Picture this: your pup just nailed a flawless “sit-stay,” tail wagging like a metronome on overdrive, and you want to celebrate with something more exciting than the usual biscuit. Enter the whimsical world of Ben-and-Jerry-inspired dog treats—technicolor swirls, dessert-worthy aromas, and flavors that sound like they belong in a scoop shop rather than the pet aisle. These frozen, chewy, and sometimes cake-style desserts are booming in 2025, but not every “doggie sundae” is created equal. Before you hand over a technicolor dollop, it pays to know which ingredients thrill vets, which ones trigger tummy turmoil, and how to decode marketing fluff that melts faster than ice cream on a hot sidewalk.
Below, we dig past the pretty packaging and influencer hype to give you an authoritative, vet-approved roadmap for choosing, serving, and even DIY-ing Ben-and-Jerry-style dog treats. Think of it as your masterclass in canine confection safety, portion psychology, and flavor science—no sugary human ice cream required.
Top 10 Ben And Jerry Dog Treats
Detailed Product Reviews
1. Pedigree Mini Jumbone Small Dog Treats, Beef Flavor, 35 Treats (Pack of 1)
Overview: Pedigree’s Mini Jumbone is a dual-textured chew designed for toy and small-breed dogs (5–15 lb). The 35-count pouch offers individually wrapped “bones” with a crunchy shell and a soft, beefy core—think canine candy-bar.
What Makes It Stand Out: The Jumbone’s size-to-chewing-time ratio is spot-on for little jaws; one treat lasts 30-60 seconds, satisfying without spoiling dinner. The two-in-one texture keeps picky dogs interested better than single-layer biscuits.
Value for Money: At $0.26 apiece, it undercuts most premium chews by half. A month’s supply for a 10-lb dog costs less than a latte.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths—perfect portion size, mess-free, accepted by 9/10 fussy eaters. Weaknesses—contains sugar and artificial colors, not for allergy-prone pups; resealable pouch is wishful thinking once the inner tray is open.
Bottom Line: A convenient, affordable “happy pill” for small dogs when you need guilt-free bribery—just don’t count it as health food.
2. Beneful Purina Made in USA Facilities Dog Training Treats, Baked Delights Snackers – 36 oz. Pouch (Pack of 2)
Overview: Purina’s Beneful Snackers arrive as two 18-oz resealable pouches (36 oz total) of oven-baked cookies shaped like mini carrots, apples, and peas. Soft inside, crunchy outside, and scented like peanut-butter granola.
What Makes It Stand Out: The whimsical shapes double as training incentives; dogs learn “carrot” vs. “pea” cues in minutes. The soft centers make them safe for senior teeth yet crisp enough to scrape light tartar.
Value for Money: $4.69/lb lands in mid-range territory—cheaper than boutique bakery brands, pricier than kibbled biscuits. One pouch lasts a 40-lb dog two weeks of daily obedience work.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths—made in USA, whole-grain base, resealable bags actually reseal. Weaknesses—wheat and soy present; calorie count (20 kcal each) adds up fast for tiny pups; shapes crumble if pocket-carried.
Bottom Line: A fun, dependable training staple for medium to large dogs without grain sensitivities—keep a pouch in the car and one in the treat jar.
3. Three Dog Bakery Lick’n Crunch Sandwich Cookies Premium Dog Treats with No Artificial Flavors, Carob/Peanut Butter, Golden/Vanilla, 39 Ounces (Pack of 1)
Overview: Three Dog Bakery’s Lick’n Crunch is a 39-oz carton of carob-peanut-butter and golden-vanilla sandwich crèmes that look suspiciously like Oreos—for dogs. Baked in small batches, boxed like human cookies.
What Makes It Stand Out: Dogs smell the vanilla from across the room, making these the ultimate photo-prop treat. The re-closable box preserves crunch for weeks, sparing owners from stale-cookie guilt.
Value for Money: $8.20/lb is premium, but each ½-oz cookie breaks into four training nibbles, dropping effective cost to mid-range levels.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths—clean ingredient list, no artificial flavors, all life-stages approved. Weaknesses—high sugar/carob content means strictly occasional use; large-breed dogs swallow them whole.
Bottom Line: Splurge-worthy “birthday cake” for the discerning pup—just resist the urge to dip one in your own coffee.
4. Blue Dog Bakery Perfect Trainers Treat | Small, Soft & Chewy Beef Flavor | Natural Healthy Dog Treats, 6 oz (Pack of 1)
Overview: Blue Dog Bakery’s Perfect Trainers are 6 oz of pea-sized, beef-flavored morsels containing only USA beef, sweet potato, and beef tallow. Each piece is three calories—ideal for clicker marathons.
What Makes It Stand Out: Texture is soft enough to pinch into smaller bits without crumbling, letting owners dial precise calorie control for tiny breeds or waistline-watchers.
Value for Money: $0.86/oz is bargain-basement for an all-natural, USA-sourced treat. One pouch fuels six weeks of daily 10-treat sessions.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths—no artificial anything, resealable bag fits jacket pockets, universally palatable. Weaknesses—limited 6-oz size means frequent reorders for multi-dog homes; aroma is mildly “beef jerky” to human noses.
Bottom Line: The gold-standard low-calorie trainer—buy three pouches at once and you’ll never reach for fatty jerky again.
5. Amazon Brand – Wag Peanut Butter & Banana Flavor Training Treats for Dogs, 1 lb. Bag (16 oz)
Overview: Amazon’s Wag Peanut Butter & Banana Training Treats deliver one pound of pea-sized nibbles whose #1 ingredient is American chicken, reinforced with ground peanuts and dried banana.
What Makes It Stand Out: The 1-lb bag’s volume-to-price ratio dwarfs competitors; you get roughly 450 treats—enough to survive puppy kindergarten and adolescence. The scent is banana-bread-lite, not greasy.
Value for Money: $10.42/lb undercuts almost every grain-free brand by 30-40%. Prime shipping sweetens the deal further.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths—no corn/soy/wheat, no artificial colors, consistent size prevents choking. Weaknesses—reclosable strip can fail after three weeks; banana dust settles at bottom, creating “treat confetti.”
Bottom Line: A bulk-bin champion for high-frequency training—fill every jacket, car, and couch cushion with a handful and still have half a bag left.
6. Pet Jerky Factory Premium Duck and Blueberry 12 oz. Dog Jerky Treats | 100% Human Grade | USA Made | High Protein | Grain Free | Limited Ingredients | No Filler | BHA-BHT Free | Soft-Tender
Overview: Pet Jerky Factory’s Duck & Blueberry jerky is a 12 oz. bag of slow-cooked, human-grade strips made from USDA-inspected, USA-raised duck and antioxidant-rich blueberries. Every batch is produced in a solar-powered, FDA-compliant facility with zero grains, fillers, or chemical preservatives.
What Makes It Stand Out: The treats are literally fit for human consumption—an assurance few brands can match—while the novel duck-and-berry combo delivers both high protein (≈40 %) and palate appeal for even finicky eaters. The soft, tearable texture suits training, seniors, or dogs with dental issues.
Value for Money: At $18.28/lb you pay boutique prices, yet you’re buying certified human-grade meat, domestic sourcing, and ethical manufacturing. Comparable “clean” jerkies run $20–24/lb, so the bag earns its keep if ingredient integrity tops your list.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: Single-protein, limited-ingredient, genuinely human-grade, soft bite, USA solar facility, resealable bag stays fresh.
Cons: Premium cost; 2–3 strips = 40 kcal, so rationing is key for weight-controlled dogs; strong poultry aroma may offend sensitive noses.
Bottom Line: For owners who view pets as family and want the same safety standards their own food meets, this jerky justifies the splurge. Stock up when on sale and break strips into pea-sized pieces to stretch the bag through weeks of high-value rewards.
7. Good ‘n’ Tasty Triple Flavor Snap ‘EMS Gourmet Treats Variety Pack for All Dogs, 15 Count, Reward or Training Treat Made with Real Chicken, Duck and Beef
Overview: Good ‘n’ Tasty Snap ‘EMS bundle 15 soft sticks—five each of chicken, duck, and beef—into one $10.99 purse-style pouch. Pre-scored grooves let you snap tiny squares for repetitive training without crumbs or greasy fingers.
What Makes It Stand Out: Three proteins in a single purchase solve the “flavor fatigue” problem, while the gentle, Play-Doh-like consistency is safe for puppies as young as eight weeks. Real meat leads every formula, and the lack of artificial colors keeps beards stain-free.
Value for Money: $23.76/lb sits mid-pack; you’re primarily paying for convenience and variety. Given that one stick divides into 20–30 tidbits, a single bag funds months of mini-rewards for a small dog or six weeks for an active large-breed student.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: Tri-flavor variety, snap-apart design, soft for all life stages, no synthetic dyes, cost per training morsel is pennies.
Cons: Second ingredient is typically tapioca starch (not grain-free), moderate sodium (135 mg/100 g), resealable sticker loses tack quickly.
Bottom Line: An affordable, training-focused sampler for pet parents who need soft, low-value pieces that still smell like real meat. Keep the sticks in a zip-lock after opening and you’ll have a pocketable, guilt-free motivator that beats dry biscuits every time.
8. BIXBI Liberty Functional Healthy Hip And Joint Dog Jerky Treats, Beef Recipe, 5 Ounce
Overview: BIXBI Liberty Beef Jerky targets mobility support by marrying USA-raised beef with USA-sourced glucosamine (400 mg/kg) and bovine chondroitin (250 mg/kg) in a 5 oz., grain-free strip. No potatoes, rice, or glycerin dilute the protein-rich recipe.
What Makes It Stand Out: Unlike many “joint” treats that import cheap shellfish glucosamine, BIXBI uses domestic, vegetarian-derived glucosamine plus bovine chondroitin, eliminating shellfish allergens. Air-drying concentrates beef flavor while keeping texture pliable enough for senior jaws.
Value for Money: $31.97/lb is steep, yet pharmacy-grade joint supplements alone cost ≈$0.25 per 100 mg. Each ounce of jerky delivers ≈40 mg combined actives, so you’re essentially buying a tasty, whole-food supplement that doubles as a high-value reward.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: Domestic actives, 35 % crude protein, no grains/fillers, only six ingredients, resealable bag, soft for older dogs.
Cons: Price; beef-only may trigger protein allergies; 26 kcal per 2″ strip adds up for large breeds needing therapeutic dosing.
Bottom Line: If your vet has recommended daily glucosamine but pills are a battle, these strips convert medicine time into treat time. Budget for the premium, feed two strips a day, and you’ll usually see willingness to jump into the car improve within a month.
9. Jiminy’s Chewy Training Treats for Dogs, Low Calorie, Hypoallergenic Insect Protein, Made in USA, 6oz, Peanut Butter & Cranberry (Pack of 1)
Overview: Jiminy’s 6 oz. peanut-butter & cranberry bites swap traditional meat for sustainably raised cricket protein, yielding a hypoallergenic, low-calorie (≤3 kcal) training morsel manufactured in the USA under a woman-owned, eco-centric mission.
What Makes It Stand Out: Cricket meal is a complete, novel protein that’s naturally prebiotic and far less resource-intensive than poultry or beef. The result is an allergy-friendly, planet-friendly treat that dogs still rate “high value,” thanks to roasted-nut aroma and a chewy, non-crumbly texture.
Value for Money: At $30.64/lb you’re funding sustainability R&D and small-batch production. Because each treat is tiny, the cost-per-reward rivals ordinary biscuits while eliminating common allergens—well worth it for itchy or environmentally conscious households.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: Novel protein stops itching, <3 kcal allows generous training, non-greasy pocket carry, smells like PB cookies, supports woman-led green biz.
Cons: Psychological “ick” factor for some humans; cricket shortage can create stock outages; resealable cut sometimes too shallow, risking staleness.
Bottom Line: Graduate from “no chicken, no beef” frustration with a treat that’s gentle on the gut and the globe. Perfect for food-sensitivity elimination trials, agility sessions, or guilt-free binge-rewarding while you nail down that stubborn recall.
10. Liberty Functional Healthy Hip And Joint Dog Jerky Treats, Chicken, 5 Ounce
Overview: Liberty Functional Chicken Jerky folds USA-grown chicken with therapeutic doses of glucosamine and chondroitin into a 5 oz., grain-free strip aimed at maintaining healthy hips. No wheat, corn, soy, or artificial preservatives cloud the minimalist recipe.
What Makes It Stand Out: The joint-support blend (400 mg glucosamine & 250 mg chondroitin per kg) is integrated into real-meat jerky, sparing owners from forcing pills or powders. At $6.37 per bag, it’s the cheapest functional jerky on the market—cheaper than many non-medicated biscuits.
Value for Money: $20.38/lb undercuts most premium jerkies by 30–50 %, while including USA-sourced joint actives. Two strips deliver roughly 50 mg combined supplements—about $0.25 worth—so the treat pays for itself if it replaces separate capsules.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: Unbeatable price, single-sourced chicken, grain/gluten-free, soft chew, made in America, clear supplement facts.
Cons: Contains blended chicken “meal” in addition to muscle meat; 22 kcal per 2″ piece; zip pouch seal occasionally misaligned; smell is mild (less enticing for very picky dogs).
Bottom Line: A budget-friendly, pill-free way to slip joint support into daily snack time. Ideal for multi-dog households or anyone who wants preventative cartilage care without boutique-level pricing—just keep the bag clipped to maintain freshness after opening.
Why Dog Desserts Are Having Their Gourmet Moment
Premium pet humanization hit a tipping point when millennials started spending more on pet food than baby food. Add in a pandemic-era baking boom and TikTok’s insatiable appetite for aesthetically pleasing pet content, and voilà—frozen canine custards, peanut-butter “gelato,” and cake-pop style bonbons now claim coveted freezer real estate. Brands responded with Willy-Wonka-worthy colorways and cheeky pint names, but the real driver is owner desire to share joyful, Instagrammable experiences without risking a 2 a.m. emergency vet visit.
Decoding the Ben & Jerry’s Aesthetic for Dogs
Chunky swirls, candy-shop inclusions, pun-heavy labels—companies mimic the iconic ice-cream look to trigger nostalgic cravings in you, not your dog. Canines can’t appreciate the artistry of a fudge ripple, so the visual razzle-dazzle is pure marketing psychology. Focus on what’s under the hood (or lid) rather than the watercolor cow graphics.
Core Ingredients That Make or Break a Safe Treat
A dessert can be dye-free, grain-free, and still sabotage your pup if it hides xylitol or excess lactose. Prioritize single-origin nut butters, probiotic yogurt cultures with minimal lactose, and fruit purées made from dog-safe produce. Each macronutrient—fat, sugar, fiber—should stay within the 10% daily treat window recommended by the AAFCO.
Lactose Lowdown: Yogurt, Kefir, and Dairy-Free Bases
Adult dogs are naturally lactase-deficient, but fermented dairy contains far less lactose than straight milk. Look for treats using 1–2% milk fat Greek yogurt or kefir cultured for 24 hours; the probiotics may even aid gut health. Coconut and oat “milks” are trendy, but ensure they’re free of carrageenan gums that can inflame canine intestines.
Natural Sweeteners vs. Added Sugars: Navigating the Sweet Spot
Honey, mashed banana, and date paste offer trace nutrients; refined cane sugar spikes insulin and fuels tartar. Watch for evaporated cane juice hiding in “organic” treats—technically less processed, but still sucrose. Ideally, sugars should fall below 3 g per half-cup serving, roughly the sweetness of fresh blueberries.
Functional Add-Ins: Probiotics, Joint Support, and Superfoods
Turmeric lattes aren’t just for hipsters; curcumin reduces canine joint inflammation. Omega-rich chia or hemp seeds stabilize blood sugar while adding glossy-coat fats. Some brands fold in Lactobacillus acidophilus at 1×10⁸ CFU per gram—enough to survive freezer temps and repopulate the gut after a course of antibiotics.
Portion Psychology: How Much Dessert Is Too Much?
Even a “light” 40-cal spoonful can snowball if you eyeball nightly scoops. Convert your dog’s RER (resting energy requirement) to treat calories: multiply ideal body weight in kilograms by 30, add 70, then multiply by 0.10. That final number is the daily dessert budget—usually 20–60 kcal for small breeds, 70–120 kcal for large.
Allergen Alert: Wheat, Soy, and Novel-Protein Considerations
Peanut butter is the darling of dog desserts, but it’s also a top allergen. If your pup chronically licks paws post-treat, consider single-protein desserts using hemp, insect, or crocodile meal. Wheat shows up in cookie crumble toppings; opt for gluten-free oat flour or buckwheat groats instead.
Freeze Factor: Texture, Temperature, and Dental Safety
Frozen treats can fracture teeth if they’re rock-solid. Look for “scoopable” formulas aerated with chickpea brine that freeze at 25 °F instead of 32 °F. Always serve 5–7 minutes out of the freezer—enough to soften but not melt into a bacterial soup.
Packaging Red Flags: Buzzwords That Melt Under Scrutiny
“Human-grade” is meaningless unless the facility holds USDA certification for human food. “Super-premium” and “gourmet” aren’t regulated—flip the tub and verify a nutritional adequacy statement or feed-trial approval under AAFCO guidelines.
Sustainability Scoop: Sourcing Ethical Proteins and Upcycled Ingredients
Insect-based desserts use 93% less land than beef and emit negligible methane. Some startups repurpose spent brewery grains or leftover pumpkin purée from pie factories, cutting food waste while lowering carbon footprint. Check for certified B-Corp logos or carbon-neutral shipping pledges.
DIY Freezer Recipes: Vet-Approved Base Formula for Home Chefs
Blend 1 cup lactose-free kefir, ½ cup unsweetened pumpkin, 1 Tbsp chia, and a pinch of cinnamon. Pour into silicone paw-print molds, freeze 3 hours, and you’ve got a 12-kcal mini puck rich in fiber and probiotics. Rotate purées seasonally: blueberry in summer, cranberry in winter for urinary support.
Traveling With Treats: Keeping Frozen Desserts Cold on the Go
Invest in a vacuum-insulated, food-grade thermos chilled overnight in the freezer. Layer pint-sized containers between frozen gel packs; open only when ready to serve. For day hikes, freeze individual “drops” on parchment, then store in a stainless bento—thawed dollops double as hydration boosters.
Cost Analysis: Are Premium Pints Worth the Splurge?
Artisanal pints hover around $8–$12 for 16 oz—three times the price of conventional biscuits. Break it down per calorie: if a $10 pint yields 320 kcal, you’re paying 3¢ per kcal, comparable to high-end training treats. Factor in functional ingredients like collagen or L-carnitine and the price inches closer to supplement costs, potentially justifying the splurge.
Transitioning From Traditional Biscuits to Frozen Indulgences
Swap one daily biscuit for a tablespoon of frozen dessert, watch stool quality for three days, then escalate gradually. Dogs prone to pancreatitis need a slower 10% weekly transition. Keep a food diary noting energy levels, coat sheen, and itch score to objectively measure benefits.
Seasonal Serving Ideas: Summer Cool-Downs and Winter Warm-Ups
Blend frozen desserts with bone broth and pour into Kongs for a summertime popsicle. In winter, microwave a dollop for five seconds to create a warm “frosting” over kibble—aromatic steam entices picky seniors while adding moisture to combat dry-air dehydration.
Storing for Freshness: Freezer Burn, Thaw Cycles, and Shelf Life
Oxygen is the enemy: press plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing the lid. Label with date of first open; most dairy-based treats retain peak texture for eight weeks. Discard if you see ice crystals larger than a rice grain—a sign of excessive thaw/refreeze and potential bacterial bloom.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can puppies under six months enjoy Ben-and-Jerry-style frozen treats?
- What’s the quickest way to verify a dessert is truly xylitol-free?
- Are coconut-based treats safe for dogs prone to pancreatitis?
- How do I calculate treat calories for a mixed-breed dog at ideal weight?
- Is it safe to refreeze a partially thawed pint?
- Do probiotics survive the journey from factory to freezer to bowl?
- Can I add my dog’s medication to these desserts for easy dosing?
- What’s the environmental impact of shipping frozen pet treats?
- How long should I wait after exercise before serving a frozen dessert?
- Are there breed-specific considerations for cold, creamy textures?