On top of caring for animals and writing for veterinary publications, Dr. Chyrle Bonk owns a small cattle herd! When she’s not busy with those things, she can be found somewhere enjoying the Idaho outdoors with her husband and two kids. Dr. Chyrle Bonk received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from Oregon State University in 2010.
Chyrle has practiced in a mixed animal clinic for over a decade. She also writes for various veterinary websites and magazines, like Dogster!
The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.
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The pet food world is ever-changing, and more products are flooding the market every day. What is growing in popularity in the world of treats? Why, lickable ones, of course. You can spread the treats on a lick mat, stuff them in a toy, or serve them to your dog from your hand. They’re available in several flavors, and your dog is sure to love one of them!
So, if you want to try out these snacks for your pup, we found nine excellent products. Our reviews can help you find a terrific treat to try!
Birthday cake, carob, maple bacon, peanut butter, vanilla, watermelon
Amount:
5.25 ounces
Calories:
1,135 kcal/1 ounce scoop
As the best overall lickable dog treat, we picked Pooch Creamery. Most pups found this doggy ice cream delicious, so hopefully, your pup will enjoy it, too. Pooch Creamery might be a little pricey, but keep in mind that there are over 5 servings in a container.
There are several flavors to choose from, and we recommend exploring different ones to find your dog’s favorite. One serving contains 21.3% crude protein, 20.5% crude fat, 1.9% crude fiber, and 3.5% moisture. The ingredients include lactose-free whole milk, cane sugar, gelatin, salt, and natural watermelon flavor.
This is a very smart way to do snack time. You can store it on a shelf until you’re ready to use it. You can also add the powder to water and freeze it so your dog can have a refreshing treat on a hot day. The taste is unbeatable, but the calories and fat are very high, so be very careful about portioning!
We do want to mention that Pooch Creamery contains milk. So, if your dog is sensitive to lactose, steer clear.
If you’re looking for lickable treats that won’t break the bank, PureBites Plus Squeezables are excellent in taste and quality. We think PureBites are the best lickable dog treats for the money. We love the simple ingredients: chicken, water, tapioca starch, sunflower oil, and tuna oil. One serving contains 9% crude protein, 7% crude fat, 0.5% crude fiber, and 80% moisture. It is also packed with other helpful ingredients, like omega fatty acids.
The consistency is very creamy without a lot of texture. You can use this as a topper, a standalone treat, or even as a way to dispense medication. The ingredients are all-natural and non-GMO, so you don’t have to worry about what you’re putting in their food bowl.
PureBites can also improve your dog’s coat and make it shiny. Since there is only one flavor, we recommend getting the single squeeze pouch to test it before committing to the 15-count option. We know how picky our canines can be!
The Buddy Budder 6-Pack Mixed Flavor Squeeze Packs provide flavor variety while using healthy ingredients. We love the packaging, quality, and overall brand aesthetic. They are a good introduction to lickable treats so you can see which ones your canines most prefer.
We think your pup will appreciate having more variety with the multiple flavors. All Buddy Budder’s snacks contain peanut butter, with different spins on each. Some mimic sweet treats, while others resemble smoothies. However, the treats are very high in fat, so use them very sparingly.
After opening, the squeeze packs must be refrigerated, so make sure to put any leftovers in the fridge. The recipes are made without added salt, sugar, hydrogenated oils, xylitol, or alcohol, so you don’t have to worry about any harmful ingredients in your dogs’ dessert treats.
To break up the consistency, remember to stir the contents before opening so everything is well blended.
Pros
Multiple flavors
Excellent quality
Versatile
Cons
May separate, so make sure to mix well before serving
Another great option is the Woof Pupsicles Beef Lickable treats. They are designed to be used in Woof’s Pupsicle, and you can freeze them to extend your pup’s snack time. They are all-natural treats made of beef, peanut butter, tapioca starch, beef tallow, rice syrup, vegetable glycerin, soy lecithin, gelatin, and blueberry powder. In one serving, there is 28.9% crude protein, 29% crude fat, 2.5% crude fiber, and 9.4% moisture.
Like other brands on our list, the Woof treats are high in fat and may not be suitable for overweight dogs. We think they are incredibly convenient because you can refill the mechanism, and they last a little longer than most lickable treats. You can get refills as needed, so you don’t have to buy a new Pupsicle every time.
Pros
Easy distribution
Ideal for portion control
Made of natural ingredients
Cons
Might not satisfy some dogs
High in fat
5. Set of Two Lickety Stik Low-Calorie Liquid Dog Treats
PetSafe Lickety Stik Low-Calorie Liquid Dog Treats have over 500 licks per bottle, so this treat is long-lasting, and you have complete control over the distribution. You can use this as a quick training reward and keep it in your hands without stickiness or messiness.
This treat is 100% natural and made in the USA. You can take it with you on the go, such as to a dog park, on walks, or even when you’re at the vet.
The top delivers just the right amount of treats to keep your pup busy, making it really stretch for your dollar. We love that there is only 1 calorie per 10 licks! So, you can really stretch the product, and your pup won’t put on weight in the meantime.
However, some dogs didn’t care for the smokey bacon flavor.
Pros
Low calorie
Delicious bacon flavor
Easy to take everywhere
Cons
Some dogs dislike the flavor
6. Cafe Nara Peanut Butter Flavored Lickable Dog Treats
This particular recipe is free from added sugar, salt, preservatives, and color. It adds hydration to your dog’s diet and can serve as a food topper or a treat. Because they are made with limited ingredients, a broader audience of dogs can delight in these fantastic snacks.
All of these recipes are human-grade, so you can feel good about what you put in your pup’s tummy. It has a very creamy texture, so most dogs should enjoy it. Just remember that it can be a little messy, so prepare in advance.
What dog doesn’t love peanut butter? If your dog loves the creamy spread, you might be interested in the Bark Bistro Company. Its recipes are crafted with real peanuts, but there are so many flavors to choose from, such as Awesome Apple, Barking Banana, Flax’n Fido, Pumpkin and Cinnamon, Ruff Ruff Raw, and Superberry Snoot.
We chose the bacon flavor because it seems to be a hit with most dogs! There are only three ingredients: peanuts, bacon, and honey! There is 21.5% crude protein, 48.49% crude fat, and 1.27% crude fiber in a single serving. You can see that it is very high in fat, so use it sparingly.
The Bark Bistro spread is very versatile. You can use it in treat toys like Kongs or lick mats, or your dog can simply lap up a spoonful. There is no right or wrong way to do it. It is simply a delightful and tasty snack that your dog will enjoy at any time.
This recipe is free of stabilizers, hydrated oil, artificial sugars, salt, or xylitol. You can use it as a standalone snack or bake it into a crispy treat.
It’s clear that peanut butter is a hit with most dogs, and your pup will love the spread made by the Project Hive Pet Company. It uses organic honey in the recipe to appeal to your dog’s sweet tooth, unlike some of its competitors, you don’t have to store the spread in the refrigerator.
This recipe contains only three ingredients: peanuts, organic honey, and organic palm oil. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about artificial preservatives or flavors. The guaranteed analysis shows 22.98% crude protein, 49.6% crude fat, 11.3% crude fiber, and .44% moisture.
We love that this recipe uses non-GMO ingredients and is made in the USA. Another perk is that every purchase helps plant wildflowers to restore the bee population, which we found awesome.
This spread is the perfect texture to go into treat balls or dental toys. It is also an ideal meal enhancer. That can be good for both weight gain or picky eaters. The guaranteed analysis reads 28% crude protein, 45% crude fat, and 2% crude fiber.
Because the ingredients are so light and easy, many dogs can benefit—including most allergy sufferers or those on special diets. But as always, check with your vet before serving since it is high in fat.
Pros
Protein-rich
High fat for weight gain
Compatible with allergies
Cons
High in fat
Buyers Guide: Choosing the Best Lickable Treats For Your Dog
When making any new purchase, no matter what it is, you want to ensure it’s worth your money. If you’re putting it in your dog’s belly, you’ll also want to know that it’s safe and healthy for them.
So, how exactly do you do that? We’ll discuss lickable treats in more detail and how to serve them to your dog.
What Are Lickable Treats?
Lickable treats are usually liquids or spreads your dog can lap up without having to crunch on a treat. They’re very flavorful, and many dogs go crazy over them. All dogs can delight in lickable treats, but some might have a particular interest! For example, lickable treats are perfect for picky eaters. If your dog has trouble munching on kibble or doesn’t care for dry treats, a clickable spread is a surefire way to amp up their appetite.
If you have a dog with bad teeth, standard treats can be difficult for them to enjoy. If you buy lickable treats, you can make the eating experience a lot easier. However, it is especially important to keep your dog’s teeth clean to prevent further decay.
Small dogs may have more difficulty eating hard treats than larger dogs, but they won’t have trouble consuming a tasty spread. Lickable treats can be really messy for training. However, you can freeze them or stuff them in a toy to serve as a training reward.
Image Credit: ilona.shorokhova, Shutterstock
Benefits of Lickable Treats
What are the upsides to lickable treats? We’re glad you asked! Here are just a few.
Aromatic
Lickable trees will undoubtedly please a picky dog, and the aroma of tasty ingredients can stimulate your pup’s appetite.
Flavorful
Lickable dog treats certainly have a lot of flavor. That is what makes them so effective. You can choose from just about any flavor you can imagine for your pup in whatever brand you choose.
Tasty
It probably goes without saying that lickable treats are just yummy! Most canines love them, and your dog will certainly be the one to let you know if they don’t like a specific flavor. Sometimes, families find it more beneficial to get multiple flavors so that their dogs can pick their favorites.
Downfalls of Lickable Treats
Lickable treats are a hit with most dogs but have a few downsides.
Messy
Lickable treats won’t work for every scenario. Some dogs will simply make a mess when they eat the spread. However, you can add them to lick mats to contain the mess or stuff them in a toy. If you have a tile or vinyl floor, it’s best to serve them in the kitchen since they’re too messy for your dog to enjoy in carpeted rooms.
Price
Some treats are significantly pricier than others, and compared to hard treats, the spreads may not last as long. However, the products on our list aren’t overpriced, and most of them contain healthy ingredients.
High in Fat and Calories
Some of these lickable treats are high in calories and fat. They are meant to be treats, not a regular part of their daily diet, so make sure to use them sparingly and subtract some of the calories from their daily meals to compensate.
Our Selection Process For Lickable Dog Treats
To create this buyer’s guide, our writing team and editorial staff checked customer reviews, brand reputation, and veterinary approval ratings to present the dog treats we think should be highlighted for our readers. In some cases, we conducted hands-on testing along with seeing how much our dogs liked the dog treats. All these factors were considered when selecting these listed dog treats to help you make the best purchase for your furry friends.
Why Trust Dogster?
Since 2004, Dogster has been a trusted brand for dog owners online, which means we have a lot of experience with dog treats. We take pride in promoting the well-being of all dogs—from toy breeds to giant canines. Our in-house veterinarians, writers, and editors examine each product on our lists, ensuring its quality and reputation. As pet owners ourselves, we only want the best for our furry companions. At Dogster, we are transparent about the products we promote. The nutritional information, overall brand reputation, and customer reviews are all considered for these lists. We inform you how we want to be informed.
Summary
The Pooch Creamery still has our vote for the number one slot because its recipes are out of this world. You can give your dog a broad selection of different flavors, and it will be a welcome surprise anytime. The PureBites Plus Squeezable Snacks are affordable and tasty, and your dog is sure to love them. If you’re looking for more variety and are okay with paying for a premium product, we recommend the Buddy Budder 6-Pack Mixed Flavor Squeeze Packs. Your pup will never get bored with all these flavors.
Now that you know the scoop on lickable treats thanks to our trusty reviews, which brands will appeal to your dog?
Featured Image Credit: LightFieldStudios, Shutterstock
Ashley Bates is a freelance dog writer and pet enthusiast who is currently studying the art of animal therapy. A mother to four human children— and 23 furry and feathery kids, too – Ashley volunteers at local shelters, advocates for animal well-being, and rescues every creature in need. Her mission is to create awareness, education, and entertainment about pets to
prevent homelessness. Her specialties are dogs and cats.
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