Three Dog Bakery is a popular bakery that specializes in dog treats and baked goods. Their cookies are a fan favorite for pups, but what exactly is in them? As pet parents, it’s important to understand the ingredients in store-bought treats before feeding them to our furry friends. In this article, we’ll take a close look at what goes into Three Dog Bakery’s cookies so you can make an informed decision about whether they are right for your dog.
Ingredient Overview
According to Three Dog Bakery’s website, their cookies are made with all-natural, human-grade ingredients. The main ingredients are wheat flour, eggs, vegetable oil, yogurt, and peanut butter. They contain no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors. Here is a quick overview of the main ingredients:
- Wheat flour – Provides structure and texture
- Eggs – Bind ingredients together and provide protein
- Vegetable oil – Adds moisture and flavor
- Yogurt – Provides probiotics for digestion
- Peanut butter – Adds flavor and protein
In addition to these main ingredients, Three Dog Bakery cookies also contain smaller amounts of other ingredients like molasses, honey, applesauce, baking soda, and vanilla. Let’s take a deeper dive into each ingredient next.
Wheat Flour
The main flour used in Three Dog Bakery cookies is enriched wheat flour. Wheat flour provides the base structure and texture for baked goods. Enriched wheat flour has added nutrients like iron and B vitamins. Wheat flour contains gluten, a type of protein. Some dogs are sensitive or allergic to gluten, so these treats would not be a good option for gluten-intolerant pups.
Benefits of Wheat Flour
- Provides bulk and texture
- Cost effective baking ingredient
- Enriched flour adds vitamins and minerals
Downsides of Wheat Flour
- Contains gluten which some dogs cannot tolerate
- Less nutrient dense than whole grain flours
- Higher glycemic index than some other flours
Eggs
Eggs are a key binding ingredient in Three Dog Bakery’s cookies. Eggs help hold the ingredients together and provide structure to the baked treats. They also add moisture and protein. Eggs are an excellent source of amino acids for dogs and contain vitamin A, riboflavin, selenium, and more.
Benefits of Eggs
- Excellent source of complete protein
- Contain essential amino acids
- Provide a range of vitamins and minerals
- Help bind ingredients together
- Add moisture to baked goods
Downsides of Eggs
- Potential for food allergies in some dogs
- Raw eggs may contain salmonella risk
Vegetable Oil
The ingredient list for Three Dog Bakery does not specify what type of vegetable oil is used, but it is likely canola, soybean, or palm oil. Vegetable oils add moisture, texture, and flavor to baked goods. Oils help food taste more appealing which is important for picky pups. Vegetable oils also provide some healthy fats for dogs. However, oils are high in calories so treats with oil should be fed in moderation.
Benefits of Vegetable Oil
- Adds moisture and soft texture
- Helps bind ingredients together
- Provides some healthy fats for dogs
- Enhances flavor appeal for picky eaters
Downsides of Vegetable Oil
- High in calories so should be fed in moderation
- Specific oil source not specified on label
- Non-organic oils may contain GMOs or pesticides
Yogurt
Three Dog Bakery cookies contain yogurt, a probiotic-rich ingredient. The live active cultures in yogurt can promote healthy digestion in dogs. Yogurt also provides protein, vitamins, and minerals. When choosing yogurt, look for products with live active cultures and no added sugars.
Benefits of Yogurt
- Provides probiotics for digestive health
- Good source of protein and calcium
- Contains vitamins B2, B12, potassium, magnesium
- Adds moisture and tangy flavor
Downsides of Yogurt
- Some dogs may be lactose intolerant
- Added sugars in some yogurts
- Can cause gastrointestinal issues if consumed in excess
Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is included in Three Dog Bakery cookies as a tasty protein and flavor boost. Dogs love the rich, nutty taste of peanut butter. Make sure to choose all-natural peanut butter without added sugars or hydrogenated oils.
Benefits of Peanut Butter
- Excellent source of plant-based protein
- Provides healthy fats for dogs
- Adds appealing flavor dogs love
- Contains vitamin E, niacin, and some minerals
Downsides of Peanut Butter
- High in calories so should be fed sparingly
- Some dogs may have peanut allergies
- Contains aflatoxins if improperly processed
Other Minor Ingredients
In addition to the main ingredients we’ve covered, Three Dog Bakery cookies also contain small amounts of other ingredients such as:
- Molasses – Provides subtle sweetness and aids in baking
- Honey – Extra touch of natural sweetness
- Applesauce – Adds moisture and fiber
- Baking soda – Helps cookies rise
- Vanilla – Boosts flavor appeal
These supplementary ingredients enhance flavor, texture, and appeal of the cookies. They are added in minimal amounts as flavor enhancers and baking aids.
Nutritional Content
Now that we’ve reviewed the main ingredients, let’s take a look at the nutritional content of Three Dog Bakery’s cookies according to their website:
| Nutrient | Per 1 oz cookie |
|---|---|
| Calories | 104 |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fat | 6g |
| Fiber | 0.5g |
| Moisture | 17% |
As you can see, these cookies are moderately high in calories and fat since they contain nutrient-dense ingredients like eggs, peanut butter, and oil. The fiber content is lower than some other baked treats. Overall, Three Dog Bakery cookies make for a tasty but calorie-dense snack or reward.
Quality Control & Safety Standards
When it comes to pet treats, it’s important to understand the manufacturing standards and quality control measures in place. Here are some of the safety processes Three Dog Bakery uses:
- Utilize human-grade ingredients
- Inspect all incoming ingredients
- Follow strict quality control protocols
- Bake treats at optimal temperatures to reduce pathogens
- Test final products for safety
- Use food-safe packaging
Additionally, their baking facilities are regulated by state departments of agriculture. Following good manufacturing practices ensures the treats are safe for our furry friends!
Should You Feed Three Dog Bakery Cookies to Your Dog?
Based on our ingredient analysis, Three Dog Bakery cookies appear to be a decent occasional treat option provided your dog tolerates the main ingredients. Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Potential Benefits
- Made with some natural, nutrient-rich ingredients
- Contain probiotics from yogurt
- Dogs love the enticing flavors
- Provide mental stimulation through chewing
- Manufactured in regulated facilities
Potential Drawbacks
- Contains gluten which some dogs cannot tolerate
- Higher in calories, fat, and carbohydrates
- May include GMO or heavily processed ingredients
- Could trigger allergies or GI upset in some dogs
As with any pet treat, monitor your dog for any signs of food intolerance. It’s also best to limit treats to no more than 10-15% of their daily calorie intake. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about introducing these cookies or other new treats to your dog’s diet.
Healthier Homemade Alternatives
If you want to bake wholesome homemade treats for your pup, here are some healthier recipe ideas:
Berry Oat Cookies
- Gluten-free oat flour
- Shredded carrot
- Smashed blueberries
- Shredded coconut
- Honey
- Eggs
Pumpkin Peanut Butter Bites
- Gluten-free oats
- Pureed pumpkin
- Peanut butter
- Mini chocolate chips
- Honey
- Ground flaxseed
Sweet Potato biscuits
- Cooked sweet potato
- Whole wheat flour
- Eggs
- Yogurt
- Honey
- Baking powder
Whip up a batch of these tasty treats for your pup or check out our full recipes here [link to your site’s healthy dog treat recipes]
Conclusion
Three Dog Bakery’s cookies are a popular commercial treat containing some wholesome ingredients like eggs, yogurt, and peanut butter along with enriching add-ins like molasses and applesauce. However, the use of wheat flour and vegetable oils make them more processed than homemade options. Feeding your dog these cookies sparingly as part of a balanced diet should be fine for most healthy pups. But you can also bake nutritious treats at home using whole food ingredients tailored to your dog’s needs and sensitivities.