For food-motivated pups, treats go a long way in getting your dog to say cheese during his pet photography session. A whiff of something delicious hidden in your hand or even the sound of a crinkling treat bag filled with his favorite reward can help even the most camera-shy dog come out of his shell. Pick up a few bags of treats from these eight Pittsburgh area pet boutiques and bakeries that are sure to get your pooch’s tail wagging (and his mouth watering).
Bone Appetite Barkery
Bone Appetite! It’s right there in the name and it’s exactly what your dog will be barking when he samples any of the wheat-, corn-, and soy- free treats from Bone Appetite Barkery. Every batch is slow-baked in using locally sourced ingredients direct from Pennsylvania farms and producers who share in a commitment to quality with lab testing and a guaranteed analysis. While all the Barkery’s treats are best-sellers, its Pawsitively Pumpkin Gourmutt snacks (made from real pumpkin), crunchy Top Dog Turkey & Sweet Potato flavor, and dehydrated Sweet Puptato Chips are consistent sell-outs. Treats can be purchased directly from its website at www.boneappetitebarkery.com or at Pleasant Valley Vet Clinic in McMurray and Golden Girl Pet Grooming in Bethel Park.
Healthy Pet Products
As an all-natural and organic pet supply store, Healthy Pet Products is a client favorite for stocking up on healthy pre-session goodies. Its owner Toni has personally chosen the best brands of dog treats and she, along with her knowledgeable and passionate team, can help you determine the perfect treats for your four-legged friend. Healthy Pet Products has two locations in the Pittsburgh area, one at the Pine Creek Shopping Center in the North Hills and a second on Washington Road in the South Hills.
Kim’s K9 Droolers
Kim’s K9 Droolers are homemade using only the freshest, preservative-free, human-grade ingredients. This Imperial-based canine kitchen is fully licensed and inspected by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and every recipe is laboratory tested to meet the highest quality standards. A variety of fruits and vegetables, organic peanut butter, chicken, beef, coconut oil, pumpkin, and other dog-approved fixings mix together for healthy flavors that even the most picky pups will appreciate. Choose from small or large glass treat jars as well as one-pound or four-ounce bags available at Five Points Pet Supply in Aliquippa, Sitting Pretty Grooming Salon in West View, or on Kim’s K9 Droolers website at www.kimsk9droolers.com.
Petagogy
Since 2011, Petagogy has been a Pittsburgh staple for safe, natural, and nutritious treats. Popular picks include Barkworthies, Paws in the Sand homemade treats, Canine Cupcakes, Stella & Chewy’s, and Plato, many of which feature no added sugars, organic protein-rich ingredients, and loads of flavor. In addition to its extensive selection of treats, Petagogy also carries toys and accessories, cat food and treats, supplements, and grooming supplies, all available at it two area locations, including Ellsworth Avenue in Shadyside and a second on Route 30 in Greensburg. Stop in for yourself to see why Petagogy’s unmatched dedication to maintaining high standards in customer service, community, and its products, has helped earn this locally owned store numerous accolades over the years from global industry leaders and publications like Pittsburgh Magazine, Pet Product News International, and Pittsburgh City Paper.
Puppy Cake
If you’re a fan of the ABC show Shark Tank, you may remember the name Puppy Cake. While its owner and founder, Kelly, did not land the deal she was hoping for when her episode premiered in February 2012, her brand skyrocketed to become the top-selling cake mix for dogs in the country. Puppy Cake uses only human grade and natural ingredients, like carob chips, flax seed, blueberries, goat’s milk, peanuts, cane sugar, pumpkin, rice flour, and natural maple bacon flavor, for the healthiest, most delicious drool-worthy baked goods. Puppy Cake is available at both Healthy Pet Products locations and Ross Park Mall’s One Haute Dog. Orders can also be placed directly on the Puppy Cake website at www.puppycake.com.
Three Dog Bakery – Sewickley
When Pittsburgh pet parents think treats, they think Sewickley’s Three Dog Bakery, “the bakery for dogs.” Situated on Beaver Street in downtown Sewickley, this unique bakery carries treats slow-baked with premium, wholesome ingredients that get two paws up. Real peanut butter, apples, honey, sweet potatoes, fish, cheese, and carrots are a few examples of the nutritious and satisfying foods that will leave your pup begging for more. Pick up a bag of banana nut muffin wafers, Itty Bitty Bones with cheese, or baked biscuits with apples and oats, which are the perfect motivators to sitting pretty for puppy portraits!
Wagsburgh
Wagsburgh specializes in “building healthy, lasting relationships…one wag at a time!” and nothing is sure to get your dog’s tail wagging faster than a visit to this North Side pet supply store. From K9 Granola Factory’s Coconut Crunchers to preservative-free blueberry bites and even dog biscotti from Pittsburgh’s own The Enrico Biscotti Company, your pup will have a blast sniffing out his new favorite flavors. Wagsburgh owner, Joe, is also available to share his product recommendations and answer any questions you may have in regards to finding the most appropriate treats for your furry family member.
Woof Stop Barkery
Does your session plans include a doggie cake smash or birthday portraits? Woof Stop Barkery has got you covered with its homemade organic dog treats filled with beneficial ingredients, like buckwheat, pumpkin, sweet potato, and cranberries, all USDA-certified organic ingredients that are produced and/or purchased from local businesses. Treat your four-legged friend to a colorful, custom-decorated Just.4.U.Bone cake or Paw-ty cake, both of which are free from wheat, corn, soy, gluten, and grain, making them a healthy, vibrant addition to your session images. Woof Stop Barkery treats and cakes can be purchased directly from the Barkery at www.woofstop.com as well as at Healthy Pet Products’ North Hills and South Hills locations and Leone’s Animal Supply.
This list is made available as a courtesy to Bark & Gold Photography clients. Bark & Gold Photography did not receive any compensation for recommending these businesses and encourages you to do your own research when determining the best treats for your pet.