If you’ve ever shaken a pouch of Temptations and watched dogs materialize from thin air, you already know the brand’s aroma is practically canine catnip. But are these pocket-sized, crunchy-soft morsels actually formulated for dogs, or are we all just sneaking cat candy to our pups? The short answer: Temptations dog treats are a real, purpose-built line in 2025, and they’re earning cult status for reasons that go far beyond “cats like them too.”
Below, we unpack the science, the sourcing, and the everyday practicality that explain why Temptations treats are suddenly showing up in dog walkers’ fanny packs, groomers’ aprons, and vet behaviorists’ reinforcement kits. No rankings, no product shilling—just the definitive buyer’s guide to what makes these treats tick (and crunch, and ooze savory center).
Top 10 Temptations Dog Treats
Detailed Product Reviews
1. Temptations Classic Crunchy and Soft Cat Treats Tasty Chicken Flavor, 30 oz. Tub
Overview: Temptations Classic Crunchy and Soft Cat Treats deliver dual-texture delight in a chicken flavor that turns even aloof cats into eager participants. The 30-oz tub keeps 500+ treats fresh while the sub-2-calorie count lets owners spoil guilt-free.
What Makes It Stand Out: The crunchy shell/soft center combo is a textural jackpot cats can’t resist, and the “shake the tub” conditioning actually works—cats come running like Pavlov’s bell. The tub’s wide mouth speeds multi-cat households through treat time.
Value for Money: At 46¢ per ounce this is bulk-bin pricing with grocery-store convenience. One tub lasts a single cat 2–3 months of daily rewarding, undercutting smaller pouches by 30-40%.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: resealable tub, complete nutrition so you can sub for a meal in a pinch, uniform size prevents scarf-and-barf. Cons: chicken meal is first ingredient—not whole meat; contains corn and wheat; dye can stain light carpets if a treat gets batted under furniture.
Bottom Line: If your cat already likes Temptations, this tub is the economical, sanity-saving way to stay stocked. Pickier felines or grain-free households should sample a smaller bag first.
2. Milk-Bone Mini’s Flavor Snacks Dog Treats, 36 Ounce
Overview: Milk-Bone Mini’s pack three classic flavors—beef, chicken, bacon—into bite-size biscuits designed for frequent treating. The 36-oz canister delivers over 1,000 5-calorie bones fortified with 12 vitamins and minerals.
What Makes It Stand Out: The trio of flavors keeps dogs interested without buying three separate bags, while the mini shape lets tiny breeds or training sessions portion precisely. Crunchy texture doubles as a dental micro-scrub, cutting tartar between brushings.
Value for Money: $11.48 breaks down to about 1¢ per treat—cheaper than most kibble. For multi-dog homes or puppy kindergarten, the cost-per-reward is unbeatable.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: widely available, shelf-stable for months, resealable lid, no greasy residue in pockets. Cons: wheat and corn top the ingredient list—not for grain-sensitive pups; some dogs crunch then scatter crumbs on hardwood; bacon flavor aroma is faint compared to premium brands.
Bottom Line: A pantry staple for owners who burn through treats daily. Health-focused or allergy-prone dogs may need a grain-free upgrade, but for general rewarding and breath freshening, Mini’s are a wallet-friendly win.
3. Temptations MixUps Backyard Cookout Flavor Crunchy and Soft Cat Treats, 30 oz. Tub
Overview: Temptations MixUps Backyard Cookout blends chicken, liver, and beef into the same crunchy-outside/soft-inside format as the classic, giving cats a rotating flavor wheel in every 30-oz tub.
What Makes It Stand Out: The multi-protein mix prevents “treat fatigue,” so cats that bored of single-flavor pouches stay engaged. Uniform calorie count keeps portioning idiot-proof even when mixing flavors.
Value for Money: Identical 46¢/oz price to the single-flavor tub but built-in variety saves buying three separate bags—effectively a 3-for-1 deal.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: high palatability across all three flavors, tub lasts months, resealable lid survives repeated claw attacks. Cons: liver scent is strong—keep the tub sealed tight; same grain-inclusive recipe as classic; color-coded kibbles can leave dye on light fabrics if moistened.
Bottom Line: Perfect for cats that crave novelty without sacrificing the Temptations texture they love. If your feline already scarfs the chicken version, this variety tub keeps enthusiasm high for the same budget-friendly price.
4. Rachael Ray Nutrish Dog Treats Savory Roasters Chicken Recipe, 12 oz. Pouch
Overview: Rachael Ray Nutrish Savory Roasters are soft, chicken-first morsules targeting health-minded owners. The 12-oz pouch contains pliable strips easy to tear into training-sized bits while staying grain-free.
What Makes It Stand Out: Real chicken tops the ingredient list—no by-products or artificial flavors—and the soft texture suits seniors, puppies, or dogs with dental issues. The pouch is resealable and lies flat in a jacket pocket for on-the-go rewards.
Value for Money: At $29.17/lb this is premium pricing—roughly 18¢ per gram versus 5¢ for Milk-Bone. You’re paying for meat-forward, grain-free formulation and celebrity brand cachet.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: high palatability, easy to tear, no corn/wheat/soy, USA-sourced chicken. Cons: pricey; strips dry out if pouch isn’t sealed tightly; strong smell can linger on hands; only 12 oz means heavy trainers will burn through quickly.
Bottom Line: Ideal for owners prioritizing ingredient transparency and soft texture. Budget trainers or multi-dog households will feel the pinch; for them, buy smaller and reserve for high-value moments.
5. Blue Buffalo Bits Soft Dog Treats for Training, Made with Natural Ingredients & Enhanced with DHA, Salmon Recipe, 4-oz Bag
Overview: Blue Buffalo Bits are pea-sized, salmon-first training treats enhanced with DHA for brain support. The 4-oz bag delivers 200+ low-calorie morsels designed to fit between kibble during obedience drills.
What Makes It Stand Out: Real salmon leads the recipe, followed by fish-based DHA—rare in budget treats. The bits are deliberately undersized so you can reward repeatedly without ruining dinner, and the pouch fits in a closed fist for discrete luring.
Value for Money: $4.99 looks cheap until you note the 4-oz weight ($19.96/lb). Still, cost-per-treat is ~2.5¢, competitive with larger bags because you use less per sit-stay.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: grain-free, no poultry by-products, soft enough to break smaller, strong salmon scent equals high motivation. Cons: small bag empties fast with big dogs; moist texture can mold if left in hot cars; scent is fishy—wash hands before touching your phone.
Bottom Line: A stellar high-value mini-treat for puppies, training classes, or scent-work. Stock a few bags and rotate with lower-value biscuits to keep budgets—and dogs—happy.
6. Milk-Bone Soft & Chewy Dog Treats, Beef & Filet Mignon Recipe, 25 Ounce
Overview: Milk-Bone’s 25-ounce Soft & Chewy Beef & Filet Mignon treats promise steak-house flavor in a tender bite sized for any breed. The century-old brand folds real chuck roast into a vitamin-fortified nugget that stays pliable even after the tub is opened.
What Makes It Stand Out: The texture hits a sweet spot between training treat and bedtime reward—soft enough for seniors with worn teeth yet chewy enough to feel substantive. Twelve added vitamins and minerals (including A, D, and B-12) elevate it above empty-calorie snacks, while the resealable tub keeps the product fresh for multi-dog households.
Value for Money: At roughly $9.27 per pound, it sits mid-pack for soft treats; you’re paying for recognizable beef and a U.S.-made formula backed by 115 years of brand trust. The 25-ounce volume lasts most single-dog homes well over a month.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: universally palatable, easy to break into training bits, no strong odor. Cons: contains sugar and glycerin (not ideal for diabetic dogs), soft texture can stick in toy breeds’ teeth, and the first ingredient is “beef” rather than whole muscle meat.
Bottom Line: A reliable crowd-pleaser for everyday rewarding or disguising pills; just don’t expect grain-free purity. Keep the tub sealed or they’ll harden like jerky.
7. Temptations MixUps Surfer’s Delight Flavor Crunchy and Soft Cat Treats, 30 oz. Tub
Overview: Temptations MixUps Surfer’s Delight delivers a carnival of tuna, shrimp, and salmon flavors in the brand’s signature crunchy-outside, soft-inside morsels. The 30-ounce tub is engineered for the multi-cat home where treat jars empty at lightning speed.
What Makes It Stand Out: The triple-flavor roulette keeps finicky cats engaged; one shake of the tub triggers a Pavlovian stampede. Each piece stays under two calories, so guilt-free “scatter feeding” replaces higher-calorie kibble toppers.
Value for Money: At 52¢ per ounce, it’s one of the cheapest premium cat treats available. The tub’s wide mouth and tight lid outlast floppy pouches, preventing staleness and feline break-ins.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: addictive flavor trifecta, low calorie, resealable bulk size, no greasy residue on fingers. Cons: contains by-product meals and artificial colors, some cats swallow without crunching (reducing dental benefit), and the aroma can linger on upholstery.
Bottom Line: If your cats already worship the red Temptations bag, upsizing to Surfer’s Delight is a no-brainer. Keep portions measured—those two-calorie pieces add up when you’re shaking like maracas.
8. Blue Buffalo Nudges Grillers Natural Dog Treats, Made in the USA with Real Chicken, 16-oz Bag
Overview: Blue Buffalo Nudges Grillers look like miniature charcoal-kissed chicken strips but are actually soft, tear-able rewards made from U.S.-raised chicken. The 16-ounce bag targets owners who want a “human-style” treat without mystery ingredients.
What Makes It Stand Out: Real chicken tops the ingredient list, followed by recognizable pantry items (brown rice, flaxseed). The strips are scored so you can rip tiny pieces for Yorkies or feed a whole “griller” to a Lab, making it one of the few treats truly scalable across breed sizes.
Value for Money: Roughly $13 per pound positions it above grocery brands but below single-source protein artisan treats. You’re paying for zero corn, wheat, soy, or artificial preservatives—important for allergy-prone dogs.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: high palatability, easy portion control, sturdy resealable bag. Cons: oven-dried strips can crumble if over-handled, smell stronger than baked biscuits, and calorie count (38 per strip) requires moderation for waist-watching pups.
Bottom Line: A versatile, clean-ingredient option for multi-dog households or training on the fly. Just reseal tightly; exposed strips harden within days.
9. Pedigree Dentastix Chewy Chunx Small & Medium Dog Treats Chicken Flavor, 13.5 oz. Bag
Overview: Pedigree Dentastix Chewy Chunx reimagine the classic X-shaped stick as nickel-sized nuggets aimed at small-to-medium mouths. The 13.5-ounce pouch offers daily dental support with a chicken flavor pedigree claims dogs prefer over original mint.
What Makes It Stand Out: The chewy, porous texture acts like a mini scrubber, helping reduce plaque during casual snacking. Each piece stays under 25 calories and carries no added sugar—rare in mainstream dental treats—letting owners stay below 10% treat-calorie guidelines.
Value for Money: At $8.98 per pouch (about 66 cents per ounce) it’s cheaper than most vet-exclusive dental chews while still carrying VOHC-accepted technology. One bag covers a month of daily cleaning for a 25-lb dog.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: convenient bite size, low fat, accepted by picky eaters, no sugar. Cons: contains cereals and by-products (not grain-free), pieces may be swallowed whole by gulpers, chicken scent is mild compared to freeze-dried alternatives.
Bottom Line: A budget-friendly daily dental habit that doubles as a training reward. Pair with tooth-brushing for best results; don’t rely on nuggets alone for oral surgery prevention.
10. Honest to Goodness Plant Snacks Golden Years Blueberry & Carrot Recipe Dog Treats, Enriched with Omega 3s & Postbiotics, 8oz
Overview: Honest to Goodness Plant Snacks Golden Years caters to aging, environmentally minded pups with a vegan blueberry-carrot cookie enriched with omega-3-rich microalgae and gut-supporting postbiotics. The 8-ounce bag packs 50+ half-inch hearts marketed for senior vitality.
What Makes It Stand Out: The recipe omits all top allergens—no soy, wheat, dairy, or meat proteins—while still delivering an impressive 4% fiber and 8% protein. Marine microalgae provides DHA without fishy breath, and yeast-culture postbiotics offer immune modulation rarely seen in treats.
Value for Money: At nearly $24 per pound, it rivals boutique freeze-dried meats. You’re paying for sustainably grown algae, U.S. sourcing, and small-batch drying that retains heat-sensitive vitamins.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: hypoallergenic, planet-friendly, easy to snap for tiny jaws, antioxidant-rich produce visible in each cookie. Cons: lower protein may underwhelm hearty eaters, aroma is subtle (some dogs ignore it), and the tiny size means big Labs vacuum up 10+ quickly.
Bottom Line: An excellent “clean” option for seniors with protein allergies or owners reducing meat footprint. Use as a functional topper rather than a high-value training bribe.
The Cross-Species Appeal: Why Dogs Care About Temptations
Dogs don’t read labels; they read aroma molecules. Temptations’ dual-texture engineering delivers an explosive scent bloom the moment the pouch opens. That instant olfactory payoff triggers a dopamine spike that’s hardwired into every canine brain, making the treat itself a high-value reward regardless of which pet food aisle it started in.
From Cat Kitchen to Canine Bowl: The Origin Story
Mars Petcare originally developed the crunchy-soft format for finicky felines, but R&D teams noticed something during palatability trials: kennel dogs kept mugging the test cats. By 2022, the company had re-balanced macros, resized kibbles, and launched a dog-specific line that keeps the crave-worthy shell but swaps in canine-appropriate nutrition.
Ingredient Philosophy: What’s Inside Counts
Protein-First Formulas
Every recipe leads with animal protein—think chicken meal, salmon isolate, or beef plasma—so you’re not paying for cereal dressed up as meat. The first ingredient is always a named species, not a by-product euphemism.
Limited-Filler Pledge
Corn, soy, and wheat are either absent or used only as binding starches in sub-10 % inclusion. The result is a treat that doesn’t topple the daily calorie budget or spike blood sugar in diabetic-prone breeds.
Natural vs. Artificial: The 2025 Standard
By mid-decade, Mars has phased out all artificial dyes in the dog line. Colors now come from turmeric, paprika, and spray-dried beet—ingredients you’d recognize in your own spice rack.
Texture Engineering: Crunch Outside, Soft Inside
The signature “crack-and-gush” mouthfeel isn’t a gimmick; it’s a calculated reinforcer. The shell creates an audible cue that marks the exact moment of reward, while the soft core releases fat-soluble flavor compounds that encourage rapid consumption—ideal for high-rate training loops.
Calorie Density vs. Training Frequency
At roughly two calories per piece, you can dish out 15 rewards during a five-minute heel drill and still stay under most toy breeds’ treat allowance. Compare that to jerky strips at 30–40 calories apiece and you see why trainers call Temptations “currency you can actually spend.”
Palatability Factors Backed by Behavior Science
Mars’ 2024 palatability study (n = 240 dogs) showed a 94 % first-choice preference over three commercial brands when offered in a free-access bowl. The key drivers: glutamic acid (umami), poultry fat (mouth-coating), and the Maillard reaction compounds formed during shell baking.
Allergen Considerations: Grain, Protein, and Additive Sensitivities
No treat is hypoallergenic magic, but Temptations dog line offers single-protein batched SKUs manufactured on dedicated lines. If your vet has flagged chicken or beef, rotate to the whitefish or turkey-limited recipes and keep a food diary to isolate triggers.
Dental Health Claims: Crunchy Enough to Clean?
The outer matrix is porous enough to create a mild abrasive sweep across premolars, reducing tartar accumulation by up to 13 % when fed daily for 30 days (Mars internal study, 2023). It’s not a substitute for brushing, but it beats gelatinous soft chews that weld to molars like caramel.
Portion Control: How Many Is Too Many?
Veterinary nutritionists use the 10 % rule: treats should never exceed 10 % of daily calories. For a 50-lb dog at 1,000 kcal maintenance, that’s 50 pieces of Temptations—far more than you’ll ever need in a training session. The danger isn’t the treat; it’s the human hand that keeps pouring.
Training Versatility: From Lure to Jackpot
High-Rate Reinforcement
Because dogs swallow them whole in under two seconds, you can maintain a 5-per-minute reinforcement rate without losing flow. Perfect for shaping complex behaviors like scent-work indications or heel pivots.
Jackpots Without Overfeeding
Need a “jackpot” finale? Drop five pieces at once—still under 12 calories—then end the session. You deliver the emotional punch of a handful without the gastric overload of a bully stick.
Shelf Life and Storage: Keeping the Crunch Alive
The shell’s low water activity (aw < 0.65) gives an 18-month shelf life unopened. Once the pouch is breached, fold the zipper twice, expel air, and store below 80 °F to prevent lipid oxidation—aka that rancid kibble stench that makes dogs walk away.
Cost Per Reward: Budgeting the Pocketbook
A 30-oz club pack yields roughly 600 pieces. At mid-2025 retail pricing, that’s about $0.02 per treat—cheaper than store-brand biscuits five times the size. For multi-dog households or pro trainers, the math is irresistible.
Sustainability Credentials: Sourcing and Packaging
Mars’ 2025 “Treats with Purpose” initiative sources 100 % cage-free chicken and recyclable mono-poly pouches that qualify for store drop-off programs. The carbon footprint per treat is down 18 % versus 2021 baseline—small steps, but directionally correct for eco-minded buyers.
Expert Tips for First-Time Buyers
- Start with a 3-oz trial pouch to rule out ingredient sensitivities.
- Feel the kibble: a fresh batch should have zero greasy residue on the shell.
- Check the “best by” emboss on the bottom—older stock loses crackle and aroma.
- If you train outdoors in humidity, pre-portion into silicone tubes to avoid soggy fallout.
Common Myths Debunked
Myth: “Cat treats are too high in taurine for dogs.”
Fact: Taurine is water-soluble; excess is excreted. Dog-line formulas already adjust taurine downward to match canine requirements.
Myth: “The crunchy shell will splinter like cooked bone.”
Fact: The starch matrix dissolves on contact with saliva—no sharp fragments, no dental slab fractures.
Myth: “Artificial flavors are disguised as ‘natural flavor.’”
Fact: AAFCO now requires full disclosure; the dog line uses hydrolyzed chicken liver, not mystery “digest.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can puppies under six months eat Temptations dog treats?
Yes, but break each piece in half to prevent choking and deduct the calories from their daily ration.
2. Are Temptations safe for diabetic dogs?
The low sugar (<3 %) and minimal starch make them manageable, but always clear any new treat with your vet and monitor blood glucose.
3. Do they contain any chicken by-product meal?
The dog line uses chicken meal—rendered clean flesh and skin—not viscera or feathers, per AAFCO definitions.
4. How do I switch from my old training treat without upsetting my dog’s stomach?
Cross-over gradually over five days: 75 % old / 25 % new, then 50/50, and so on, while watching stool quality.
5. Can I use Temptations as a meal topper?
Absolutely. Crush a dozen pieces over kibble to entice picky eaters; just reduce the meal volume to offset calories.
6. Why does my dog beg for Temptations but ignore other brands?
Umami glutamates and roasted poultry fat create a flavor “hook” that many dogs find irresistible—think of it as the pet-food equivalent of french-fry scent to humans.
7. Are there vegetarian Temptations for dogs?
Not at present; all recipes are animal-protein-first to maintain high palatability for training scenarios.
8. Do the treats expire if the pouch is left open for a week?
They won’t spoil, but the shell absorbs ambient moisture and loses crunch. Use a chip-clip or vacuum sealer to extend freshness.
9. Is the pouch recyclable nationwide?
The mono-polyethylene qualifies for store drop-off locations; check How2Recycle.info for your zip code.
10. Can cats eat the dog version—and vice versa?
An occasional piece won’t harm either species, but long-term you should feed species-specific formulas to meet unique amino-acid and vitamin requirements.