Peppermint is never necessary for your dog, and it can be harmful depending on how much your dog is exposed to and any other ingredients in the product.

Peppermint Plants

Most dogs are unlikely to take a bite out of a peppermint plant in your house or yard, but some dogs are more adventurous than others. Chomping on a few peppermint leaves is unlikely to cause any harm other than possibly some stomach upset.

If your dog decides to consume an entire peppermint plant, he is more likely to experience vomiting and diarrhea.

Peppermint Candy

If your dog ate peppermint candy, check the ingredients for that exact product. A plain peppermint candy with sugar is not a problem for most dogs unless they eat a bunch of them.

Xylitol, or birch sugar, is a secret killer that may be lurking in peppermint candies. This artificial sweetener is extremely toxic to dogs, causing a dramatic drop in blood sugar, liver failure, and seizures. Depending on the dose and the size of the dog, consuming xylitol can cause death.

If the peppermint candy that your dog ate was sugar-free, contact your veterinarian or an emergency vet immediately.

Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil is highly concentrated, increasing both the aroma we humans love and, unfortunately, the risks for our dogs.

Licking or absorbing a small amount of diluted peppermint oil will probably have no ill-effects. Exposure to high doses or to undiluted oil can cause toxicity. This can occur if the dog licks the oil or if it is applied to his skin.

Symptoms of peppermint oil toxicity include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Skin irritation
• Weakness/lethargy
• Poor coordination
• Excessive drooling
• Ulcers in the mouth
• Difficulty breathing
• Seizures

If you suspect your dog has been exposed to peppermint oil or peppermint essential oil and he is showing any of these symptoms, contact a pet-poison hotline. The Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 and ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435 are both excellent and have all of the latest information on toxicity in pets. These services do charge a fee, but it is worth every penny.

The hotline will guide you on what you can do yourself at home and will also be available to guide your veterinarian with treatment decisions.

What to Do If Dog Eats Candy Cane

If your dog ate a candy cane, check the box for a full list of ingredients. Sugar-free candy canes are the most likely to cause harm to your dog, so be on the look for xylitol or birch sugar.

If the candy cane contains xylitol, call your veterinarian or an emergency hospital immediately.

If you are uncertain about the ingredients in the candy cane, call a pet-poison hotline. They will help you determine if your dog needs immediate care, a routine appointment during business hours, or if you can monitor at home.

If the candy cane does not have any toxic ingredients, you can keep an eye on your dog at home. He may experience a little stomach upset such as vomiting or diarrhea but may also be totally fine. Smaller dogs are at more risk of developing symptoms than larger dogs, and the amount of candy cane that your dog ate will also affect his risk.

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Sometimes dogs get into trouble because family members are sneaking them too many treats, but other times the dog helps herself to the counter, table, or garbage can. Either way, these “treats” can lead to temporary and even long-term illness in your dog.

We suggest that, to ensure that you and your dog are both able to enjoy the festivities in the moment, you:

• Instruct guests to not feed the dog without your permission, especially dogs with known food allergies or sensitivities or a sensitive stomach
• Set aside tidbits for your pup so you know how much she is eating throughout the day
• Avoid fatty cuts of meat
• Avoid dairy products
• Stick to minimal seasoning on any food that you feed your dog
• Use baby gates to keep your dog out of food prep areas
• Consider crating your dog or confining her to another room if she is a known food thief
• Secure the turkey carcass and other garbage in a can that your dog either cannot access or cannot open

What Can Dogs Eat on Thanksgiving?

Of course your dog can eat many plain unseasoned  vegetables, but in case you’re wondering about Thanksgiving staples that your dog can have in moderation, we’ve got you covered:

Turkey: Offer your dog a small amount of cooked meat. The skin is typically higher in fat and salt/seasonings, making it less ideal for your pup. Gizzards and organ meat are tasty treats for dogs who tolerate them, but they are also rich.

Ham: Allow tiny pieces of cooked ham, avoiding fatty areas. Ham is typically both fatty and salty, so just give your dog a taste.

Mashed potatoes: Plain mashed potatoes without too many things added in are safe for your dog, though she may not enjoy them, but skip the gravy.

Carrots: Your dog can enjoy carrots cooked or raw! Ideally feed ones that are not heavily seasoned.

Sweet potatoes: Offer to your dog plain, with minimal seasoning.

Pumpkin: Plain canned pumpkin is an excellent healthy treat for dogs. Offer a teaspoon or so if your dog has not had it before. You can even make your dog’s own pumpkin treats.

Pumpkin pie:   Pumpkin pie has a lot more sugar than plain canned pumpkin, but your dog can have a small taste.

Green beans: Plain, cooked green beans are an excellent snack for your dog.

Cranberries: Plain and cooked cranberries are safe for your dog. If your family uses the classic cranberry sauce recipe of just cranberries, sugar, and water, your dog can even have a small taste of cranberry sauce (don’t go too overboard because of the high sugar content). If you add additional ingredients to your cranberry sauce, your dog should skip this dish.

Thanksgiving for Your Dog: Caution

Always remember that, while there are many Thanksgiving foods dogs can eat, err on the side of caution. Offer your dog small portions that do not have extra sugar or seasonings and avoid fatty foods.

The simplest option is often to set aside your dog’s “meal” ahead of time so you know exactly how much of each thing she will be getting. And if your pup has a sensitive stomach, save your carpets by not giving her any foods that she is not used to.

The post Thanksgiving Foods Dogs Can Eat appeared first on Whole Dog Journal.

Most dogs love vegetables, including tomatoes. They’re a healthy treat, although they probably aren’t as popular as green beans and carrots when it comes to canine veggie favorites.

How Much Tomato Can My Dog Eat?

To feed tomato to your dog, cut the tomato into small pieces, about a half inch in size. How many of these bite-size tomato goodies your dog can eat depends, of course, on the dog’s size. With small dogs, we would start with one or two bites; large dogs might start with three to four. There is no set “feed this many” rule. But, with all dogs, introduce tomatoes lowly because you don’t want to cause digestive upset. Dogs may react differently. Reactions like diarrhea and vomiting are signs that your dog has eaten too many tomato bites.

Note: There is always a chance of an allergic reaction, like with any other “new” food item, when you feed tomatoes. If your dog begins to pant abnormally, shows respiratory depression, tremors, or any kind of weakness, call your veterinarian immediately. If you can’t reach your vet, call the ASPCA Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661. There may be a charge for the call, but it’s worth every penny.

Can Dogs Eat Cherry Tomatoes?

Cherry tomatoes, also known as grape tomatoes, are a hybrid tomato believed to have developed naturally mixing a wild tomato and a garden variety tomato. They’re tomatoes, so the same “rules” for sharing them with your dog apply: in moderation, no stems or leaves, no green parts, and a tiny piece.

Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes Raw?

Yes, dogs can eat raw tomatoes, but no stems, leaves, or green parts, and always feed tomatoes in moderation. Honestly, most dogs are likely better off with raw tomatoes, as there are concerns with cooked tomatoes about added ingredients that could be toxic to your dog.

Can Dogs Eat Tomato Sauce?

Unless you’re making your tomato sauce—and know every ingredient included—we would avoid sharing tomato sauce with your dog. The concerns about common additives like garlic and onion are just not worth the risk. Many typical ingredients in tomato sauce are not acceptable for your dog, and most dogs prefer a small piece of a ripe raw tomato.

Overall, veggies like tomatoes can make good treats, especially for overweight dogs. Tomatoes are rich in nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin A, and folate (vitamin B9). Tomatoes are also a good source of fiber.

You may find tomatoes in the top 10 ingredients of your dog food, sometimes listed as tomato pomace, which is a byproduct of tomato processing. Tomato pomace is an inexpensive but healthy ingredient often used in your dog’s food. Tomato pomace contains lycopene, a powerful antioxidant.

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Start With the Right Kind of Pumpkin

Plain pureed canned pumpkin is your primary ingredient. Try a made-for-dogs product like  Nummy Tum Tum Organic Pumpkin for Pets or use a single-ingredient canned pumpkin, such as Libby’s Pure Pumpkin Puree, Farmer’s Market Organic Pumpkin Puree or Lucky Leaf Canned Pumpkin. Canned pumpkin pie mix, which contains sugar and spices, is not recommended.

To make your own puree from fresh pumpkin, use small pumpkins sold for pie making rather than the fibrous jack-o-lantern pumpkins associated with October 31^st. Cut 2 small pumpkins in half, scrape the seeds out with a spoon, and place the pieces face-down on a baking sheet. Bake at 350ºF (177ºC) for 45 minutes or until the pumpkin is golden brown and fork-tender. Peel the skin off and place chunks in a blender or food processor, adding a small amount of water if needed. Pulse or blend the pumpkin until smooth. Alternatively, mash the pumpkin with a potato masher, press it through a potato ricer, or process it with a food mill.

Store pumpkin puree in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 7 days, or place it in a Ziplock freezer bag, press the air out, and freeze it for up to 6 months.

Basic Instructions for Pumpkin Dog Biscuits

When making pumpkin dog biscuits, combine dry ingredients with a mixer, food processor, or by hand, then add other ingredients to create a stiff or soft dough. Lightly grease cookie sheets or line them with kitchen parchment paper before baking to prevent sticking.

Stiff doughs can be rolled flat with a rolling pin (place dough between two sheets of parchment paper or plastic wrap or on a floured surface before rolling) and shaped with a cookie cutter, pizza cutter, or knife. For dog-related cookie cutters, visit

LokiDokiDog Cookie Cutters, The Cookie Cutter Shop Dog Cookie Cutters, or

Cheap Cookie Cutters Dog Collection. You can also shape stiff dough as a log or cylinder, wrap it in plastic wrap, refrigerate until firm, then slice the roll into discs. To create small round pumpkins, roll dough into balls, pull up to create a little stem on top, and press vertical lines into the sides with a knife.

Soft doughs can be pressed into silicon molds, such as those sold by SodaPup or Etsy Silicone Dog Bone Molds.

Most dog biscuit recipes call for wheat flour, but gluten-free flours are widely sold. Blends containing almond flour, coconut flour, arrowroot starch, tapioca starch, cassava flour, rice flour, or potato starch are designed to replace equal quantities of wheat flour. In the following dog biscuit recipes, use wheat flour or shop for a gluten-free or Paleo flour labeled as a one-to-one replacement for wheat flour.

All recipes are adjustable, so if a dough seems too liquid, add a little more flour, finely ground oats or other thickener. Baking times are approximate because cookie thickness, oven temperatures, and ingredients vary. I used Cup4Cup gluten-free flour to test the recipes given here.

For recipes using peanut butter, try made-for-dog brands that don’t contain xylitol, hydrogenated vegetable oils, sugar, or molasses. Examples include:

• Paw Power Dawg Butter
• Buddy Budder Peanut Butter for Dogs
• Teddie Unsalted Peanut Butter for Dogs
• Dogtastic Gourmet Peanut Butter for Dogs

While baking dog treats, check the oven every 10 minutes and reduce or extend baking time as needed. Cool treats on a wire rack. Leaving treats at room temperature for a day or two helps harden biscuits to make them crunchier. Depending on ingredients, home-prepared treats may last several days to a week or more at room temperature or longer in the refrigerator. For long-term storage, freeze in air-tight containers. For holiday baking, mix cookie doughs ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze them until a few days before gift giving, then bake and gift-wrap.

Try These Easy Recipes

Pumpkin Peanut Butter Biscuits for Dogs

• 3/4 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1 egg
• 2 cups gluten-free or equivalent flour

Combine the pumpkin, peanut butter, and egg yolk in a large bowl. Gradually add flour and stir until combined. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut shapes by hand or with cookie cutters and place 1 inch apart on prepared cookie sheets. Bake at 375^oF (190^oC) for 20-25 minutes or until lightly brown.

Pumpkin, Carrot, and Coconut Biscuits for Dogs

• 2 cups gluten-free or equivalent flour
• 3/4 cup pumpkin puree
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened peanut or almond butter
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 cup grated carrots
• 1 cup shredded dried unsweetened coconut

Combine ingredients, roll to 1/4 to 3/8 inch thick and shape with cookie cutters. Bake at 350^oF (177^oC) for 30 to 35 minutes, or until lightly brown.

Soft Pumpkin Treats for Dogs

“Soft” treats are appreciated by dogs with tooth problems. Most contain vegetable glycerin, a plant-derived syrup that acts as a moisturizer and preservative. Food-grade vegetable glycerin from Glycerin Supplier, Starwest Botanicals, and other manufacturers is sold online and in natural food stores. If you don’t have vegetable glycerin, substitute honey, which also works well in soft treats.

• 2 cups pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup grated apple or 1/4 cup applesauce
• 1/4 cup honey or vegetable glycerin
• 1 egg
• 1-1/2 cups gluten-free or equivalent flour

Combine ingredients and drop dough with a teaspoon to form mounds on prepared baking sheets, placing them an inch or more apart. Bake at 350^oF (177^oC) for 20 minutes. Refrigerate in an airtight container to maintain soft consistency and prevent mold growth.

Frozen Pumpkin Treats for Dogs

Here are three simple variations:

Pumpkin Peanut Butter Frozen Treats

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup melted or softened coconut oil

Pumpkin Frozen Yogurt Treats

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or regular yogurt that you strain overnight through cheesecloth or a mesh strainer to thicken it
• 1/4 cup melted or softened coconut oil

Pumpkin Banana Frozen Treats

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup mashed ripe banana
• 1/4 cup melted or softened coconut oil

Mix ingredients and fill silicone molds or ice cube trays. Freeze for at least 2 hours, then remove treats from the molds or trays and store them in an air-tight freezer bag or container. Remove treats from the freezer a few minutes before serving.

Pumpkin Gummy Treats for Dogs

Gelatin is the key ingredient in sweet or savory gummy treats. Unflavored gelatin powder is available from Great Lakes Grass-Fed Gelatin, Knox Gelatine, and other brands. Soda Pup sells Dogtastic Jelly Shots Gelatin with holiday-themed silicone molds. Gelatin is recommended for aging joints, increased mobility, improved digestion, strong bones, and skin and coat health. Unfortunately, gelatin does not freeze well. Use gummies as training treats or as additions to your dog’s dinner. Adding more gelatin will create firmer gummies.

For your first gummies, sprinkle 3 tablespoons gelatin powder over 1/4 cup unheated coconut water, bone broth, soup stock, water, or other liquid and let it stand a minute or two until the gelatin is absorbed. Heat 1/2 cup of the same liquid until almost boiling, add it to the gelatin, and stir to blend. Add 1/2 cup pumpkin puree and stir gently. Pour into a lightly oiled silicon mold, loaf pan, or tray. Refrigerate until firm. Remove gummies from silicon molds. If using a loaf pan, remove the single slab of cold gelatin and cut it with a knife or cookie cutters. Refrigerate gummies, tightly sealed, for up to 2 weeks.

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Apples are so naturally yummy that they’re often included as an ingredient in commercial dog treats. They’re healthy, too. Apples contain fiber, vitamins A and C, potassium and more nutrients.

How Much Apple Can My Dog Have?

Limit apples to a couple of pieces/slices so you don’t risk digestive upset (maybe a tad more for bigger dogs and a bit less for the littles).

You can give the dogs the apple skin but not the seeds as they contain tiny amounts of cyanide. (Don’t panic if your dog does consume a seed or two because the amount of toxin in an apple seed is small; it’s just best to avoid them.) Don’t feed the apple core either, which could be a choking hazard.

Dogs love red apples, but they can eat green apples, too, like Granny Smiths. Be aware, however, that because green apples are tart, they may not be as well received by your dog as a sweet Red Delicious, for example.

Dogs Can Eat Applesauce

Dogs can eat applesauce, too, but choose unsweetened varieties because dogs don’t need added sugar any more than we do. And, be especially careful to read the entire ingredients list on commercial applesauce to check to be sure the applesauce doesn’t contain xylitol, which is deadly to dogs.  Xylitol may also be listed as birch sugar, wood sugar, and birch-bark extract, according to the Food & Drug Administration.

Interestingly, apple cider vinegar is sometimes added to a dog’s water or food to help digestion and promote beneficial bacteria.

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You have likely seen dog foods and treats that include oatmeal as an ingredient. That’s because it is nutritious. Beneficial nutrients in oatmeal for dogs include:

• Fiber
• Vitamin B
• Omega-6 fatty acids
• Magnesium
• Zinc
• Antioxidants

These qualities can help to support heart and gastro-intestinal tract health for your dog. Oatmeal also can help promote healthy weight and stable blood glucose levels. Oatmeal is good for dogs with diarrhea or loose stools because it’s high in fiber.

How to Feed Oatmeal to Dogs

When cooking oatmeal for your dog, use water instead of milk. Most dogs are lactose intolerant, so water is the better choice. Follow the instructions for the plain oats of your choice. You can even use overnight oats that soak overnight.

As with any new food, introduce oatmeal gradually so that your dog doesn’t get an upset stomach. Start with about a spoonful of cooked oatmeal at a time. You can work up to about 6 ounces of oatmeal a day per 25 pounds of the dog’s bodyweight.

If you plan to home-cook your dog’s meals rather than just feeding oatmeal as a supplemental snack, consult with a veterinary nutritionist or use BalanceIt.com to formulate a complete and balanced diet. This will ensure that your dog gets all the nutrients that she needs to be happy and healthy long term.

And don’t forget to let the oatmeal cool before you serve it to your dog!

Can Dogs Eat Uncooked Oatmeal?

Dogs should not eat uncooked “raw” oatmeal. The cooking process makes it easier for dogs to digest. Eating dry uncooked oatmeal in large quantities may cause your dog to bloat, which is a medical emergency.

Can Dogs Eat Oatmeal Cookies?

Dogs can eat oatmeal cookies once in a great while depending on what else is in them. Remember that raisins and chocolate chips are both toxic to dogs, which rules out many oatmeal cookies. The high sugar content of many cookies is not ideal for our canine companions, however.

Unless you are certain all the ingredients in an oatmeal cookie are safe for dogs, keep that treat for yourself.

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Fries are also usually doused in salt, another potentially problematic ingredient. While a little salt is OK for dogs, a lot of salt can lead to severe dehydration and sodium poisoning.

As with all things, moderation is key! Sharing a fry or two with your dog once in a while should not be a problem, but don’t make fries a large part of your dog’s diet. We also recommend brushing off the salt before serving to your dog, especially for smaller dogs.

Can Dogs Eat Sweet Potato Fries?

Sweet potato fries come with the same rules as “regular” fries. Sweet potatoes are a safe food for dogs to eat but frying them increases the fat content.

Sweet potato fries are also often salted or may be coated in brown sugar. Neither of these are great for your dog in large amounts. Just like with french fries, brush off the salt or sugar when sharing sweet potato fries with your dog.

Dehydrated sweet potato chews are a popular treat with many dogs. You can find these products at your local pet supply stores or online. They are not a long-lasting chew option, but a nice healthy snack that provides some extra entertainment.

For training treats, choose a low-calorie soft treat. Baked chicken – not fried and without seasonings – is a good choice for those special “jackpot!” treat situations.

Otherwise, of course, dog food should be your pup’s normal fare – no matter how much he

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Fruit  Dogs Can Eat

Some fruits that dogs can eat safely are:

• Apples (remove seeds
• Bananas
• Blackberries
• Blueberries
• Cantaloupes
• Coconut
• Cucumbers
• Honeydew melon
• Mango (remove pit)
• Oranges
• Peaches (remove pit)
• Pears
• Pineapple (remove skin and core)
• Pumpkin (cooked)
• Raspberries
• Strawberries
• Watermelon

Offer your dog small pieces of fruit to find out what he likes. Some dogs enjoy many fruits, while others have more particular tastes. You can even use them to make yummy frozen treats.

Many fruits have a high sugar content, and coconut has high fat content. Stick to small amounts of these fruits, especially if your dog is prone to weight gain. Choose fresh fruits, not canned or frozen, which may have a lot of added sugar.

Can Dogs Have Grapes?

No, dogs cannot have grapes. The tartaric acid in grapes, raisins, and sultanas are toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure.

The post What Fruit Can Dogs Eat? appeared first on Whole Dog Journal.

Is Pineapple Good for Dogs?

Not all foods for people are good for dogs, so your question is a wise one.

Pineapple has a variety of vitamins and minerals as well as fiber, all of which can be beneficial for dogs. That said, your dog doesn’t need pineapple to get any of these things, and he gets all the nutrients that he requires from his complete and balanced diet (view our Whole Dog Journal Approved Dog Foods list).

Avoid sharing canned pineapple with your dog, as canned fruits are often loaded with added sugar. Not good for your dog (or for you!).

The core and skin of pineapples are not good for dogs. These parts of the fruit are too hard, and eating them can lead to intestinal obstructions, which are a veterinary emergency.

Pineapple for Dogs Who Eat Poop: Not Worth the Hype

Pineapple juice is sometimes touted as a home remedy for dogs who eat poop. The theory is that by feeding pineapple to all the dogs in the house, it will make their stool too acidic for the culprit to enjoy.

Unfortunately, this is not a reliable solution. By far the best way to stop your dog from eating poop is to pick up all dog poop immediately and not allow your dog to have access to it.

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Safe berries for dogs are easily found at farm stands and in your grocery store:

• Blueberries
• Raspberries
• Blackberries
• Strawberries
• Cranberries

While these berries are safe for your dog, eating too many could still lead to some stomach upset. Start by just giving your dog a couple berries at a time.

Blueberries for Dogs

Blueberries are a source of antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins. They are also an excellent low-calorie treat if your dog is watching her waistline.

Raspberries for Dogs

Raspberries are a source of antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, and manganese. Both red and black raspberries are a healthy snack for dogs. If you have raspberry bushes in your yard, you may have even caught your dog picking some for herself!

Blackberries for Dogs

Blackberries are also a source of antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins. Blackberries are shinier than black raspberries, but both are safe for your dog.

Strawberries for Dogs

Strawberries are a source of antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C, plus may help to whiten your dog’s teeth. You can feed strawberries fresh, frozen, or even dehydrated (mess-free in your pockets!). If there are wild strawberries on your property, you may notice your dog foraging for them herself.

Cranberries for Dogs

Cranberries are a source of antioxidants and vitamins, and may also help to support your dog’s urinary tract health. As with any berry, be sure to avoid ones that have sugar or artificial sweeteners added, as these ingredients are not beneficial to your dog.

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Dog Training Treat Pouch Features to Look For

• Easy-to-clean: Let’s face it, treats can get messy! It’s crucial to choose a pouch made of materials that can be wiped clean or even tossed in the washing machine. If your pouch is easy to clean, you’ll always be ready for your next training session without any leftover mess!
• Easy treat access for you (but not for your dog): Look for a pouch that can be closed, to ensure that treats won’t accidentally spill out – and so your dog can’t reach inside and help himself. Some pouches have a zipper, magnetic closure, or drawstring, but the easiest to open and close quickly are those with a spring-loaded French hinge. While these hinges are the fastest and easiest to open and close, they also wear out over time and may lose their “quick snap” ability.
• Size: You’ll want a dog training treat pouch that can hold a generous supply of treats for your pup. After all, you wouldn’t want to run out of rewards during a training session! Your dog will thank you!
• Extra Features: Whether you prefer a fashionable waist belt, a convenient clip or hook that can fasten to your pants waist or pocket, or an adjustable shoulder strap, you can find a pouch that suits your style. Some pouches even come with extra features like built-in waste bag dispensers or compartments to hold your keys, phone, or other personal items.

Our Top Picks

Terry Ryan Treat Pouch: This is our long-time favorite treat pouch. It features one of those helpful French spring-loaded hinges, which keeps the pouch open until you close it with a quick tap. It comes with a detachable waist belt and a plastic clip so you can attach it to your pants waist or pocket. Its front pocket has no closure, but can hold an average-sized cell phone. The total size is 8.5 inches by 6.5 inches. This is one of the pricier pouches, so keep in mind that the hinge that makes the opening and closing so quick and easy won’t last forever. Available in black and purple. $17.

Petsafe Treat Pouch Sport: This product is similar in every way to the Terry Ryan Treat Pouch, complete with the French hinge, detachable waist belt, and plastic clip; it’s a tad larger, however, at 8 inches by eight inches. A divider in the main compartment keep treats separate and there is a front pocket for your phone and/or keys. Available in black/grey, red/gray, and blue/gray. $18.

Kurgo Go Stuff-It Dog Treat Bag: This dog treat bag features a wide drawstring opening for easy treat access while keeping them fresh (note that the drawstring pulls from the top, making it a tad harder to find, open, and close). Attach it with your own belt or a carabiner (included) clipped to a belt loop. Machine-washable, it includes a zippered side pocket for keys or other small items. Available in blue, red, and navy blue. $13.

Tuff Mutt Treat Pouch: Here’s another pouch that has a drawstring closure, only this one tightens and loosens from the side; it’s easier to find and operate this drawstring than the one on the Kurgo product. Its detachable strap can be used as a belt or over the shoulder, or the pouch can be attached to your belt or waistband with a plastic clip (provided). A small pocket holds a roll of poop bags, which can be dispensed through a handy opening. $17.

POPWARE Pooch Pouch Treat Holder: Made of 100% silicone, this flexible pouch has a slit on top;  treats are kept inside until you slide your hand through the opening. The Pooch Pouch attaches to your belt or waistband with a plastic clip for hands-free carry, is non-porous so it won’t absorb oils or odors, and is dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning. Available in gray and blue $12.

With this tail-wagging selection of treat pouches to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect pouch that suits your needs.

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Over-the Counter Options

If you want to see if it makes any difference, it’s not a bad thing to reach for a calming treat. Calming chews and treats for dogs available in pet stores can help produce a short-term “Zen” for the average dog. Ingredients known to help are L-tryptophan and chamomile (yes, like in turkey or chamomile tea). Interestingly, probiotics have also been shown to help mellow out a dog. L-theanine, valerian root, and hemp (CBD) all have fans who say they help calm a dog.

Solliquin, Pawfy, Purina Calming Care, and Zesty Paws Calming Bites all have their fans, as well as the homeopathic supplement Rescue Remedy. As with any supplement, discuss these with your veterinarian to be sure you don’t interfere with anything your dog is already taking, such as medications or supplements. It is also important to look for products made in the United States and have a National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) seal of approval if possible.

Dog Calming Treats Proof

Most of these products and their ingredients do not have evidence-based medicine behind them. Also, while some ingredients may work for many dogs, other dogs may not respond. That’s also why we recommend you discuss this with your veterinarian.

You should always do a test run on any product before you need it, as in before a known stressful events, just in case your dog does not respond at all or responds in the wrong way. In addition, don’t mix and match supplements without veterinary guidance.

For some dogs, a large and safe chew item such as a treat-filled Kong given while in a crate in a quiet room, works as well or better than any supplement. Even social dogs will benefit from a quiet break from “the action” at times.

Finally, we would be remiss not to recommend behavior training to overcome some anxieties, preferably with the guidance of a force-free/fear-free professional trainer.

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