Treat Tips for this Fall Season

October is undoubtedly one of the best times of the year – full of festive flavors and seasonal fun! We’re here to remind you that your pup doesn’t have to miss out! From pumpkin to apples, there are plenty of fall-inspired treats that are safe for dogs to enjoy. In this month’s blog, we’re sharing some tasty October treats your dog can actually have, plus a few ingredients to avoid. 

Treats your dog can enjoy

• Pumpkin: Plain, cooked pumpkin can be a tasty fall treat. Just make sure it’s plain pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling.
• Apples: Small pieces of apple can make a crunchy, naturally sweet snack. Remove the seeds and core first!
• Carrots: A great low-calorie option that many dogs love, whether served raw or cooked.
• Sweet Potato: Plain, cooked sweet potato can be a delicious treat. 

Always remember…when in doubt, choose treats made specifically for dogs with safe, wholesome ingredients! When it comes to treating your pup, a little goes a long way and your pup can enjoy a taste of fall right alongside you.

Reminder: Safety First

• Keep portions small: Treats should be a small part of your dog’s overall diet, not a replacement for their regular food.
• Always introduce new foods slowly: A new treat can sometimes cause an upset stomach, even if the food itself is dog-safe.
• Skip the seasonings: Fall foods often contain butter, sugar, salt, or spices that aren’t appropriate for dogs.
• Never give your dog: Chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, or anything containing xylitol. 

Exciting News to Share!

We’re thrilled to announce that we’ll be partnering with Leaps & Bones to bring delicious, wholesome treats and tail-wagging fun to our Good Dog Spot community! If you’re not sure where to find healthy treats for your pup, or simply don’t have the time to make them yourself, stop by The Good Dog Spot. We’ll have plenty of tasty options your dog will love, so you can treat them without the guesswork.

The Story Behind the Famous Tasty Treats from Our Friends at Leaps & Bones!

It all started 18 years ago with homemade dog biscuits and four very lucky pups! Amy was on a mission to find healthier treats for her dogs after realizing that many store-bought options were packed with ingredients, chemicals, and preservatives she didn’t want to feed them. With her background working in a bakery and a growing interest in dog nutrition, she began creating her own wholesome treats right at home.

Before long, Amy’s pups had shared their new favorite biscuits with the neighborhood dogs and those pups wanted in on the treats, too. That little idea eventually grew into Leaps & Bones, a tiny pet store that has since blossomed into two retail locations in South Windsor and Southington, along with their very own full-scale Dog Barkery. Today, they’re still baking Amy’s biscuits and specialty treats, using the same passion that started it all 18 years ago. 

“A lot has changed since those first batches, but one thing remains the same: we believe dogs deserve treats that are made with love and ingredients you can feel good about,” said Amy from Leaps & Bones.

A Special Fall Recipe from Leaps & Bones for Your Pup(s)!

Pumpkin Poppers

• 1 ½ cups Quick Oats
• ¼ cups Canned Pumpkin
• ½ cup Honey
• 1 Tbsp Oil
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ tsp Cinnamon

Mix all ingredients together. Then scoop or drop into small mounds. Bake at 325 degrees for 12-14 minutes. They can be refrigerated but will probably be devoured by the dogs in no time!!!

We hope your pup enjoys all the treats, adventures, and cozy moments that fall has to offer just as much as we do!