacks of last Summer, read more

Last week a Sugar staffer left me this sample she was handed on her way to work. Sadly, it's not for dogs since North is always up for a taste test, but it got me thinking about our pets with sensitive tummies. Since my pooch is healthy, has no allergies, and loves eating even food I don't give him, I would totally mix in a trial product . . . after reading the label of course. Would you do this and has any sample off the street ever led to an entirely new meal plan for your furry friend?