National Treat Your Pet Day 2026: How to Celebrate With Treats, Play, and Quality Time
Suhail Thapa (Updated: Oct 01, 2026) 6 min read
A good treat is about more than the snack. Here's how to pick the right one, make your own, and keep it safe.
Every October 30, pet owners across the US mark National Treat Your Pet Day. For most pets, that means a special snack. But the best celebrations mix a good treat with time, play, and attention, which is what most pets want from us anyway.
This guide explains how to choose a good treat, make a simple homemade recipe, find options for dogs, cats, and other pets, and use non-food rewards when extra calories aren’t needed.
Key Takeaways
What Is National Treat Your Pet Day?
The day was established in 2021 by veterinarian Dr. Marty Goldstein, who owns the pet food and treat company Dr. Marty Pets. You'll sometimes also see it called National Pet Treat Day.
It's a different day from National Love Your Pet Day in February and National Pet Day in April. If you celebrate those too, our guides on Love Your Pet Day treats and toys, and ways to celebrate National Pet Day have more ideas.
Picking the Right Treat for Your Pet
Most owners end up using a mix of store-bought and homemade treats, and each has its strengths.
Store-bought treats are the easier everyday choice. They keep for weeks or months, and every piece has the same size and calorie count, which makes portions simple to manage. They also come in formulas designed for specific jobs, such as dental care or training.
Homemade treats take more time, but you decide exactly what goes in. That makes them a good fit for pets with food allergies or sensitive stomachs. They don't keep as long, usually just a few days in the fridge, so it's best to make small batches.
Best Treats for Dogs and Cats by Need
The best treats for dogs and cats depend on what you're using them for.
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For training. Small, soft dog treats work best because dogs eat them quickly, and you can give many without overfeeding. Browse HardyPaw's training treats for pea-sized options.
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For dental care. Chews can help reduce plaque between brushings, which matters because dental disease is common in adult pets. For small dogs, Dr. Marty Better Life Chews 4-in-1 Dental Care Sticks are an easy option.
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For cats. Most cats prefer meat-based cat treats. Lickable treats like INABA Churu are easy to share by hand and add a little moisture.
- For senior pets. Older dogs and cats with worn or missing teeth often do better with soft or lickable treats than hard biscuits.
Homemade Pet Treats: Simple and Safe
Homemade dog treats can be simple. This easy three-ingredient recipe uses basic ingredients you may already have in your pantry.
Pumpkin Oat Bites (for dogs)
- 1 cup oat flour (rolled oats can also be ground into a fine flour)
- ½ cup plain canned pumpkin (not pie filling)
- 1 egg
Mix everything into a stiff dough. Roll it about ¼ inch thick, cut into small pieces, and bake at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes, until firm. Cool completely. Store in the fridge for up to about five days, or freeze for longer.
For cats, keep it simpler. Small pieces of plain cooked chicken, turkey, or salmon, with no bones, skin, or seasoning, make an easy treat.
Ingredients to always avoid: xylitol (check peanut butter labels), chocolate, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, macadamia nuts, and cooked bones. If your pet has a health condition, ask your vet before trying any new treat recipe.
Ways to Spoil Your Pet Without Food
Not every reward needs calories. These ways to spoil your pet build a strong bond and provide mental stimulation, which is just as important as physical activity.
1. Pet enrichment activities
- A long "sniff walk" where your dog sets the pace.
- A treat-dispensing toy that turns part of dinner into a puzzle.
- A new wand toy, like the Cat Dancer Deluxe, for a short hunting-style play session.
2. Pet bonding activities
- Teaching a new trick with praise as the reward.
- A slow brushing session. Regular grooming is also a good time to check skin, ears, and paws.
- A quiet window perch setup or a cozy new bed spot for your cat.
3. Other pets
- Rabbits and guinea pigs enjoy hay-stuffed toys and cardboard hideouts.
- Birds often love shredding toys and foraging for treats. HardyPaw carries small pet and bird supplies for these.
Looking for pet reward ideas for training? Mix food and non-food rewards. Many dogs work just as hard for a quick game of tug.
Pet Wellness Tips for Treat Day
A few pet wellness tips help keep the celebration a happy one:
- Keep Portions in Check: Treats should make up only a small part of your pet’s daily calories. If they get extra treats, adjust their meals accordingly.
- Start with a Small Amount: Give your pet a little piece first and see how they react before offering more.
- Keep Halloween Candy Away: Put candy bowls somewhere your pet can’t reach them, and remind children not to share candy.
- Know Who to Call: If your pet eats something potentially toxic, contact your veterinarian right away.
Make This Treat Your Pet Day Count
Treat Your Pet Day is a small reason to slow down and enjoy your beloved pet. Pick a treat that suits them, try a homemade batch if you have time, and add some play or one-on-one time. However you celebrate this day, the attention is often the part they love most.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: When is National Treat Your Pet Day?
Ans: National Treat Your Pet Day is celebrated every year on October 30, the day before Halloween. Dr. Marty Pets started it in 2021 as a day to give pets extra attention whether that's a special treat, a new toy, or quality time together.
Q2: How many treats can my dog have each day?
Ans: A general rule is to keep treats at around 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. The actual number depends on the treat’s size and calories, so check the package. If your dog has more treats than usual, adjust their regular food to balance the extra calories.
Q3: What human foods are safe treats for cats?
Ans: Healthy cats can usually have small amounts of plain, cooked chicken, turkey, or fish as treats, as long as there are no bones or seasonings. Avoid onions, garlic chocolate grapes, and raw dough. Since cats are obligate carnivores meat-based treats generally suit them better than fruits or grains.
Q4: Is peanut butter safe for dogs?
Ans: Plain peanut butter is generally safe for dogs in small amounts. Always check the label for xylitol, sometimes listed as birch sugar, a substance that can be toxic to dogs. Since peanut butter contains plenty of fat and calories, it’s best offered as a treat from time to time.
Q5: What are good non-food ways to reward my pet?
Ans: Play, praise, and attention can be rewarding for many pets without adding extra calories. Try a longer sniff walk, a game of fetch, a puzzle toy, or a short grooming session. For cats, a wand toy or a sunny window perch can work just as well.
Q6: How can I celebrate National Treat Your Pet Day on a budget?
Ans: You don't need to spend much. Bake a small batch of homemade treats, take a longer walk, or play a new game together. A cardboard box can keep many cats busy for a while. Attention and play often matter most to them.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and isn't a substitute for advice from your veterinarian. Always talk to your vet before changing your pet's diet or trying new treats.
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