Product Review: Newman’s Own Organic Dog Treats

Most dog owners want to feed their dogs better quality of food, and if they don’t they should. The biggest reason why that better food = smaller poop, seriously. So if for no other reason you should now want to feed your dog better, but what does that mean. So you have selected a quality food, but what about the treats your dog gets? This can be as much as 20% - 25% of their daily intake, and you must look at these labels too.

I have found a great product you can use and feel good about it. I will admit right up front, I have been a fan of Newman’s Own products for some time. The work that the Newman's Own funds behind the scenes is wonderful, and 100 % of the profits go to their charities. Best part is they generally give you a good product for your support and your money, although they are normally a little more expensive than similar products.

So in my local PetSmart I saw a Newman’s Own Organic s Premium Dog Treats and decided to give them a try. Something I liked immediately (and is stated right on the front of the package) is they contain no wheat or corn in any way, and most ingredients are “certified organic.” The ingredients list reads like my shopping list (OK, that’s a lie it is actually better) and was very impressed with the thought that obviously went into the selection of each. So, I bought the Turkey & Sweet Potato flavor (both certified organic) because they come in a medium size treat but are scored to break in half. I have both a big and a small dog, so this makes giving both a treat easier. I paid $4.99 for a 13 oz bag. A little expensive, but like I said I understand and support this.

Now in a human product I would have to say that this whole organic thing would spell tasteless and unappealing, so I was most interested in whether Hondo would like them and, most importantly, would he work for them. Jethro is an omnivore and will work for any kind of food, food product, something that smells like food, or something that maybe reminds him of food. Hondo on the other hand is a picky eater, and has turned down treats in the past because they just didn’t “do it” for him. 

The treats are a good size and are scored to easily break in half, and for that half to be big enough for Jethro. He is an 80 pound dog, so this should give you some point of reference. They are hard so not greasy or messy, but they break pretty easy. I have had some treats that you needed hammer and chisel to break in half. The other half also breaks well, but require more force, so Hondo gets 2 pieces. One good part of being a small dog I guess. The product seems to have a pleasing scent to both humans and dogs, as both of the lads came-a-running when the bag was opened.

Surprisingly Hondo was very attentive and was really wanting to do his sit and down or shake or whatever to get one of these new things, but that is generally attributed to them being new. He ate his pieces vigorously and seemed to enjoy them, but he always likes new stuff. The best news is even after a couple of days he was still willing to work for one, and this is a good sign.

Not surprisingly is the fact that they were a big hit with Jethro. He loved them and seems very happy working for them, but like I said above we would work for a tin can that smelled like food.

Overall I would say that this is a good product for both the human owner and the pet in question. The owner can feel good that they are giving their dog high quality treats and are supporting some amazing causes, and the dog can feel good because the owner feels good so will probably give them MORE TREATS!

The very definition of a win-win!