Healthy Treat Options for Dogs (And Smarter Ways to Reward Them)

Treats are one of the best ways to reward your dog—but too many (or the wrong kind) can lead to weight gain, low energy, and poor nutrition.

The good news?
You don’t have to stop treating—you just need to treat smarter.

The Problem with Traditional Treats

Many store-bought treats are:

• High in calories
• Filled with additives
• Easy to overfeed

And because they’re small, it’s easy to give “just one more”… which adds up quickly.

What Makes a Treat “Healthy”?

A better treat option should:
✔ Use simple, recognizable ingredients
✔ Be portion-controlled
✔ Offer mental stimulation (not just quick eating)

That last one is key—because sometimes your dog isn’t hungry… they’re just bored.

Smarter Treat Option #1: Buddy Butter

If your dog loves peanut butter, this is a game-changer.

Buddy Butter by Bark Bistro is made specifically for dogs—so you don’t have to worry about harmful ingredients like xylitol.

✔ Easy to portion (no over-scooping)
✔ Perfect for training rewards
✔ Great for spreading on enrichment toys

It’s a simple way to turn a treat into a longer-lasting activity.

Smarter Treat Option #2: Lick Mats

Lick mats are one of the easiest ways to:

• Slow your dog down
• Reduce anxiety
• Add mental stimulation

Instead of giving multiple treats, you can:
👉 Spread a small amount of Buddy Butter (or another healthy option)
👉 Let your dog lick and engage for several minutes

✔ Fewer calories
✔ More engagement
✔ Happier dog

Why Enrichment Matters More Than Quantity

Many dogs don’t need more food—they need more stimulation.

Using tools like lick mats:

• Keeps them busy
• Reduces boredom behaviors
• Makes treat time last longer

Think quality over quantity.

Easy Swaps You Can Make Today

Instead of:
❌ Handing out multiple treats

Try:
✔ One lick mat session
✔ A small amount of Buddy Butter
✔ Rotating enrichment activities

Final Thought 🐾

Treats should do more than just taste good—they should support your dog’s health and happiness.

With a few simple swaps, you can turn everyday treats into something that’s better for your dog and more engaging.

Stop by Hugo & Roy’s Pet Boutique to pick up Buddy Butter, lick mats, and other healthy treat options your dog will love.

Not sure what to put on a lick mat?
We’ve got pre-filled options ready to grab in our fridge—perfect for an easy, mess-free way to get started.