Share this image

Yaffbars come in three fetching flavors: Honey Almond Cranberry, Blueberry Carob and Banana Peanut Butter. Photo: Steve Yensel

Well, we're no longer doing that, thanks to a delicious new product called Yaffbar. It has the distinction of being the world's first "people food" energy bar that you can devour on your own or share safely with your favorite pup. And it takes its quirky name from the Old English term yaff (to bark). 

Share this image

Desiree could hardly wait for the wrapper to come off the Yaffbar. Photo: Steve Yensel

When the manufacturer, Mudd+Wyeth, first offered me a sample, I didn't have high expectations. Then I read the ingredients: With components like alcohol-free vanilla extract and brown rice syrup (instead of refined sugar), Yaffbars are as pure as anything I would concoct myself -- and that's saying something, because I'm not only a purist at heart, I'm a certifiable health nut (or, as Dogster EIC Janine Kahn calls me, health nerd). Plus, Yaffbars are free of wheat, dairy, and caffeine. 

Share this image

Yaffbars are made with natural ingredients that are healthy, safe and delicious for dog lovers and their pups.

So I split the swag with my sweetheart German Shepherd in a taste test, and the results were impressive. But don't take it from me -- here's some ocular proof. When I set up an impromptu photo shoot of Desiree and me sharing the Yaffbars, I brought along three, one of each flavor: Banana Peanut Butter, Blueberry Carob, and Cranberry Almond. Well, all three disappeared in seconds, and in her feeding frenzy, Fraulein Desiree nearly chewed off my chin as a chaser!

After the Yaffbars were all gone, she would've gladly devoured the empty wrappers if I hadn't held them in a viselike grip. (Note to self: Never leave these wrappers, or garbage bags containing them, lying around -- dispose of immediately!) I regret that I can't describe what, exactly, Desiree loves about these tasty treats. But I can tell you, from my mere human point of view, that Yaffbar's texture is what sets it apart, striking precisely the right balance of moist and chewy, yet not cloyingly gooey. 

So move over, Larabar, Luna Bar, Clif Bar ... I hereby pledge allegiance to Yaffbar. I suspect your dog will, too. Check it out here.