7 Lucky St Patrick’s Day Dog Treats (Naturally Green)

When it comes to dental chews that pack a festive punch, Whimzees are at the top of the list. These adorable alligator-shaped (and sometimes shamrock-shaped for the holiday!) chews are a fantastic way to combine treat time with dental hygiene. They are firm enough to provide a satisfying chew for your dog, helping to scrape away plaque and tartar with every bite.

What makes them green? Whimzees uses all-natural ingredients, and their green color comes from Alfalfa Extract, which is rich in vitamins K, C, and several B vitamins. They are grain-free and gluten-free, making them a solid choice for dogs with certain sensitivities. The unique knobby shapes are specifically designed to get into all the nooks and crannies of your dog’s mouth, promoting good circulation in the gums and helping to combat bad breath.

Verdict: If you’re looking for a treat that does double duty by cleaning your dog’s teeth while they chew, Whimzees are a fantastic choice. They are especially great for moderate to powerful chewers who need a durable treat to keep them occupied.

For the discerning pup with a sophisticated palate (or a sensitive tummy), The Honest Kitchen offers a truly wholesome treat. Their Goat’s Milk N’ Cookies are slow-baked in small batches and made with human-grade ingredients you can actually pronounce. The addition of kale gives these little round cookies their lovely, light green hue and a boost of antioxidants.

Why goat’s milk? It’s often called the ‘universal milk’ because it’s easier for many dogs to digest than cow’s milk. It contains probiotics that support a healthy gut. Combined with other simple ingredients like barley and peanut butter, these treats are both nutritious and delicious. They are a smaller, crunchy cookie, making them perfect for a training reward or a light snack for dogs of all sizes.

Verdict: This is the perfect treat for the health-conscious pet owner. If you prioritize human-grade, whole-food ingredients and your dog has a sensitive stomach, The Honest Kitchen’s cookies are a top-tier choice for a lucky green snack.

Don’t let the name fool you—these ‘Lumps of Coal’ from Bocce’s Bakery are a treat any dog would be lucky to get! While typically marketed for the winter holidays, their naturally dark green color and breath-freshening ingredients make them a perfect fit for St. Patrick’s Day. The color and fresh scent come from two key powerhouses: mint and parsley.

Bocce’s Bakery is known for its simple, limited-ingredient recipes, and this one is no exception. Often made with just a handful of ingredients like oat flour, peanut butter, charcoal, mint, and parsley, they are a fantastic choice for dogs with food allergies. The activated charcoal aids in digestion, while the mint and parsley work wonders on that dreaded doggy breath. They are a crunchy biscuit that’s easy to break into smaller pieces for smaller pups.

Verdict: If your dog’s breath could use a little luck of the Irish, these are the treats for you. They’re an amazing choice for pet parents who value simplicity, clean ingredients, and a fresh-smelling pup.

Old Mother Hubbard is a name that pet owners have trusted for generations, and for good reason. Their classic oven-baked biscuits are a crunchy delight that dogs go crazy for. The P-Nuttier ‘N’ Nanners flavor is a canine favorite, combining peanut butter and banana, but it’s the added parsley that gives these bone-shaped treats their festive green flecks and a little extra health benefit.

These treats are all-natural and have been since 1926. The crunchy texture is not just for fun; it helps to clean your dog’s teeth as they chew. Parsley is a natural source of antioxidants and is well-known for its ability to help freshen breath from the inside out. These biscuits are a great, everyday treat that you can easily incorporate into your St. Patrick’s Day celebration.

Verdict: For the dog who loves a classic, no-fuss, crunchy bone, this is an excellent pick. It’s a reliable and affordable way to give your pup a tasty, green-flecked treat for the holiday.

You can’t have a list of green dog treats without mentioning the one and only Greenies! These are arguably the most famous dental treats on the market. Their unique toothbrush shape and chewy, flexible texture are specifically designed to bend around teeth for a deeper clean, all the way down to the gumline.

While they are famously green, you can rest easy knowing it’s not from artificial dyes. Greenies get their color from natural sources like fruit juice color and turmeric. They are accepted by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) for controlling plaque and tartar, which is a huge seal of approval. They also contain vitamins and minerals, making them a nutritious part of your dog’s dental care routine. They come in various sizes to suit every breed, from Teenie to Large.

Verdict: Greenies are the go-to for pet owners who are serious about their dog’s dental health. If you want a vet-recommended, proven dental chew that also happens to be perfectly green for St. Paddy’s, this is your best bet.

Here’s a treat for the eco-conscious pet parent! Portland Pet Food Company has created something truly special with their Brew Biscuits. These crunchy treats are made with upcycled ‘spent grains’—barley, oats, and rye—that are harvested from local breweries in the Pacific Northwest. It’s a brilliant way to reduce waste and create a delicious, fiber-rich dog treat.

The mint variety is perfect for our St. Patrick’s Day list. The added mint gives the biscuits a subtle green tint and, more importantly, helps to freshen your dog’s breath. These treats have a simple, five-ingredient recipe, are free of preservatives and additives, and have a satisfyingly crunchy texture. It’s a treat you can feel good about giving, both for your dog’s health and for the planet.

Verdict: If you love supporting sustainable brands and want a simple, crunchy, breath-freshening biscuit for your pup, these Brew Biscuits are a unique and fantastic choice. It’s the perfect treat for the ‘green’ dog in every sense of the word!

Sometimes the best treat is one made with love right in your own kitchen! For the pet parent who enjoys a good DIY project, these frozen pupsicles are incredibly easy, healthy, and festive. You have complete control over the ingredients, ensuring there’s nothing but wholesome goodness for your pup.

The recipe is simple: blend a cup of plain, unsweetened yogurt (make sure it contains no xylitol!), a handful of fresh kale or spinach, a sprig of parsley, and a splash of water until smooth. Pour the vibrant green mixture into shamrock-shaped silicone molds and freeze for a few hours. The result is a cooling, nutrient-packed treat your dog will adore. Yogurt provides probiotics for gut health, while kale and parsley are loaded with vitamins and help freshen breath.

Verdict: This is the ultimate choice for the hands-on pet owner who wants to provide a super-healthy, custom-made treat. It’s a fun way to celebrate the holiday and give your dog something truly special and naturally green.

Choosing the right treat for your furry friend can feel like searching for a four-leaf clover. But with a little knowledge, you can easily find a pot of gold! Here’s what to look for when selecting a naturally green treat for your dog.

Check the Color Source

The most important factor is where that green color comes from. Steer clear of vague terms like ‘artificial colors’ or specific dyes like ‘Green 3’ or ‘Yellow 5’. Instead, look for whole-food ingredients on the label that provide a natural green hue. Lucky for us, these ingredients often come with added health benefits!

• Leafy Greens: Kale, spinach, and other leafy greens are packed with vitamins A, C, and K.
• Herbs: Parsley and mint are fantastic natural breath fresheners.
• Green Algae: Spirulina is a superfood rich in protein and antioxidants.
• Plant Extracts: Alfalfa extract is another common natural colorant that’s full of nutrients.

Read the Entire Ingredient List

Beyond the color source, look at the overall quality of the ingredients. The best treats will have a recognizable protein (like chicken or beef) or a wholesome carbohydrate (like oat flour or sweet potato) as the first ingredient. Avoid treats filled with generic ‘meat by-products,’ chemical preservatives (like BHA or BHT), and excessive sweeteners like corn syrup.

Consider Your Dog’s Needs

Every dog is different. Think about your pup’s specific requirements when choosing a treat.

• Dental Health: If you want to combat plaque and tartar, look for firm, textured chews like Whimzees or Greenies.
• Sensitive Stomach: For pups with delicate digestion, choose treats with limited, simple ingredients and probiotics, like those from The Honest Kitchen.
• Allergies: If your dog has allergies, a grain-free option or a treat with a novel protein might be the best choice. Bocce’s Bakery often has great limited-ingredient formulas.
• Age and Size: Always choose treats that are appropriate for your dog’s size to prevent choking. For puppies or seniors with sensitive teeth, a softer bake or a frozen pupsicle might be better than a very hard biscuit.

Are artificial green dyes really bad for my dog?

While not acutely toxic in small amounts, artificial food dyes like FD&C Green No. 3 have been linked to potential health issues, including hyperactivity and allergic reactions in sensitive dogs. Since they offer zero nutritional value, it’s always best to opt for treats colored with natural, beneficial ingredients instead.

Can I just give my dog green human foods for St. Patrick’s Day?

Some, yes! Many green vegetables are great for dogs in moderation. Steamed green beans, broccoli florets, and pieces of cucumber are healthy, low-calorie snacks. However, you must be careful. Grapes are highly toxic to dogs, and avocados contain persin, which can be harmful. Always research a specific food before sharing it with your pup.

How many festive treats can I give my dog?

This is a great question! The general rule of thumb, recommended by most veterinarians, is that treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s total daily calorie intake. On a special day like St. Patrick’s Day, it’s easy to overdo it. Keep track of how many treats you’re giving and consider reducing their meal size slightly if they’ve had a few extra goodies throughout the day.