Purina® Busy Brand Dog Treats

Though there are many great things about this product, I feel the need to notify everyone of the obnoxious MESS that these things make!  For smaller dogs it will take a decent amount of time to get through this treat, meanwhile you have a really soggy ooey gooey log sitting around getting white residue all over anything and everything that it touches.  Matty had it in her whiskers, on her paws, and all around her mouth by the time she was done and needed to be wiped down with warm water to get rid of the crusty leftovers.  Oh, and the these treats STINK.  Matty felt the need to put the treat ON me while she was chewing it and wouldn't take no for an answer and the smell nearly made me gag.

Also: at the time of purchase I wasn't aware that this treat was not intended for puppies under 1 year of age.

Taste: 4/5
This was the first treat that I gave Matty where we experienced her walking around and making little "whining" sounds as she delicately carried it around for about 3 minutes before finally digging into it.  At first I was concerned, but now she does the "walk and whine" just about every single time that I give her something that she enjoys. Once she started to get a taste of it, she wouldn't put it down!

Nutrition: 4/5
I have already boasted about how fond I am of Purina in the review I did of the Meaty d'lites , but in case you missed it I'll touch base with a little bit of general information about them.  I feel that they are a very trustworthy company with many quality items and always very open and honest about the contents of their products, and that goes a long way with me.  You can visit the official site to see specific information about the ingredients in this product (as well as familiarizing yourself with other Busy Bone items).  With a decent amount of protein and fiber, this makes a really great snack but should not replace a meal.  Also good for cleaning and massaging gums and teeth for good oral health.

Price: 4/5
Running at just under $3 for a two-pack, I think that is a pretty fair price (around $1.50 a piece).  You get two large sticks that will provide a decent amount of time for any dog to enjoy.  It took Matty between 3 and 4 hours to finish her treat, but again, I was unaware that it wasn't intended for puppies under 1 year of age so that may attribute to the lengthy chewing time.  Also not intended for dogs under 5lbs (which thankfully Matty was well beyond when I gave it to her).

Availability: 5/5
There are a plethora of locations and options for you to grab one of these treats!  Online sources for these treat such as PetDirect or Amazon are good places to start, or if you are looking for a local place to find them, I stumbled across mine at Reasor's so you should be able to locate them at most larger grocery stores (Target or Wal-Mart) or your favorite pet outlets such as Petsmart or PetCo.

Meaty d'lites™ Low Calorie Canine Treats

Taste: 5/5
Matty really seems to enjoy these!  She happily takes them from my hand and quickly goes to chewing them up!  This isn't a "hide for later" treat like some of her others, she likes to get right down to business with this one and is VERY attracted to the potent smell (be ready to wash your hands after you handle them)!  The only recommendation I would have is that you go through these treats a bit quicker than others, because even with the zip-loc packaging the treats can become stale rather quickly.

Nutrition: 5/5
Purina has become a household name and is one that I personally trust and truly appreciate the work and dedication that they put into their products.  These meaty treats are low calorie, making it perfect for those of you who need to keep their older dogs away from fatty snacks, and they also work really well as training rewards for younger dogs, though they are a bit chewy so I wouldn't recommend them for younger puppies that are still losing their baby teeth. You can take a look at their website to see more specific nutritional information.

Price: 4/5
These were actually a gift to us from SAHO, but I researched it a bit and you can find the 8oz pouches for around $5.25, which is a fantastic deal for not only the amount of product you get inside, but for the outstanding quality and nutrition as well.

Availability: 2/5
These treats are available at some pet supply chain stores or even some veterinary clinics, but I haven't had any luck finding them at Petsmart or Petco, much less your general grocery store.  Your best bet would be to purchase them online through Rxpetfood.

Hartz Run 'N Romp Dog Toy

Enjoyment: 5/5
Matty absolutely loved this plush toy!  She instantly took to it, scooting around on the floor on her belly while squeaking and chewing around on her new plaything.  Just look below for the compilation photo of her in her own little happy place!

Durability: 1/5
What the Run 'N Romp toy has in enjoyment is sadly lacking in the durability department.  Within the first hour, Matty had the majority of the "hair" pulled out, and by the 48 hour mark she had completely obliterated the poor thing, leaving stuffing in its wake.

Interactive: 4/5
Enjoyable for both pet and owner, you can play tug of war or fetch, or the pup can have a good time just playing away on their own.

Availability: 5/5
These guys can be found at your local grocer (such as Wal-Mart or Reasor's) as well at Target and other common retail chains, or even the official Hartz website.

Price: 3/5
At around $7, the price seems a bit high for what it is.  Just about any dog or pup of any size could probably have this toy shredded in a matter of hours, so when you consider the short window of time that your furry friend will have this item it is quite expensive.

Quality: 1/5
The quality of items used to make this toy are direct factors in its lack of durability.  Within the first day Matty had most of the "hair" pulled out, and large puncture holes where her teeth went into the fabric.  After 48 hours the toy had to be disposed of.  Which is a shame, because Matty just adored the poor little thing.  I recommend this item for smaller teething puppies, or gentler dogs that don't enjoy destroying their toys.  As always, monitor your dogs use of this and all toys, there ARE small parts (such as the squeaker) that can be easily accessed and possibly choked on if your pup is a rough and tough player.

Milk-Bone® Gravy Bones® for Small & Medium Dogs, 19 oz. Box

Taste: 2 / 5
When I give these to Matty, she always gives me a really skeptical look and is very hesitant to take one from me.  She'll gently clasp one of these treats between her teeth and immediately try to find a place to hide or bury it.  Sometimes I'll find these things hidden away DAYS later completely untouched.  Every so often if she's really bored she'll go and crunch one up (or half of one), but I think it's safe to say she isn't enjoying these very much at all.  I think these would be better for larger households with multiple pets that have already matured enough to be passed the "picky" stage that I believe Matty is currently approaching.

Nutrition: 3.5 / 5
The official description boasts that these biscuits (4 different varieties of flavors to a box) each have 12 essential vitamins and minerals with only 45 calories a biscuit.  This "healthy" part may be a factor as to why Matty doesn't enjoy them as much as other treats (similar to how I had to work her into enjoying her SmartPuppy food), but I remain skeptical of the contents, and in the end anything that this over-zealous pup doesn't eventually try to devour (this is coming from a dog who eats dirt clods and toilet paper) has to be icky.  I know that Milk-Bone has a good reputation, so I wouldn't be against trying another one of their products in the future when Matty has had a bit more time to grow and develop her tastes (I'm particularly interested in their Soft & Chewy line).

Price: 4.5 / 5
At $3.29 a box, these treats are affordable on even the strictest budget and you get a very generous helping of biscuits per box.  However, the cheaper price also factors into my skepticism that I mentioned above in the "nutrition" section.

Availability: 5 / 5
I challenge you to find a place that DOESN'T carry these!  Milk-Bone is most certainly a household name and can be found in the pet aisle in grocery stores, at any pet store, most larger general department stores (like Target and Wal-Mart), and even some more obscure places like Walgreens and CVS.

JW Pet Megalast MegaBear - Medium

Enjoyment: 3 / 5

Matty really likes working her teeth into this one!  It's superfun when you throw it, because of its awkward shape you never really know what crazy directions it's going to bounce!  It has a very light and appealing vanilla scent that Matty seems to enjoy, the texture is smooth and materials are very strong, yet the bear has a "dewy" feel to it, making it a very satisfying chew (especially for a pup who hasn't fully grown into their adult teeth yet).  The squeaker is hard to activate though, and the toughness of it keeps her from going back to this toy on a regular basis.

Durability: 4 / 5

This product is made of thick, strong, durable material.  At first impression it seems much more dense and heavier than it should be, but surprisingly enough it floats on water!  Matty has had some time to put some hardcore chewing into this guy, and he seems to be holding up extremely well!  The only sign of wear is around the squeaker.

Interactive: 3.5 / 5

This is a versatile toy, it's main focus is to provide hours and hours of satisfying chewing for your pup, but it's a really fun fetch toy as well!  But as I mentioned before, this bear is unpredictable and should be thrown in a safe area away from breakables!  Not ideal for tug-of-war because of its squat body and awkward shape, but it would make a PERFECT lake or pool toy!

Availability: 4 / 5

I found the megabear at Petsmart, so you should be able to go to just about any national chain pet store and find one of these guys, however, searching at Target and Wal-Mart proved to be fruitless.  For those of you who don't want to make a trip to your local pet store, you can buy them online through Petco, or RetailPets.com.  You can also check out the manufacturer's WEBSITE to learn more about their environmentally friendly/solar powered factory that produces their vast array of pet toys.  They have some info about the Megalast line, but don't have this specific item available for sale.

Price: 4 / 5

I grabbed one of these medium bears (in store) for about $7, available in a variety of colors (including green & red), but I found that Petco is offering it online for about a dollar less.  OR you you can try the "mega" version for about a dollar more, great for larger breed dogs.  These toys are built to last and will provide lots and lots of play time, a price for this item that's under double-digits seems quite generous.

Quality: 4 / 5

I cannot boast enough about this wonderful company who has managed to make a 100% biodegradable chew toy that is not only TOUGH but also such a joy to play with.  No obvious places of weakness or concern, and the squeaker is buried in such a way that it makes it harder for the pup to try to chew it out.  I'm very pleased with the Megalast Megabear and highly recommend it to everyone!

Nylabone Puppy Starter Kit

Enjoyment: 1 / 5
After Nylabone came so highly recommended I felt really confident in purchasing the Puppy Starter Kit to welcome Matty home and help her move into her teething stage, however, she absolutely WILL NOT touch them.  If I pick one up and hold it for her she'll gnaw on one end of it for a bit, but as soon as I let go she quickly abandons it.  I wish I had higher praise for the enjoyment factor because I know these are supposed to work wonders for dogs or puppies with the "chewies" but Matty just simply doesn't like them.  I think the main problem is that she needs toys that will have at least a little bit of "give" to allow her that satisfying feeling of destroying it, and she just can't get it out of these.

Durability: 5 / 5
I think you could blow these out of a cannon, run over them will a cement truck, strap a stick of dynamite to them, and they would STILL look brand new.  They're heavy, TOUGH, very serious chew bones.

Interactive: 1 / 5
There is next to nothing you can do to interact with your puppy and this toy.  It's too heavy to be thrown around for fetch, and it's awkward/hard to get a bite OR grip on it for tug-of-war.  Most certainly an item to be enjoy solo by your hardcore rough & tough chewer, regardless of the "made for puppy" label, I'd leave Nylabones to the full-grown dogs.

Availability: 5 / 5 
These things are EVERYWHERE.  You can walk into your usual Wal-Mart, Target, even some more obscure places such as CVS or Walgreens and be able to find them.  And of course any pet retailer such as PetCo or Petsmart will have multiple varieties on hand.  If you prefer online shopping, WAG is a fantastic source for Nylabone products.

Price: 3.5 / 5
It's no secret that Nylabone is proud of their products, you'll see price tags that rage from competitive to excessive, the best idea is to shop around and get the best deal before making a big purchase.  I recommend doing what I did and sample a "beginner's kit" (it was only $9), and you can find + print a pretty generous coupon from the official WEBSITE.

Quality: 5 / 5 
Check out the Nylabone website where you'll find detailed information about the company as well as their products.  The Puppy Starter Kit consisted of very strong & high-quality materials, and in that regard I'm very satisfied.

PETCO Curly Sheep Plush Dog Toy

Enjoyment: 4 / 5
This is one of Matty's very first toys (she got the yellow one)!  It's delightfully plush, with a built-in squeaker that's easy for young pups to squeeze, yet the sound is muffled enough that it shouldn't frighten some of the more skiddish puppies.  The lining under the "wool" is something crinkly, the way a sheet of saran wrap would sound, giving it additional enjoyment for the pups that feel accomplishment from their toys making noises.  She's very fond of this little guy, highly recommended for a puppies first plush friend.

Durability: 3 / 5
This is a very soft plush, with multiple protruding areas (such as the nose and limbs) that are easily chewed open when a pup is focused on one area, revealing fluffystuff that gets stung all over the floor before you know it.  It's perfect for gentle dogs and young puppies, but your more zealous hound will have it shredded in no time.

Interactive: 3 / 5
You have about the same interaction here as you would with any other plush, it's light and airy making it an ideal candidate for indoor fetch, and it's soft and squishy body makes it easy for a dog of any age to latch on and play a bit of tug-of-war.  It's also suitable for the pup to play with the item alone (just look out for the fluff that may start to come out of the seams or holes that have been chewed).

Availability: 1.5 / 5
This product was manufactured exclusively for PetCo, and can be found at your local store OR through their WEBSITE.  Though you can also find it through a few other sources, like Amazon, the official site is more reliable and they're even on sale.

Price: 4.5 / 5
At about $6 for this wonderful little guy, he's more than worth the pocket change!  For the amount of playtime and enjoyment that Matty got out of it, I'd say it's more than worth it, especially with the current sale price being only $4.79 online!

Quality: 4 / 5
As with most plush toys, you have to go into it understanding that they just won't outlast your KONG or Nylabone items.  That being said, this curly plush sheep stood up to the tests and passed with flying colors!  Matty's sheep friend accidentally got into one of her puddles and had to be machine-washed, and was then hung out to dry.  It came out good as new!  This little plush really impressed me with the amount of wear it was able to endure before we finally started to notice some fluff emerging from the seam in its back, we were able to mend it and get a bit more play out of it, but the squeaker eventually stopped working and now he can only be played with gently and under supervision.

DINGO DENTA TREATS LONG LASTING CHEWS REGULAR - 9PK

Taste:  5 / 5
Matty absolutely cannot get enough of these treats!  They're long-lasting, chewy, moist, satisfying wonderful snacks that not only freshen the breath of your pup (they really do!), they also massage and clean tarter away to keep your furry friend healthy and happy!  It takes Matty about 30 minutes to get through one treat, but her focus is unbreakable until it's completely gone!  She loves loves loves these!  The only down side is that she sometimes gets some green residue on her paws/lower legs from the pigment of the treat, they also turn her waste green.  Very small concerns when compared to the overall satisfaction, HIGHLY recommended!

Nutrition: 3.5 / 5
The focus of these treats remains on the dental health and tasty factor for your pup, so whereas they may not be the most overall healthy treat on the market, they still contain a decent amount of protein and fiber while keeping the fat to a minimum.  They make no effort to hide the ingredients used in their products, and will provide you with full details for each item you browse.  The staff also seems to be alert and compassionate, utilizing the handy Q & A section of their website.


Price: 3.5 / 5
Sitting at about $12 for a 9 pack, you're paying just a little more than a dollar a treat.  This may seem a bit steep at first, but these treats are not meant to be used as "training rewards" but more as a healthy chew, to be treated like you would a vitamin.  I personally give Matty one treat every Friday, perfect for maintaining her fresh breath and keeping tarter under control.

Availability:  5 / 5
I purchased these on a whim while picking up a few things at Wal-Mart, so you should be able to pick them up at virtually any large grocer (such as Target) or reliable pet store, also available in multiple varieties on their WEBSITE, including different sizes for different breeds of dog.

ToyShoppe® Hide A Squirrel Dog Toy

Enjoyment:  5 / 5
After hearing about the FANTASTIC reviews for this product, we had to check it out for ourselves!  And sure enough, the entertainment really is as great as they say!  The challenging hide & seek element keeps Matty on her toes and completely enveloped in the toy.  She LOVES the high-pitched squeaky sound that the squirrel makes and makes no hesitation to bury her face into the stump and "chase" after it!

Durability: 1.5 / 5
It pains me to rate such a great product so low in any of the categories, but the truth is that this just isn't a toy that's made to last.  The soft fabric and furry tail of the squirrel make it extremely vulnerable once your pup gets ahold of it, in fact, Matty instantly started to try and yank the tail right off of it as soon as she had hunted it down.  I had to grab the squirrel from her and start the game over again to keep her from destroying it the first day.  The stump, however, is much more durable and made of quality materials that make it versatile and leaves the option open for hiding other teats and toys inside once the squirrel is out of the picture.

Interactive: 5 / 5
This is a VERY dog & owner interactive toy.  It's amusing and entertaining for both owner and pup, with a bit of education and problem solving mixed in.  However, you also need to keep a good eye on them so that they don't destroy or misplace the squirrel--DO NOT leave this toy unattended, keep it set aside for special play time where you can devote your full attention on your furry friend to ensure and long life for this item.

Availability: 1.5 / 5
This toy was made exclusively for Petsmart, you can find it in stores or on their website, but you're out of luck anywhere else.  I've had zero luck finding a website for the manufacturer/developer which makes me wary of an item because I like to be able to put a face to the company that makes whatever it is that I'm buying so that I can investigate their reputation as well as give them proper credit when blogging about them, so it rubs me the wrong way that there is next to no information about Toy Shoppe dog toys.  As an alternative, I located a different version on Amazon that is the same basic concept, but available in different sizes (by a company called Kyjen).  In retrospect, I wish I had purchased the item from them because of their informational website that contains background history as well as other innovative dog items.


Price: 4 / 5
Not going to complain about the price at all, with my Petperks card at Petsmart the item was under $15USD and has already earned its weight in playtime.


Quality: 3.5 / 5
The tree stump portion of the toy is sturdy and made of quality materials, the elastic around the openings is secure and sturdy, while remaining soft and squish-able while Matty digs around for the squirrel.  However, as mentioned before, the squirrel is very frail.  The materials are quality, but the cloth is thin and the tail is furry and easy to pull out and shred.  This product is also sold loose, which resulted in me getting home with only ONE squirrel, whereas I was meant to get THREE.

Iams® ProActive Health™ Smart Puppy Original

You can check out their full line of Smart Puppy products over at their WEBSITE, which also includes a handy search result filter to locate the right formula for your puppy OR dog.















Taste: 3.5 / 5
When I first brought Matty home, this is the food that I started her on, and will keep her on until she graduates up to an adult formula.  She was very picky at first, sometimes leaving it to sit for hours before finally eating.  For the first couple of weeks she seemed to often throw up her meal shortly after eating, but I believe it was just her adjusting to her new home or perhaps it was just a little bit more nutrition-heavy than she was used to.  After about a month she started eating regularly and willingly on a normal schedule.  Putting some warm water on to let the pieces soak really makes it a better experience for her and goes easier on the tummy. She doesn't usually "dive" into her meal the way you see dogs do on the commercials, but that's just a good sign that it's healthy!  (For example, when you were a kid did you care that lima beans were rich in fiber and good for your heart?  No!  All we knew is that we didn't like them!)


Nutrition: 5 / 5
I did some extensive research before bringing my puppy home.  I wanted to find a product that would ensure that my new fur baby would grow up as strong and healthy as possible without all of the fillers, grease, and fats.  As an added bonus, you'll find a plentiful amount of vitamins and minerals, as well as Omega 3 DHA.  As a result, Matty is healthy and energetic, with a shiny coat and a sunny disposition.  This may not be entirely to blame on the food, but I'm EXTREMELY pleased with Iams and the quality of the Smart Puppy line.

Price: 3.5 / 5
In life, I agree with the saying, "You get what you pay for" and it's the same when it comes to purchasing dog food.  Iams may not provide the most inexpensive dog food on the market, but if you can afford to splurge just a couple dollars more and spring for some Iams, you won't be disappointed.  Petsmart often runs special buys on the puppy line, and offers discounts to PetPerks members as well as the occasional printable coupon on their website.  Signing up for PetPerks is free, and you can even do it online or pick up a pamphlet in the store the next time you drop by.

Availability:  5 /5
This product is picture-perfect on availability!  You can order through the Iams WEBSITE, as well as partnering websites (such as Petsmart or Petco), and locally you can find it at any reputable pet supply store and even most grocer department stores (such as Target).