Drool-Worthy Deals on National Dog Day

These deals, discounts and treats will have tails wagging

Abigail Seaberg,

AARP

Comments

Published August 23, 2024

Getty Images

You likely already treat your pooch like the top dog they are, but did you know there’s an unofficial holiday specifically observed for spoiling man’s best friend? It’s National Dog Day on Monday, Aug. 26, and many freebies and deals are available for you and your fur baby to celebrate their special day. Keep in mind: National chains may have different offerings based on location, so it’s best to ask your local haunt what it offers.

Just be sure not to mix up human treats and dog treats, says Zack Keithy, a former veterinary tech who is now chief editor at the website Canine Care Central. Human food can be unhealthy and downright dangerous for your pooch.

Starbucks

The best kind of freebie? One that’s always free. While it’s not advertised on the Starbucks website or menu, a quick Instagram search for the term “puppuccino” reveals the item’s popularity. Keithy says it’s simply a small cup filled with whipped cream. “This treat is safe for most dogs in moderation, as long as they don’t have any dairy allergies,” he says.

Mars

The people and pet snack mogul Mars Inc. is offering a special way to treat pups — and their owners — for National Dog Day. Visit MarsSummerTreatPack.com starting Aug. 26 at 10 a.m. ET to claim a free limited-edition Mars Summer Treat Pack. This tasty bundle includes M&M’s Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches (for pet parents) and Greenies Dental Treats for Dogs — both brands are under the Mars umbrella.

Bruster’s Ice Cream

The dog days of summer are a great time to refresh your pup with a scoop of ice cream from Bruster’s. Even better — it’s a year-round offer. Participating locations offer free doggy sundaes: 1 ounce of vanilla ice cream topped with a dog biscuit. Bruster’s has nearly 200 independently owned shops in 22 states. Find the nearest location on the Bruster’s website, then call to see if it has this delectable doggy dish.

Bark

From now until Aug. 27, new subscribers can get their first monthly BarkBox of dog toys and treats for just $5. In addition, owners can head to barkshop.com on National Dog Day for a free treat bundle with a $30 purchase using the code DOGDAYBUNDLE. The bundle includes two bags of Clucky Jerky Sticks and Magic Jerky Bars.

And if you love your pooch enough to want them permanently inked on your body, consider entering Bark’s National Dog Day Tattoo Contest. From now until Sept. 6, you can enter the contest by submitting a photo and brief explanation of why you deserve a free tattoo of your pup. Bark will select 200 people to win a $150 Visa gift card to put toward a dog-inspired tattoo from any artist of their choosing.

PetSmart

Ever wanted to turn on the television when you leave for work so your dog will be occupied and active, not bored and destructive? As part of an ongoing deal from now through Sept. 30, the pet retailer is partnering with DOGTV to offer two months of free access for PetSmart Treats Rewards members — a free program offered by PetSmart.

If a DOGTV free trial isn’t what you’re after, a trip to your local PetSmart could be a lovely way to celebrate National Dog Day. While shopping to your dog’s content, remember that many PetSmart locations have bakeries that offer dog-friendly treats, Keithy says. “From freshly baked biscuits to personalized cakes, these options are generally safe and enjoyable for your dog,” Keithy says. Check your local PetSmart to see what it’s offering.

Shake Shack

Shake Shack doesn’t have any deals specifically for National Dog Day, but the fast-food chain is known for a year-round dog menu, complete with the Pooch-ini (a scoop of vanilla frozen custard topped with Bocce’s Bakery dog biscuits) and the Bag O’ Bones (a bag of Bocce’s Bakery dog biscuits, which are made of organic rye flour, beef, beef liver, carrots, cheddar cheese and parsley).

Prices for these delectable doggy treats vary across locations, but at any Shake Shack you can get a free hot dog with the code DOGDAYS if you place an order of at least $10 for you and your pup from now until the end of the month.

Chewy

New Chewy customers can get a free $20 e-gift card with an order of $49 or more with the code WELCOME. This offer will continue through 6:29 a.m. ET on Sept. 23.

Purina

The pet-food brand is currently offering a smart ID tag promotion. Pet owners can fill out a form with their email, mailing address and other info to receive a complimentary Dynotag SuperPetID smart tag, which stores basic information to help recover your pooch if they ever get lost. If your pet is found and their tag is scanned, you will immediately receive an email.

Get Joy

This dog-food company is celebrating National Dog Day by offering a 50 percent discount on meal plans and a complimentary bag of treats. For more information, visit Get Joy’s website or its Amazon store.

Camp Bow Wow

The pet-care franchise with more than 200 locations in North America says all dogs at camp for day care or boarding on National Dog Day will automatically be entered into Camp Bow Wow’s National Dog Day contest, which offers the chance to win a grand prize of $500 in camp services or one of five $100 prizes in camp services.

Treats to make at home

If your dog prefers homemade over fast-food options, consider these easy-to-make treats that are likely healthier, says Alex Crow, chief veterinary officer at the Net Vet who also runs the PetHealthGuru.com website.

Peanut Butter Banana Dog Treats: Mix together 1 cup of peanut butter, 1/2 cup of mashed banana and 1/2 cup of oats. Roll the mixture into small balls and freeze.

“These treats are a good source of protein, fiber and vitamins. They are also low in fat, making them a healthy option for dogs of all ages,” Crow says.

Frozen Yogurt Dog Treats: Mix together 1 cup of yogurt, 1/4 cup of peanut butter and 1 tablespoon of honey. Pour the mixture into ice cube trays and freeze.

“These treats are a good source of calcium and probiotics, which are beneficial for your dog’s gut health. They are also low in sugar, making them a healthy choice for dogs with weight concerns,” Crow says.

Spoil your pup with special activities

Dogs’ love for food can be matched only by the love they have for their humans. Keithy suggests the following activities to keep your best friend entertained all day.

“Beyond treats, dogs adore spending time with their owners,” he says. “Dog owners can best treat and celebrate their pups by offering love, attention and engaging activities. Playtime, walks and training sessions are essential.”

Here are some dog-friendly outings you can enjoy together:

Dog parks. “Let your pup run free and socialize with other dogs at a local dog park,” Keithy says. “It’s a great way for them to burn off energy and make new furry friends.”
Beach day. “If you live near a dog-friendly beach, take your pup for a sandy adventure. Swimming, playing fetch and lounging in the sun can make for a perfect day out,” Keithy says.
Hiking trails. “Many dogs love exploring nature trails. Choose a trail that suits your pup’s activity level and enjoy a day of bonding amidst scenic beauty,” Keithy suggests.

Jennifer Ortiz contributed to this article.

%{postComment}%

Abigail Seaberg is a freelance journalist based in San Diego. She covers subjects as diverse as oncology research, local news, celebrity updates, and health and wellness topics.