The three handsome beggars have been well-rewarded lately.

What’s in the jar?

Between new brands discovered in Nebraska, gifts from friends and samples from vendors, the dog cookie jars at Wayward House have been overflowing!

The bounty is almost devoured, now. But I wanted to share with readers what the dogs and I think about all the new brands and recipes we have encountered recently.

Brand: Nourishing Pets Heart Chewies

How we Got it: Purchased at Old Cheney Road Farmers’ Market in Lincoln, Nebraska, for about $5

First 3 Ingredients: Only 1 – 100% grass-fed beef hearts

Made in: Elmwood, Nebraska, at Chisholm Family Farm

Did the Dogs Like It? They loved these little chunks and shreds of beef hearts. Although the adjective “chewy” only pertained to the treats when given to Scooby the rotten-toothed elderpin. The big dogs wolfed these down.

Would We Buy It Again? Absolutely! I love to support farmers and buy straight from the source.

More information: www.nourishing-pets.com

Brand: Beyond the Dish Gourmet Bakery Banana Bones

How we Got it: Gift from my cousin Megan

First 3 Ingredients: organic oat flour, organic brown rice flour, organic rolled oats (Banana comes in at #5)

Made in: Lincoln, Nebraska

Did the Dogs Like It? Our dogs ate these bone-shaped biscuits readily. Because Luke has shown signs of wheat allergies in the past, I felt OK feeding these to him because they are wheat and gluten-free. I also gave one of these biscuits each to Jag and Prowler, the german shepherds my dad helps train. They seemed a little confused. But perhaps that’s because they are used to gnawing on fresh buffalo bones they encounter in the field.

Would We Buy It Again? Yes – as a fun treat that through purchase supports a local Nebraska business. However, I do wish banana appeared a little higher on the ingredients list, since it’s in the name of the product.

More information: http://www.beyondthedishbakery.com/

Brand: Science Diet Ideal Balance Fruity Snacks with Cranberries and Oatmeal

How we Got it: Manufacturer’s sample awarded to me as a perk via Klout.com

First 3 Ingredients: ground wheat, oat flour, dried cranberries

Made in: Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc., in Topeka, KS

Did the Dogs Like It? Yes.

Would We Buy It Again? Probably not. It’s great that a big brand as respected as Science Diet is now making treats that don’t include corn, artificial colors or flavors. I also liked that I could actually see the cranberries in the biscuits. However, I doubt I would pay for these, due to our aforementioned preference to avoid wheat-based treats.

Brand: Hill’s Science Diet Ideal Balance Veggie Chips with Pumpkin & Yam

How we Got it: Manufacturer’s sample awarded to me as a perk via Klout.com

First 3 Ingredients: ground wheat, oat flour, chicken meal (pumpkin and yams clock in at 4 and 5, respectively)

Made in: Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc., in Topeka, KS

Did the Dogs Like It? Yes.

Would We Buy It Again? Probably not. See above.

Brand: Hill’s Science Diet Ideal Balance Jerky Strips with Real Beef

How we Got it: Manufacturer’s sample awarded to me as a perk via Klout.com

First 3 Ingredients: Beef, wheat flour, what starch

Made in: Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc., in Topeka, KS

Did the Dogs Like It? Yes.

Would We Buy It Again? Probably not. I joked that these were “wheat jerky.” When it comes to jerky snacks, I’d rather give the dogs something that’s all meat, like the beef heart chewies reviewed above or the emu and heritage chicken jerky they’ve had in the past.

Have your dogs tried any new treats lately? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Disclosure for Hill’s Science Diet products: I was given a free product or sample because I’m a Klout influencer. I was under no obligation to receive the sample or talk about this company. I get no additional benefits for talking about the product or company.

Don’t forget to enter the Baltimore Bumble Crafts shampoo bar giveaway!