The new year always comes with big goals—healthier meals, better routines, maybe fewer late-night snacks. And if you’re a dog parent, you might be wondering:
Should my dog be “resetting” too?
Here’s the good news: healthy treat habits don’t mean cutting out joy. For dogs, treats aren’t just snacks—they’re connection, enrichment, celebration, and comfort. The key isn’t less treating. It’s more intentional treating.
Let’s talk about how to start the year with balance—without taking the fun out of treat time.
1. Rethink Treats as Part of Your Dog’s Routine
Treats don’t have to be random or excessive to be special. In fact, dogs thrive on predictability.
Try this:
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Use treats during training or enrichment
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Break larger treats into smaller rewards
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Pair treats with positive moments (after grooming, car rides, or new experiences)
A peanut butter bone after a successful walk? That’s not indulgence—it’s reinforcement.
2. Choose Simple, Wholesome Ingredients
One of the easiest ways to “reset” is by paying attention to what’s actually in your dog’s treats.
Look for:
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Short ingredient lists
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Recognizable foods (like peanut butter, whole grains, sweet potato)
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No artificial colors or unnecessary fillers
Simple ingredients don’t mean boring—they mean trustworthy.
3. Rotate Shapes, Textures, and Experiences
Dogs don’t crave novelty the way humans do, but variety keeps treat time engaging.
This month, that might look like:
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Crunchy peanut butter bones for everyday rewards
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Fun seasonal shapes—snowflakes, penguins, or polar bears—for special moments
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Treats broken into pieces for enrichment games or snuffle mats
Different shapes + same trusted base = excitement without upset tummies.
4. Treats Can Support Mental Wellness, Too
Healthy habits aren’t just physical. Mental stimulation is just as important—especially in winter.
Use treats to:
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Encourage problem-solving (treat puzzles, hide-and-seek)
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Build confidence with new environments
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Create calm routines during colder, quieter days
A dog who’s mentally engaged is a happier, more settled dog—and treats help make that happen.
5. Keep Treat Time Joyful (That’s the Point)
The biggest mistake dog parents make during a “reset”? Taking things too far.
Dogs don’t need food guilt. They need:
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Consistency
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Quality
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Connection
If your dog’s tail still wags when they hear the treat jar, you’re doing it right.
A January Treat Lineup We’re Loving
This month at Big Head Barkery, our peanut butter favorites are keeping things fun and simple:
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Peanut butter bones – a classic, everyday reward
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Peanut butter snowflake cookies – perfect for winter celebrations
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Peanut butter penguin cookies – playful and seasonal
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Peanut butter polar bear cookies – because joy matters
Same trusted ingredients. A little winter whimsy.
See Us This January 🐾
If you’re local, you can grab January treats in person:
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January 17 – Rockers Brewing | 3–6 PM
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January 18 – Indoor Pop-Up at New Groove Brewery | 12–4 PM
Stop by, say hi, and let your pup help pick their favorite.
A healthy new year for your dog doesn’t mean less love.
It means better moments, thoughtful choices, and treats that support the life you share together.
Here’s to a year full of wagging tails—and treats worth celebrating.