Sniff & Shift
Feeding Guide for Dogs & Cats — Treats, Use-Cases & Safe Amounts
Clear guidance for offering nutritious single-ingredient and specialty treats. Tap each section to expand details, benefits, and exact feeding directions.
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Banana & Peanut Butter Ice Cream · Pumpkin Ice Cream · Cheddar Cheese · Beef Liver · Beef Heart · Beef Tripe · Whole Sardine · Shrimp · Blue-Lipped Mussels · Salmon · Quail Eggs · Chicken Paws
How to Read the Nutrition Lines
Crude Protein Percent protein on a dry-matter basis (DMB). Higher supports muscle repair, immune function, enzymes.
Fat DMB fat. A key energy source; also carries fat-soluble vitamins & omega-3s for skin/coat and joints.
Crude Fiber Mostly indigestible material; can aid stool quality and gut health.
TDN Total Digestible Nutrients. Higher = more of the food can be used by the body.
Moisture Water content in the finished product; Dry Matter is the remainder.
Energy Metabolizable energy. We list kcal per lb and per oz for easy portioning.
Banana & Peanut Butter Ice Cream
| Crude Analysis (Dry Matter) | Value |
|---|---|
| Crude Protein | 35.4% |
| Crude Fiber | 9.7% |
| TDN | 100% |
| Fat | 28.8% |
| Moisture | 7.2% (Dry Matter 92.8%) |
| Energy | 1,963 kcal/lb (~123 kcal/oz) |
High-value reward
Rich / use sparingly
What it means
Protein + fat make this calorie-dense; fiber from banana aids digestion. Great occasional reward, especially post-activity.
Feeding directions
- Dogs: 1–2 Tbsp (small) · 2–4 Tbsp (med) · 1–2 oz (large), ≤ a few times/week. Ideal after exercise or earlier in day.
- Cats: tiny taste only (most cats aren’t into sweet flavors).
- Optionally rehydrate freeze-dried form for a creamy texture; serve on a lick-mat for enrichment.
When to avoid
Pancreatitis, weight loss plans, diabetes, peanut allergy, or any product that contains xylitol. If dairy-based, beware lactose intolerance.
Why feed it
Tasty protein + healthy fats; banana adds potassium & fiber. Great for bonding, training, and cooling treats.
Pumpkin Ice Cream
| Crude Analysis (Dry Matter) | Value |
|---|---|
| Crude Protein | 13.7% |
| Crude Fiber | 9.0% |
| TDN | 83.1% |
| Fat | 1.8% |
| Moisture | 7.8% (Dry Matter 92.2%) |
| Energy | 1,552 kcal/lb (~97 kcal/oz) |
Gut-friendly
Low fat
What it means
High fiber, very lean; supportive for stool quality and sensitive stomachs.
Feeding directions
- Dogs: 1–2 tsp (small), 1–2 Tbsp (med), 2–4 Tbsp (large). Great between meals or evening “dessert.”
- Cats: up to 1 tsp mixed into food as accepted.
When to avoid
Diabetes (carbs), late-stage kidney disease (potassium), or very large servings (too much fiber can backfire).
Why feed it
Simple, soothing fiber + vitamins A/C/E; helps both diarrhea and constipation in many dogs.
Cheddar Cheese
| Crude Analysis (Dry Matter) | Value |
|---|---|
| Crude Protein | 35.5% |
| Crude Fiber | 4.2% |
| Fat | 52.0% |
| Moisture | 4.3% (Dry Matter 95.7%) |
| Energy | 2,489 kcal/lb (~155.6 kcal/oz) |
Pill-pocket hero
Very rich
What it means
High fat, calorie-dense; tiny portions only. Protein + calcium bonus.
Feeding directions
Dogs: pea-to-peanut sized cubes (2–4 pieces/session). Cats: a tiny crumble. Best for training or meds; keep treats ≤10% daily calories.
When to avoid
Pancreatitis, obesity, lactose intolerance, high-sodium restrictions; avoid add-ins (onion/garlic).
Why feed it
Ultra-palatable; great motivational reward or pill wrapper in tiny amounts.
Beef Liver
| Crude Analysis (Dry Matter) | Value |
|---|---|
| Crude Protein | 72.9% |
| Crude Fiber | 8.4% |
| TDN | 86.1% |
| Fat | 6.4% |
| Moisture | 7.8% (Dry Matter 92.2%) |
| Energy | 1,416 kcal/lb (~88.5 kcal/oz) |
Vitamin-rich
Lean
What it means
Extremely nutrient-dense organ (vitamin A, B12, iron); potent flavor; low fat.
Feeding directions
Dogs: a few small cubes, ≤2–3×/week (organ treats ≲5% of diet). Cats: pea-sized piece 1–2×/week. Can crumble as topper; introduce slowly.
When to avoid
Do not overfeed (risk of vitamin A excess). Limit with copper-storage disease, kidney disease, or beef allergy.
Why feed it
“Nature’s multivitamin” to boost micronutrients; high training value.
Beef Heart
| Crude Analysis (Dry Matter) | Value |
|---|---|
| Crude Protein | 81.7% |
| Crude Fiber | 18.3% |
| TDN | 80.6% |
| Fat | 8.2% |
| Moisture | 10.0% (Dry Matter 90%) |
| Energy | 1,312 kcal/lb (~82 kcal/oz) |
Taurine source
Lean & meaty
What it means
Muscle organ rich in taurine & CoQ10; excellent lean protein for daily small treats.
Feeding directions
Dogs: 1–3 small cubes/day (scale by size). Cats: pea-to-blueberry piece daily or a few times/week. Can rehydrate for softer texture.
When to avoid
Protein-restricted diets; beef allergy; urate stone-prone pets (purines).
Why feed it
Supports heart health (taurine), joints (collagen), and lean muscle.
Beef Tripe (Green Tripe)
| Crude Analysis (Dry Matter) | Value |
|---|---|
| Crude Protein | 44.0% |
| Crude Fiber | 28.7% |
| TDN | 100% |
| Fat | 45.6% |
| Moisture | 5.6% (Dry Matter 94.4%) |
| Energy | 2,057 kcal/lb (~128.6 kcal/oz) |
Gut enzymes & probiotics
High fat
What it means
Smelly (dogs love it), fatty, fibrous; may support microbiome & appetite.
Feeding directions
Dogs: small strip or 1–2 Tbsp crumbles; a few times/week. Cats: tiny pinch if interested. Feed on a mat or outdoors (odor!).
When to avoid
Pancreatitis/low-fat diets, beef allergy. Use reputable “green” (unbleached) sources only.
Why feed it
Natural enzymes/probiotics; great topper for picky eaters; potential stool quality support.
Whole Sardine
| Crude Analysis (Dry Matter) | Value |
|---|---|
| Crude Protein | 39.4% |
| Crude Fiber | 5.3% |
| TDN | 100% |
| Fat | 41.8% |
| Moisture | 4.5% (Dry Matter 95.5%) |
| Energy | 2,271 kcal/lb (~141.9 kcal/oz) |
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)
Calcium from tiny bones
What it means
Oily fish = coat, joint, heart & brain support; highly digestible.
Feeding directions
Dogs: 1–4 small sardines/session (size-dependent), a few times/week. Cats: ½–1 small fish or crumbled over food.
When to avoid
Fish allergy; very low-fat prescriptions. Ensure parasite-safe sourcing; avoid salted/seasoned products.
Why feed it
Whole-food omega-3s (better than plant sources); vitamin D, B12; supports mobility & skin.
Shrimp
| Crude Analysis (Dry Matter) | Value |
|---|---|
| Crude Protein | 86.3% |
| Crude Fiber (chitin) | 17.5% |
| TDN | 75.6% |
| Fat | 6.4% |
| Moisture | 9.5% (Dry Matter 90.5%) |
| Energy | 1,208 kcal/lb (~75.5 kcal/oz) |
Ultra-lean protein
Low calorie
What it means
High protein, minimal fat; chitin adds roughage & trace glucosamine.
Feeding directions
Dogs: 2–5 small shrimp per session (break for toy breeds). Cats: 1–3 pieces; great training reward. Rehydrate if softer texture needed.
When to avoid
Shellfish allergy. Prefer pet-grade, pathogen-safe products; avoid heavily salted human snacks.
Why feed it
Weight-friendly, B12/selenium-rich, tasty single-ingredient treat.
Blue-Lipped (Green-Lipped) Mussels
| Crude Analysis (Dry Matter) | Value |
|---|---|
| Crude Protein | 70.6% |
| Crude Fiber | 5.2% |
| TDN | 90.0% |
| Fat | 6.8% |
| Moisture | 5.0% (Dry Matter 95%) |
| Energy | 1,490 kcal/lb (~93.1 kcal/oz) |
Joint support (GAGs + Omega-3)
Low calorie
What it means
Natural chondroitin + EPA/DHA/ETA; supports mobility & comfort.
Feeding directions
Dogs: 1–2 mussels daily (small), 2–3 (med), 3–4 (large) for joint goals. Cats: ½–1 mussel/day (crumbled).
When to avoid
Shellfish allergy; urate stone-prone pets (purines) — consult your vet.
Why feed it
Evidence-backed joint health + skin/coat benefits in a single whole food.
Salmon
| Crude Analysis (Dry Matter) | Value |
|---|---|
| Crude Protein | 89.0% |
| Crude Fiber | 13.0% |
| TDN | 79.7% |
| Fat | 5.4% |
| Moisture | 7.4% (Dry Matter 92.6%) |
| Energy | 1,256 kcal/lb (~78.5 kcal/oz) |
Lean fish protein
Omega-3 support
What it means
Unusually lean salmon treat; still delivers EPA/DHA + protein.
Feeding directions
Dogs: 2–10 small pieces/day (scale by size; account calories). Cats: 1–3 small pieces; crumble into wet food if picky.
When to avoid
Fish allergy; ensure parasite-safe sourcing (raw/FD salmon). Moderate if fish upsets your pet’s stomach.
Why feed it
Whole-food omega-3s for skin/coat, joints, cognition; easy, tasty supplement alternative.
Quail Eggs
| Crude Analysis (Dry Matter) | Value |
|---|---|
| Crude Protein | 42.0% |
| Crude Fiber | 10.2% |
| TDN | 100% |
| Fat | 27.9% |
| Moisture | 6.2% (Dry Matter 93.8%) |
| Energy | 1,918 kcal/lb (~119.9 kcal/oz) |
Coat & skin
Easy topper
What it means
Complete nutrition in a tiny package; high-quality proteins, fats, choline, vitamins.
Feeding directions
Dogs: 1 egg (small) up to 2 eggs (large) a few times/week; raw, soft-boiled, or scrambled (no salt). Cats: ½–1 egg; mix into food. Shell optional (calcium).
When to avoid
Egg allergy, strict fat limits; use hygienic sourcing if feeding raw. Don’t overuse raw whites daily (avidin/biotin balance).
Why feed it
Shinier coat, extra protein & micronutrients, appetite boost for picky eaters.
Chicken Paws (Feet)
| Crude Analysis (Dry Matter) | Value |
|---|---|
| Crude Protein | 44.8% |
| Crude Fiber | 20.7% |
| TDN | 100% |
| Fat | 34.3% |
| Moisture | 7.9% (Dry Matter 92.1%) |
| Energy | 1,895 kcal/lb (~118.4 kcal/oz) |
Natural collagen
Dental chew
What it means
Skin/tendon/bone = collagen, glucosamine & chondroitin; crunchy chew for teeth & joints.
Feeding directions
Dogs: 1 dehydrated foot (toy/small: choose split/mini; large: up to 1–2, a few times/week). Supervise chewing. Cats: not typical; offer only small, soft pieces if interested.
When to avoid
Aggressive gulpers (choking risk), pancreatitis/low-fat diets (fatty skin), poultry allergy. Only feed dehydrated/air-dried or raw — never cooked bones.
Why feed it
Supports joint health (natural GAGs) and helps scrape plaque while satisfying chew needs.
General Treat Rules:
Treats should be ≤ 10% of daily calories. Introduce new items slowly; always provide fresh water. For medical conditions (pancreatitis, kidney disease, food allergies, urinary stones, diabetes), consult your veterinarian before adding rich treats or fish/organ items.