PupCulture - Issue #8 Treats & Eats

Homemade Treats, Pup-safe Human Foods, and Portion Control

Hey there!

This week we’re diving into all things delicious (and healthy) for your pups. From homemade frozen treats to safe human foods, plus tips on portion control and keeping your dog at a happy and healthy weight. We’ve got everything to make snack time both tasty and guilt-free.

Of course, Winston and Charlie taste-tested everything so you know it’s approved!

🍂 Healthy Homemade Treat Recipes

We love keeping treats simple, seasonal, and easy — especially with fall flavors. One of our go-to’s is using Native Pet’s Pumpkin Powder and Native Pet’s Goat Milk Powder to make frozen, dog-friendly snacks. (Link here) 

Here’s how we make them:

Pumpkin Treats → Mix 2 scoops of pumpkin powder with 1 cup of water, pour into silicone molds or ice cube trays ¾ of the way, and freeze.

Goat Milk Treats → Mix 2 scoops of goat milk powder with ½ cup of water, pour into the remaining molds, and freeze.

Pop them out, serve chilled, and watch your pup’s eyes light up. They’re refreshing, gut-friendly, and way healthier than processed store-bought treats.

Pro tip: These are perfect after a walk or as a calming snack before bedtime.

🥦 Human Foods: What’s Safe for Dogs?

We all know those puppy eyes at the dinner table. But not everything from your plate belongs in their bowl. Here’s a quick guide to veggies that are safe (and even healthy) for pups — plus a few to keep far, far away.

Dog-Friendly Veggies

  • Carrots → Great for teeth and low-calorie crunch.

  • Green Beans → A fiber-packed snack (skip the salty canned version).

  • Sweet Potatoes → Full of vitamins, just serve cooked and plain.

  • Broccoli (in small amounts) → Loaded with nutrients, but too much can cause gas (and you’ve never smelled gas until you’ve smelled Frenchie gas).

  • Cucumber → Hydrating, low-calorie, and summer-approved.

Veggies to Avoid

  • Onions & Garlic → Toxic to dogs — never worth the risk.

  • Mushrooms (wild) → Some are poisonous and dangerous.

  • Corn on the Cob → Kernels are fine in moderation, but cobs are a choking hazard.

Pro tip: Always serve veggies plain (no butter, seasoning, or oil).

⚖️ Portion Control & Healthy Weights

As much as we all love spoiling our pups with treats, too much of a good thing can lead to extra pounds — and for Frenchies, even a few extra can make breathing and joint issues worse.

Tips for keeping portions in check:

  • Measure, don’t guess → Use a measuring cup or scale for consistency.

  • Follow the 90/10 rule → 90% balanced meals, 10% treats.

  • Watch their waistline → From above, you should see a slight “tuck” behind the ribs.

  • Check with your vet → Every dog’s calorie needs are different, especially post-surgery or with age.


    Remember: treats should make tails wag, not tip the scale. 🐾

💬 Ask Winston & Charlie

Q: How much do you weigh, and how do you stay in shape?

Winston: I tip the scales at a solid 28 lbs. Big-framed, muscular, and proud—these wrinkles don’t come with a weak core! My daily walks, workouts, and careful portion control keep me feeling strong and spry.

Charlie: I’m a lean 20 lbs for now. Smaller frame, longer torso, and just 10 months old, so I’m still growing into my legs. I eat my meals, take my supplements, and keep up with Winston—but I’ve got a lot more puppy energy than he does!

❤️ That’s a Wrap on Treats & Eats

From frozen snacks to veggie hacks and portion tips, we hope your pup feels just as spoiled—and just as healthy—as ours do. Remember: treats are for tails wagging, not guilt-tripping!

Share this issue with a fellow dog parent, and keep those treats coming (responsibly).

Talk soon,
Winston & Charlie