The upcoming Girl Scout cookie season promises to delight pets with the introduction of a new treat specifically designed for dogs. For the first time, Girl Scouts of the USA will feature Patch Pals, soft-baked blueberry muffin-flavored dog cookies. Created in collaboration with BARK, the company behind BarkBox, these treats will launch when the 2027 cookie season begins.
According to a news release from the Girl Scouts, each dog cookie is crafted to showcase one of four ‘patch’ designs, symbolizing iconic Girl Scout experiences. Ben Donati, an emergency veterinarian from Apex Vets in Silver Spring, Maryland, expressed excitement at this novel addition, although he was surprised it hadn’t been introduced sooner.
Donati believes the idea makes sense as more Americans consider their pets part of the family. “A light bulb probably went off in someone’s mind that, why not sell to the four-legged member of the family,” he remarked to Fox News Digital.
While these special cookies allow man’s best friend to join the Girl Scout tradition, Donati advises pet owners to moderate their dog’s intake. He recommends that treats make up no more than 10% of a dog’s diet.
Though the ingredients in Patch Pals did not raise any major concerns for Donati, he warns against treating them as a substitute for a complete and balanced diet. “Probably shouldn’t eat a whole box of Girl Scout cookies,” he advised. “Probably shouldn’t eat a whole box of Patch Pals.”
As Americans increasingly form human-like emotional bonds with their pets, Donati noted that such affection could lead to extra calories. Overweight dogs often have shorter lifespans and excess weight can strain their joints. “Owners might unintentionally overfeed pets,” he warned, offering the suggestion of using regular kibble as rewards during walks or training.
Donati also touched upon the potential behavioral impacts of treats. He highlighted how treats could inadvertently reinforce unwanted behaviors when given at the wrong moment.
He praised the Girl Scouts for their canine cookie experiment. “Overall, I think it’s great,” he concluded, looking forward to the fun these treats will offer to the girls selling them and families buying them.
Patch Pals will be available for sale starting January 12, 2027.