Your dog may be as excited about those Halloween trick-or-treat bags as your kids are, but we all know chocolate candies and sugary snacks are no-nos for fidos. The good news is that there are plenty of autumn seasonal and Halloween treats made specifically for your dog. That means they can safely enjoy their own trick-or-treat snack alongside you and your kids.
Best “bark”ery style treats
Molly’s Barkery treats are available exclusively at Target, and a seasonal three-pack of cookies is priced at an affordable $4.99. This year’s flavors feature cinnamon and apple. Two of the cookies are seasonally decorated bone shapes. But when you see the large, beautifully decorated latte cup cookie, forget about your dog begging for people treats — you may just be tempted to try theirs! These are a top-rated selection if you want to treat your dog to a bakery-style cookie for a retail price. Google shoppers rated them 4.7 out of 5.
Best DIY decorated treats
For the DIYers out there, Hyde and Eek Boutique makes a gingerbread cookie kit for dogs with colored icings and “candy” shapes to let you create your own masterpiece for your furry friend. It comes with six pre-baked cookies in the shape of bones and Frankenstein monster heads. Although the cookies are only for adult dogs, the decorating would be a fun seasonal activity to do with your kids to show some love to your canine companion in an out-of-the-ordinary way. Other kits are also available, including a spooky gingerbread house, so if you enjoy putting an individual touch on your doggie delights, you need not be limited to this design. This kit is available from Target for $8 and receives a consumer rating of 4.7 out of 5.
Best Halloween countdown pack
Available exclusively at PetSmart, the Thrills and Chills Collection 13 Days ‘til Halloween countdown calendar offers dogs delectable peanut butter flavored treats in shapes of bats, witch hats, bones, and a ghost. The countdown calendar concept is a good way to activate your dog’s sensory impulses, sniffing out the day’s treat one at a time. However, this type of treat comes in a limited selection. Another brand from another retailer offers a dozen days of new toys, but because the size of the toys is so petite, it’s best suited for small and mid-sized dogs only. These treats are suitable for all dogs, depending on their chewing style, but package directions warn that the colored frosting on them may stain. The calendar is available for $9.99, and buyers rate it a 4.2 out of 5.
Best variety pack
Many of us buy variety candy packs for a selection to give to trick-or-treaters. Why not get your dog a variety pack of treats too? The Milk-Bone and Pup-peroni trick-or-treat variety bag is a limited edition offering from Wal-Mart this Halloween holiday season. It includes six 1 oz. servings of small, crunchy Milk-Bone treats and six 1 oz. servings of the popular, chewy Pup-peroni treats. It’s a spooky good option for dogs who enjoy different types of treats — it’s like they have their own Halloween goodie bag! — or if you have multiple dogs with different treat preferences. A 12 oz. bag costs $6.98, and Wal-Mart shoppers give it an incredible rating of 4.9 out of 5.
Best seasonal flavor organic treats
For pet owners who want to treat their canine companions to healthy, wholesome, organic treats, Riley’s Organic pumpkin and coconut recipe provides bite-sized bones with a power-packed punch. Pumpkin is a top-recommended ingredient to sooth sensitive doggie stomachs, it’s loaded with good vitamins and minerals for both people and pooches, and most dogs seem to love the taste. It’s no surprise then that this organic treat recipe is a favorite often recommended by veterinarians. It also comes in other seasonally appropriate flavors, such as apple, sweet potato, and peanut butter and molasses. Riley’s Organic brand is available from multiple retailers, including Amazon, Wal-Mart, and Chewy, with prices varying from around $6 - $8 for a 5 oz. bag. Google shoppers rate it at 4.7 out of 5.
Conclusion
Don’t be tricked into believing the selection of Halloween treats for your doggo is limited. A wide variety of highly rated seasonal treats is available, and those highlighted here are just the beginning. You know your dog’s tastes, preferences, and potential special dietary needs, so you have plenty of information at your fingertips to give them a ghoulishly good gourmet experience this spooky holiday season.