Your pup’s tail can probably tell the difference between a plain biscuit and something truly decadent—so when you’ve got your own pint of Ben & Jerry’s melting on the coffee table, it’s natural to wonder if Fido deserves his own cool scoop. Pet parents are increasingly treating their dogs as full-fledged family members with refined (well, drooly) palates, driving the demand for safe, indulgent desserts made just for canines. In this guide, we crack open the carton and dive deep into the evolving world of Ben & Jerry’s inspired dog treats: what makes them special, how to decode the labels, and why 2025 is ushering in bolder flavors and tighter safety standards than ever before. Settle in with your furry sous-chef at your feet—we’re dishing up everything you need to know before your next freezer-door moment.
Top 10 Ben And Jerry’s Dog Treats
Detailed Product Reviews
1. Pedigree Mini Jumbone Small Dog Treats, Beef Flavor, 35 Treats (Pack of 1)
Overview: Pedigree squeezes big beefy goodness into a bite sized chewer made especially for pups under 15 lbs. Each tube has 35 individually sealed Mini Jumbones with a crunchy outer “bone” and a soft, meaty core that keeps little jaws busy.
What Makes It Stand Out: It’s one of the very few mainstream chews proportioned for toy breeds; the dual texture scratches two itches—dental crunch and reward softness—without needing refrigeration.
Value for Money: At roughly $0.26 per treat, it’s cheaper than most single-ingredient jerkies yet still feels like a special occasion snack for your pocket pooch.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: recognizable flavor dogs rush for, individually wrapped for freshness, widely stocked. Cons: contains artificial color and by-products, calorie count is modest so big trainers will burn through a bag fast.
Bottom Line: A convenient, affordable “two-texture” treat for spoiling—not strictly healthy—but the size and price make it easy to love in moderation.
2. Blue Dog Bakery Natural Dog Treats, Doggie Paws, Maple Bacon Flavor, 16.2oz (1 Count)
Overview: Blue Dog’s 1-lb carton of Doggie Paws delivers 16.2 oz of maple-bacon crunch cookies shaped like tiny paws. Oven-baked in the USA, they promise human-grade ingredients and zero artificial fillers.
What Makes It Stand Out: Wave goodbye to biscuit guilt—hard crunch edges help scrape plaque, maple-bacon aroma tempts even picky seniors, and they’re stamped small enough for reward bags and puzzle toys without crumbling.
Value for Money: At $5.49 the per-pound cost undercuts grocery store “bakery” options while simultaneously outperforming them on ingredient integrity.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: Non-GMO grains, no scary preservatives, resealable box with zip pouch inside. Cons: wheat and maple sugar could tick off allergy-prone tummies; not soft for very old or toothless dogs.
Bottom Line: A wallet-friendly biscuit that freshens breath and earns tail wags—pick it when you want everyday rewards, not training micro-treats.
3. Amazon Brand – Wag Peanut Butter & Banana Flavor Training Treats for Dogs, 1 lb. Bag (16 oz)
Overview: Wag’s house-brand soft bites cram American chicken, peanut butter and banana into a 1 lb sack of 5-calorie nuggets engineered for rapid-fire training.
What Makes It Stand Out: The flavor whiskers combo isn’t common in cheap training treats; no corn, wheat or soy makes them tolerate-sensitive-safe, plus Amazon’s 365-day return turns risk to zero.
Value for Money: At $10.41 per pound you’re paying steak-flavored-jerky prices for soft training bites—steep if your session burns 50 pieces, fair if you parcel them sparingly.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: real chicken first, tidy size for agility work, resealable zip-top stays fresh. Cons: aroma is VERY peanut-butter-forward—could leak in treat pouches— and protein percentage is lower than single-ingredient meats.
Bottom Line: Ideal mid-high value training snack when you need scent-magnet motivation; budget trainers may reserve for show-day use only.
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 ulta-tiny, soft and chewy beef squares tailored for clicker sessions. Each square clocks only 3 calories, letting you reinforce without padding waistlines.
What Makes It Stand Out: Made in small batches with USA beef, sweet potato and beef tallow—no artificial colors, flavors, or animal by-products—giving health-conscious owners a guilt-free alternative to cheese cubes.
Value for Money: At $0.86 per ounce you’re paying specialty rate, but a pouch yields 300+ mini bites before empty—turning cost per reward into pennies.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: ultra-soft for puppies and seniors, resealable flat bag fits pockets, low calorie equals long training loops. Cons: slightly sticky texture can pilfer cracker crumbs in treat bags, bag is only 6 oz.
Bottom Line: A gold-standard soft trainer for puppies, manners classes or senior motivation; pricey per bag but cheap per calorie.
5. 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 12 oz pouch showcases USDA-approved, human-grade strips of duck breast studded with antioxidant-rich blueberries. Each soft-tender strip is slow-cooked, grain-free and free of all corn, wheat, soy, BHA/BHT and fillers.
What Makes It Stand Out: Few brands meet human-grade certification while using single-protein plus fruit; the smell alone convinces even Persnickety Fidos while the chewy softness avoids tooth fractures.
Value for Money: At $18.12/lb you’re paying boutique-jerky tax—fair when measured against Whole Foods human jerky, steep against typical dog snacks, but justified by ingredient caliber and USA manufacturing.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: 100% USA-raised duck, no junk ingredients, resealable bag keeps fresh four weeks post opening. Cons: premium price means rationing; blueberry bits occasionally fall off creating crumb lag at bag bottom.
Bottom Line: Splurge-worthy jerky for rotation feeding, allergy management or high-value jackpot rewards—buy smaller pouches if you lack freezer space.
6. MalsiPree Ice Cream Freeze Dried Dog Birthday Treats – Grain & Lactose-Free High-Protein Low-Calorie Dog Birthday & Puppy Training Treats – Chicken Base with Salmon & Beef (3 Flavors, 15pcs)
Overview: Turn birth-days into bark-days with MalsiPree’s freeze-dried ”ice-cream” pops—grain/lactose-free morsels that mimic dessert but deliver raw-diet nutrition.
What Makes It Stand Out: Triple protein matrix (chicken/salmon/beef) that retains 97 % nutrients, plus a crisp-then-soft texture dogs adore and owners can hand-feed for bonding.
Value for Money: At $1.13/oz for 15 colorfully gift-boxed pops—each a party in itself—the price beats boutique bakeries and most raw treats, especially considering the celebration factor.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: allergen-friendly, low calorie, three flavors, dramatic birthday unboxing. Cons: per-piece cost adds up if you train often; 3-month age minimum excludes tiny puppies.
Bottom Line: Ideal for milestone parties, first Gotcha-days and Instagram moments rather than daily training. Buy for the “aww-factor”; ration to extend value.
7. Zignature Venison Soft Moist Treats for Dogs
Overview: Zignature delivers a quietly luxurious reward: soft, moist venison morsels whose single-protein focus suits sensitive dogs.
What Makes It Stand Out: Venison is both the first and the dominant ingredient, a rarity that eliminates common allergens while delivering rich taste.
Value for Money: $34/lb is premium territory, but comparable to other limited-ingredient gourmet bites and justified for elimination-diet users.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: soft texture for seniors/puppies, simple clean recipe, highly novel protein. Cons: small bag empties quickly (5 oz), steep price if you train daily, no flavor variety.
Bottom Line: Best for sensitive tummies, special-occasion treating or as a high-value recall jackpot—keep on hand in tiny quantities instead of bulk snacking.
8. 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 gives you a dessert tray for dogs—15 soft, beefed-up sticks crafted from chicken, duck or beef and pre-scored for bite sizing.
What Makes It Stand Out: Three proteins, break-points every ½ inch for mess-free portions, and a soft chew even toothless seniors relish.
Value for Money: At roughly 73 ¢ per stick and $24/lb, you get variety without paying boutique prices—on par with mid-range jerky.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: three flavors in one pouch, recognizable muscle meat first, no artificial junk. Cons: moisture staying soft requires pantry seals; calorie-fattening if over-snapped.
Bottom Line: Perfect everyday treat jar staple: snap, train, repeat; cap servings to keep it daily-diet-friendly.
9. Beneful Purina Made in USA Facilities Dog Training Treats, Baked Delights Snackers – 36 oz. Pouch (Pack of 2)
Overview: Purina’s 72-ounce bundle of oven-baked “Snackers” marries crunchy shells with peanut-butter middles and tiny veggie graffiti.
What Makes It Stand Out: Massive resealable twin pack, garden shapes that double as training rewards, and USA manufacturing you can trace.
Value for Money: Sub-$5 per pound when bought in duo-bags is a wallet-saver for multi-dog households or nonstop clicker sessions.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: low per-cost, soft core encourages heeling, wholesome grain base suits active adults. Cons: peanut scent can cloy indoors, grains and sugars limit allergy dogs, shapes tempt overfeeding.
Bottom Line: Bulk bargain for obedience classes and birthday piñatas—stock up and close the bag quickly to maintain crunch and waistlines.
10. BIXBI Liberty Functional Healthy Hip And Joint Dog Jerky Treats, Beef Recipe, 5 Ounce
Overview: BIXBI Liberty jerky channels beef and joint-care science into one stick—glucosamine, chondroitin and nothing else controversial.
What Makes It Stand Out: Fully U.S.A. sourced glucosamine & vegetarian chondroitin—pairings virtually unheard of in mainstream treats—layered into grain-free beef strips.
Value for Money: $32/lb feels steep, yet cheaper per daily supplement dose than human-grade glucosamine chews plus protein bonus.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: functional joint support, single meat source, no fillers. Cons: tear-apart texture can crumble in pockets, small 5-oz bag, noticeable supplement odor.
Bottom Line: Ideal treat for seniors, agility stars or any dog logging daily miles—integrate into post-walk cool-down rather than night-time cookie jar grazing.
Decoding the Ben & Jerry’s Pet Dessert Phenomenon
Between tongue-in-cheek names like “Peanut Butter Half Baked” and whimsical cartons sporting psychedelic cow art, the brand’s transition from ice-cream icon to pet treat trailblazer feels almost inevitable. The phenomenon taps into two cultural shifts: premiumization of pet food and humanization of pets themselves. When a company famed for “peace, love, and ice cream” turns its attention to pups, consumers expect the same buttery mouthfeel minus the tummy troubles—dairy-free bases, natural sweeteners, and functional add-ins rather than candy chunks. The 2025 line leans heavily on oat, coconut, and pea-protein bases to guarantee a lickable texture mirroring classic ice cream without the pancreatitis risk.
Are Ben & Jerry’s Dog Treats Safe for All Breeds?
Short answer: generally yes, but the devil’s in the dachshund-sized details. Every ingredient list is audited by veterinary nutritionists and AAFCO-compliant formulators, yet breed-specific sensitivities can still throw a wrench into snack time. Giant breeds gulp portions that would make a Chihuahua waddle for days, while brachycephalic breeds like bulldogs may inhale frozen chunks too fast. Look for portion graphics on the package; if the treat is labeled for “all life stages,” confirm caloric density under 25 kcal per ounce to stay inside WSAVA guidelines.
Ingredients Lens: What Makes a Treat Dog-Safe vs. Risky
The principle is simple—if a human pint contains theobromine, xylitol, or excess lactose, it’s off-limits. Dog-safe formulas swap those out with roasted peanut butter, pumpkin purée, and inulin for prebiotic fiber. New for 2025 is the addition of postbiotics (heat-killed beneficial bacteria fragments) shown in Cornell studies to reduce flatulence by 19%. Always scan for hidden onions, garlic powders, or propylene glycol—if it sounds like chemistry-lab jargon, move on.
Plant-Based vs. Dairy-Free Bases: Choosing the Right Texture
Plant-based does not automatically equal dairy-free; some treats sneak in casein protein for extra creaminess. Coconuts yield a velvety richness but add medium-chain triglycerides that can upset sensitive stomachs in large doses. Oat bases mimic classic ice cream’s mouth-coating feel while adding beta-glucan fibers to steady post-snack blood glucose spikes—a win for diabetic-prone breeds. Ultimately, read the fine print: “coconut cream” means fat; “coconut water” gives lighter texture.
How Much Sugar Is Too Much? Calorie Counts Decoded
For dogs, the World Small Animal Veterinary Association pegs discretionary treat calories at no more than 10% of daily intake. Most 2025 pints list kcals per tablespoon—great for precision feeding. Frozen yogurt varieties hover around 5 g of naturally occurring sugars from fruit and lactose-free milk per spoon; sorbet styles jump to 8-9 g because of banana and date purées. If a flavor boasts “zero sugar,” verify the sweetener is erythritol or stevia, never xylitol.
Artificial Additives & Colorants: Navigating the Rainbow
Artificial colors like Red 40 don’t add nutritional value and can stain white fur around the muzzle. 2025 products trend toward turmeric and beet extracts for marbling. When you spot “natural flavors,” search brand websites for third-party certifications such as Clean Label Project or Non-GMO Project verification to avoid undisclosed MSG or poultry digest spray.
The Allergen Factor: Wheat, Soy, and Nut Sensitivities
A 2024 Banfield survey found wheat sensitivity in 8% of clinic visits; soy clocks in at 6%. Peanut remains the leading canine allergen, although roasted defatted peanut powder is less antigenic than whole nuts. Limited-ingredient SKUs label every form of legume or grain, so if your vet ran a serum IgE panel, cross-reference results before shopping.
Sustainability & Packaging: Is the Pint Planet-Friendly?
Post-consumer recycled paperboard, water-based inks, and “peel-away” plastic liners now dominate Ben & Jerry’s pet pints. A lifecycle study released early in 2025 shows that switching to mono-material recyclable lids reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 23% versus the legacy multi-layer system. If you live in an area without #5 plastic recycling, check for mail-back programs that send empty cartons to TerraCycle.
Budgeting for the Chill: Price Per Calorie Analysis
Sticker shock is real. Calculate cost per 25 kcal serving to compare apples-to-apples (or bananas-to-bananas). Entry-level pints run around $0.35 per 25 kcal; premium single-origin coconut lines can hit $0.62. Buying in multi-pack bundles drops the unit price 12–18% and locks in seasonal flavors before they rotate out.
Serving Size Savvy: From Chihuahua to Great Dane
Use the “Paw Print Portion Scale” printed on the inside of newer lids: 1 mini peanut-butter cup (approx 15 g) equals one chihuahua serving, four for a Labrador, and eight for a Great Dane. Always introduce frozen food conservatively—offer a half-portion first, then watch stools for 24 hours.
Storage Hacks: Keeping Pints Fresh in a Multi-Pet Home
If two dogs eye the same pint, scoop servings into silicone paw-print molds and refreeze. Label each paw with masking tape and permanent marker to avoid buffet-style squabbles. For households with counter-surfing retrievers, invest in a child-proof freezer lockbox; 2024 data from Pet Poison Helpline cites freezer-raiding as a top 5 kitchen hazard.
Special Dietary Needs: Diabetes, Obesity, and GI Disorders
Diabetic dogs thrive on low-glycemic bases—look for added cinnamon extract shown to slow glucose absorption by 29%. Obesity management calls for low-fat coconut-water bases under 3% crude fat. If your vet prescribed a hydrolyzed protein diet, choose the limited-ingredient “Sweet Potato & Salmon Swirl” without common proteins.
Homemade vs. Store-Bought: Risk-Benefit Equation
DIY frozen treats give you control but open doors to portion errors and ingredient mishaps (e.g., sneaky garlic paste in “natural” broth). Store-bought pints come vet-formulated, though at triple the price of yogurt, banana, and xanthan gum whipped at home. If you DIY, run recipes through BalanceIT to confirm mineral ratios.
Reading the Lick Print: Dog Body Language After Snacking
Watch the ears: pinned back and whale-eye might signal nausea. A lazy, satisfied roll onto the back indicates treat-win. Freeze-frame video at the 30-second mark—if the tongue stays curled under for more than two licks, it’s not brain freeze; it’s the canine “bliss response” and rarely warrants concern unless accompanied by head shaking.
Vet and Nutritionist Tips: Questions to Ask Before Unlidding
Bring the ingredient deck to your annual wellness visit. Ask if any functional ingredients (turmeric, CBD-isolate, green-lipped mussel) interact with current meds. Verify storage date codes align with your dog’s dental schedule; frozen chunks shouldn’t precede oral surgery requiring soft food.
Future Trends: Functional Flavors in 2025 and Beyond
Biotech start-ups are already prototyping insect-protein “cookie dough” bits for hypoallergenic crunch. Expect cannabinoid micro-dosing at 0.1 mg CBD per tablespoon to ease senior-joint stiffness while staying federally legal. Fermented papaya strips may join probiotic swirls for IBD support. In short, tomorrow’s desserts double as medication delivery devices, no pill pockets required.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can puppies under six months enjoy Ben & Jerry’s dog treats?
Yes, but choose lactose-free bases and limit to one teaspoon to avoid puppy diarrhea.
2. Are there any flavors that cats can share with dogs?
Cross-specience flavor swaps aren’t recommended—cats have unique taurine and vitamin A needs.
3. Do these treats need to be thawed before serving?
Thirty seconds at room temperature softens the center for smaller breeds; most dogs love them straight from the freezer.
4. How long after opening does a pint stay fresh?
Use within 10 days once unsealed, or one month if kept sealed below 0°F.
5. Can I use these as training rewards?
Only if cut into 5 kcal cubes right out of the freezer; soft training pockets will get messy fast.
6. What if my dog has pancreatitis history?
Skip any flavor over 6% crude fat; coconut-rich ones are usually off the table.
7. Is there a grain-free option in every release cycle?
Roughly 70% of 2025 SKUs are grain-free, but always re-check labels as rotations happen quarterly.
8. Do these treats help with bad breath?
Mint-infused variants can temporarily mask odor, but won’t replace dental chews or brushing.
9. Where do I report adverse reactions?
Call the company’s 1-800 customer care or file a report with the FDA’s Safety Reporting Portal.
10. Will there be seasonal “limited bark” editions?
Insider leaks hint at Pumpkin Spotted Latte for fall and Cranberry Fro-Yo Fête for winter—watch socials mid-year for drop dates.