As dog moms, we want treats that feel good to give and even better for our pups to eat. Whether it’s a Beagle Bagel for the peanut-butter lovers or a Winston Woofle packed with cheesy goodness, quality always comes first. If you’ve ever stood in the pet aisle staring at a wall of options thinking, “Okay… but which treats are actually good for my dog?” — this checklist is for you.
✔ 1. Clean, Recognizable Ingredients
If you can’t pronounce it, there’s a good chance your dog doesn’t need it. The best treats start with whole, simple foods: oats, whole wheat, peanut butter, pumpkin, cheese, apples, eggs, and natural colorings like spirulina or beet powder. Clean ingredients keep treats gentle on sensitive stomachs and healthier for everyday snacking.
✔ 2. No Artificial Colors or Preservatives
A surprising number of commercial treats use artificial dyes or chemical preservatives to improve shelf life or appearance. Dogs don’t need bright neon colors to enjoy their food — they just want it to taste amazing. Small-batch treats (like ours!) avoid fillers and focus on freshness instead.
✔ 3. Tail-Wagging Flavor
Dogs are just like us — if it doesn’t taste good, they’re not interested. Texture and smell matter too. A good treat should be:
• flavorful without being overly salty
• crunchy enough for satisfaction
• soft enough to break for training
Each Dog Mom Club recipe is tested and approved by our in-house crew: Doug, Winston, Lucy, and Layla.
✔ 4. Appropriate Size for Your Pup
Big treats for big dogs, bite-sized treats for training, “loopies” for little mouths — size matters more than you might think. Good treats should match your pup’s age, jaw strength, and chewing style.
✔ 5. Transparency From the Maker
Whether it’s a local bakery (hi!) or a national brand, you should know:
• what’s in the treat
• where it was made
• when it was made
• whether ingredients are dog-safe
Small-batch bakeries like ours in Overland Park, KS and Riverside, MO make it easy to know exactly who baked your dog’s treats — because it was literally Jessie or Leia.
✔ 6. Freshness You Can See
Real ingredients mean real texture and real color. A good treat should look and smell like what it’s made of — peanut butter, apple, pumpkin, cheese — not plastic or overly processed.
✔ 7. Made With Purpose
The best treats aren’t just snacks; they’re moments of connection. Whether it’s training, rewarding good behavior, celebrating a Gotcha Day, or offering comfort, treats are part of how we speak love to our dogs.
And that’s why Dog Mom Club treats are crafted with intention in every batch: safer ingredients, smarter recipes, and a whole lot of love.