BUDDY BUDDER Barkin Banana + Pumpkin Pup review

Would our pups go wild for a spoonful of peanut butter made just for them?

Product at a Glance

We want a quick snapshot before getting deeper into specifics, so we’ll summarize the highlights of this product and what makes it stand out. This helps us decide whether it fits into our routine and our pup’s preferences.

Product Name and Basic Info

The product is BUDDY BUDDER Barkin Banana + Pumpkin Pup, 100% All Natural Dog Peanut Butter, Peanut Butter Dog Treat, Made in USA (Set of 2 | 17oz ea). We’ll refer to it as Buddy Budder for short through the rest of this review. It’s marketed as an all-natural, human-consumable peanut butter formulation tailored for dogs, combining banana and pumpkin with just a few simple ingredients.

What’s Included

We receive two 17 oz jars in the set, each containing the same Barkin Banana + Pumpkin formulation. We appreciate the two-pack because it gives us enough supply to use for treats, enrichment, and medication hiding without running out too quickly.

Quick Specs Table

We like reference tables because they help us compare things quickly. Below is a concise breakdown of the core product details so we can see the essentials at a glance.

Feature	Details
Product Name	BUDDY BUDDER Barkin Banana + Pumpkin Pup, 100% All Natural Dog Peanut Butter
Size	Set of 2 jars, 17 oz each
Key Ingredients	Peanut butter, banana, pumpkin, minimal additional ingredients (4 total)
Free From	No xylitol, no high fructose corn syrup, no artificial sugars, no stabilizers
Intended Use	Treat, enrichment filling, lick mat, pill pocket, frozen treats, baking
Made In	USA (manufactured in-house by the brand)
Storage Recommendation	Refrigerate to thicken for stuffing or use as pill pocket
Suitable For	Puppies, adult dogs, small to large breeds (use discretion with sensitive tummies)

Ingredients and Nutrition

We believe ingredients tell most of the story when it comes to pet treats, so we’ll focus on what’s inside and what those ingredients mean for our pets’ health. Cleaner, minimal ingredient lists usually give us more confidence.

Ingredient List

Buddy Budder lists only four simple ingredients in its Barkin Banana + Pumpkin formula. We like short ingredient lists because they are easier to evaluate and less likely to include unnecessary fillers or harmful additives. The product specifically avoids xylitol, which is critical since that sweetener is toxic to dogs.

What the Ingredients Mean for Our Dogs

The combination of peanut, banana, and pumpkin provides familiar flavors with some nutritional perks: healthy fats and protein from peanuts, fiber and vitamins from pumpkin, and natural sweetness plus potassium from banana. We should point out that although these are nutritious ingredients, portion control is important because peanut butter is calorie-dense and can contribute to weight gain if overused.

Taste, Texture, and Palatability

One of the first things we assess with any pet treat is whether our dogs will actually like it and how easy it is to use across different enrichment activities. We’ll cover flavor and consistency here.

Flavor Profile

Buddy Budder’s Barkin Banana + Pumpkin flavor blends the natural nuttiness of peanut butter with mild banana sweetness and the earthy notes of pumpkin. We find that most dogs are attracted to this combination, which offers both familiar and slightly novel tastes that stimulate interest without being overwhelming.

Texture and Consistency

Because it’s all natural and free from stabilizers, the texture can be looser at room temperature and firmer when refrigerated. We like that property because it allows us to adjust consistency for different uses: spreadable for lick mats, thick enough when chilled for stuffing toys or hiding pills. The oil separation that can come with natural peanut butter is normal and indicates minimal processing.

Packaging and Sizing

We care about packaging for storage, convenience, and value. The packaging should protect the product and make it easy for us to access when we’re preparing treats or enrichment activities.

Jar Design and Usability

The two 17 oz jars are a practical size for small households and multi-pet homes alike. We appreciate a wide-mouth jar that allows us to spoon, lick, or scoop without fuss. The jars seal well when closed, and the brand recommends refrigeration after opening to maintain texture and longevity.

Labeling and Made in USA

Buddy Budder emphasizes that the product is made in the USA using regionally sourced ingredients in their own facility. We value that level of transparency and in-house manufacturing because it often signals tighter quality control and traceability. Labels are straightforward, highlighting the absence of harmful additives we want to avoid.

Serving, Uses & Ideas

We like treats that are versatile, and Buddy Budder was designed to be multi-functional. Here we’ll list practical ways we’ve used it and some creative ideas to keep our dogs engaged.

How to Serve

We generally serve Buddy Budder by using it as a spread on lick mats, a filler for enrichment toys, a coating for pill pockets, or spooned into silicone molds and frozen for a cool treat on hot days. Because the product thickens in the refrigerator, we most often chill it for stuffing toys so it doesn’t ooze out too quickly.

Creative Uses and Recipes

We’re fans of turning simple ingredients into sensory and mental enrichment. Buddy Budder is great in recipes like frozen peanut butter and pumpkin bites, baked dog cookies, or layered enrichment jars. We also use it sparingly as a high-value reward during training or vet visits.

Serving Ideas Table

We like tables that break down quick serving methods and when each method is best used.

Serving Method	Best For	Notes
Lick Mat Spread	Calming, longer duration play	Refrigerate for slightly firmer spread
Stuffing Puzzle Toys	Enrichment & problem solving	Freeze for extended challenge
Pill Pocket Coating	Administering medication	Thickened, chilled consistency hides taste
Frozen Molds	Hot days, teething puppies	Use silicone molds for easy removal
Baking Ingredient	Homemade dog treats	Mix with oats, pumpkin, flour (dog-safe recipes)
Direct Spoon Treat	Quick high-value reward	Use small amounts due to calorie density

Safety, Storage & Handling

Safety is our top priority and we treat storage and ingredient safety seriously. We’ll walk through recommended storage practices and how we handle potential sensitivities.

Refrigerate as Recommended

The brand explicitly recommends refrigeration because Buddy Budder contains no stabilizers and will naturally thicken when chilled. We follow this guidance because refrigeration helps maintain texture for stuffing toys and pill pockets, and it also extends shelf life by slowing oil separation and potential rancidity.

Allergen and Sensitivity Considerations

Peanut butter is a common allergen for humans, and some dogs may be sensitive as well. We avoid introducing it in large amounts to dogs with known nut sensitivities, and we introduce Buddy Budder slowly, watching for gastrointestinal upset or other adverse reactions. We also appreciate that the product is free of xylitol—this is non-negotiable for safe peanut butter for dogs.

Shelf Life and Freshness

We want to be confident that what we feed our dogs stays fresh and safe for a reasonable period. Shelf stability and after-opening care matter to us, especially with natural foods.

Unopened vs. Opened Storage

When unopened, Buddy Budder should remain shelf-stable like other sealed nut butters. Once opened, refrigeration is recommended to maintain quality and consistency. We typically note a “use by” or best-by date on the jar and follow that, using our best judgment regarding smell and appearance if the date passes.

Monitoring Freshness

We watch for unusual odors, mold, or changes in texture that signal spoilage. Natural oil separation is normal, so we don’t equate that with spoilage; instead, we stir and refrigerate. If anything smells rancid or shows visible mold, we dispose of it immediately.

Nutritional Considerations

We consider how a treat fits into our dogs’ daily calorie and nutrient needs so that treats enhance rather than unbalance their diet. Peanut butter can be a healthy supplement in moderation, but portion control is essential.

Calorie Density and Portion Control

Peanut butter is calorie-dense, mostly from fats and proteins. We keep portions small, especially for smaller breeds or dogs on calorie-restricted diets. Using Buddy Budder as an occasional high-value reward or enrichment tool helps us manage daily caloric intake while still providing novelty and mental stimulation.

Fiber and Digestive Support from Pumpkin

Pumpkin contributes soluble fiber and can support digestive regularity in some dogs. We like that the product uses pumpkin rather than pumpkin-flavored additives, offering a real ingredient that serves a nutritional purpose. We still monitor stool and overall digestion after introducing the product to a new dog.

Texture Adjustments and Practical Tips

We rely on flexibility to adapt treats for different ages, sizes, and dental health. Buddy Budder’s natural formulation gives us that flexibility if we handle it properly.

Chilling for Firmness

We regularly put a jar in the fridge for an hour or more before stuffing toys or using it as a pill pocket. This practice reduces mess and gives us a firmer product that stays in place inside enrichment devices. For lick mats, we sometimes freeze a thin layer to prolong licking time.

Warming for Spreadability

If we need the product more spreadable—for example, to smear into a Kong or onto a mat—we let a dollop sit at room temperature for a short time or briefly microwave a spoonful for a few seconds. We always stir and check temperature before giving to a dog to avoid burns.

Who It’s Best For

We consider consumer types and dog profiles to identify who benefits most from Buddy Budder. This helps us make appropriate recommendations.

Ideal Dog Profiles

Buddy Budder suits dogs that enjoy peanut butter and benefit from enrichment activities—puppies learning treat-based rewards, adult dogs needing mental stimulation, and senior dogs that appreciate softer, lickable textures. It’s also useful for multi-dog households that want a simple, natural treat option.

Cases Where We Would Be Cautious

We recommend caution with dogs that have known peanut allergies, pancreatitis history (due to the high fat content), or those on strict calorie-restricted medical diets. In such cases, we suggest consulting a veterinarian before introducing Buddy Budder.

Pros and Cons

We aim to be balanced by highlighting what we like and what could be improved, helping us and others make informed decisions. The table below summarizes the main advantages and limitations.

Pros and Cons Table

We find tables useful for quick comparisons when making purchase decisions.

Pros	Cons
Simple ingredient list (4 ingredients)	Calorie-dense — portion control required
No xylitol, no artificial sweeteners, no stabilizers	May oil-separate (natural product)
Made in USA, in-house manufacturing	Some dogs may have nut sensitivities
Multi-functional: enrichment, pill pockets, baking	Requires refrigeration for ideal consistency
Banana + pumpkin adds fiber and mild sweetness	Nutritional label details may be limited on listings

Comparison to Other Dog Peanut Butters

We compare Buddy Budder to other similar products to see where it stands in the market. This helps us evaluate whether it’s the best match for our needs and values.

How It Stacks Up

Compared to many mainstream dog peanut butters, Buddy Budder emphasizes a very short ingredient list and flavor variety via banana and pumpkin. Many competing products either add stabilizers, sweeteners, or have a single-flavor peanut butter. We appreciate the absence of harmful additives and the commitment to local manufacturing, which some big brands may not prioritize.

Value and Convenience

The two-pack of 17 oz jars offers a convenient amount for families that use peanut butter frequently in enrichment and training. While it may be slightly more expensive than basic peanut butter in bulk, the specialized formulation and safe ingredient profile justify the price for many pet parents.

Environmental and Ethical Considerations

We like to consider broader impacts such as sourcing and manufacturing ethics. These factors matter to us when choosing a product we’ll use regularly.

Regional Sourcing and In-House Production

Buddy Budder’s claim of regional ingredient sourcing and in-house manufacturing gives us more confidence about traceability and consistent quality. We appreciate companies that take responsibility for production rather than outsourcing without oversight.

Packaging and Waste

The jars are reusable and recyclable depending on local facilities. We try to rinse and repurpose jars for storage or small household uses, which reduces waste and extends the product’s lifecycle.

Real-World Testing Notes

We typically test a product over a few weeks under different conditions and with dogs of different sizes to get a realistic sense of performance. Here are our practical observations.

Palatability Across Dogs

Most of our test dogs—puppy to senior—responded enthusiastically to the banana and pumpkin combination. It served as a reliable high-value reward during training and a calming activity when spread on a lick mat.

Durability in Enrichment Devices

When refrigerated and stuffed into puzzle toys, Buddy Budder stayed in place for a satisfying challenge. When left at room temperature, it tended to soften and could ooze out of simple toys, so we kept chilled jars on hand for stuffing sessions.

Price and Availability

We want to know how accessible the product is and whether its price aligns with the value it provides.

Cost Consideration

Buddy Budder is priced competitively with premium dog nut butters. Given its ingredient quality, Made in USA manufacturing, and dual-jar packaging, we consider it a reasonable investment for owners who use peanut butter for enrichment and training regularly.

Where to Buy

The product is commonly available online through major retailers and the brand’s direct channels. We find that ordering online makes it easy to secure the two-pack and avoid store stockouts.

Final Verdict

Weighing ingredient quality, functionality, and safety, Buddy Budder Barkin Banana + Pumpkin Pup earns our recommendation as a smart option for many dog households. We value the short, transparent ingredient list, the absence of harmful additives like xylitol, and the flexibility the product offers across enrichment and medicating uses. Our only reminders are to monitor portions because of calorie density and to check for nut sensitivities in some dogs.

Overall Recommendation

We recommend Buddy Budder for dog owners who want a natural, multi-use peanut butter that is both tasty and safe for dogs when used responsibly. It’s particularly useful for enrichment-focused homes and pet parents who prefer minimal, trustworthy ingredient lists.

Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve compiled questions we hear most often and provided concise, clear answers to help us and others make informed choices.

Is Buddy Budder safe for all dogs?

We consider it generally safe for most dogs because it excludes xylitol and artificial sweeteners, but we advise caution for dogs with known peanut allergies, pancreatitis, or strict dietary restrictions. We recommend gradual introduction and consultation with a veterinarian for dogs with medical conditions.

How much should we feed?

Portions depend on the dog’s size and daily caloric needs. We typically use a teaspoon or less for small rewards and a tablespoon as an occasional enrichment topping for medium to large dogs. We emphasize moderation due to high calorie content.

Can puppies have it?

Yes, puppies can enjoy Buddy Budder in small quantities as a training reward or teething soother, but we introduce it slowly and in tiny amounts to monitor tolerance and digestion. We also factor overall calorie intake into the puppy’s feeding plan.

How do we store it?

Refrigeration after opening is recommended to maintain texture and extend freshness. We store jars upright in the fridge and stir if oil separation occurs. If we need a more spreadable texture, we let a small portion warm to room temperature briefly.

Is there any risk of xylitol?

Buddy Budder explicitly states it contains no xylitol. We still read labels and ingredient lists carefully, particularly if purchasing from third-party retailers, to ensure we receive the correct product variant.

Can we use it for medicating our dogs?

Yes, we find Buddy Budder works well as a pill pocket or coating for hiding medications. Chilling a small amount to firm it up makes it easier to conceal pills and reduces the chance of the pill falling out.

What happens if it oil-separates?

Oil separation is normal for natural nut butters. We stir to re-incorporate oils and refrigerate if we want thicker consistency. Separation is not a sign of spoilage unless accompanied by rancid odors or mold.

Is it suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs?

Some dogs with sensitive digestive systems may tolerate this product thanks to its simple ingredients, but others may react to peanut or new foods. We introduce it slowly, monitor stool, and consult a veterinarian if we see signs of intolerance.

Closing Notes

We’ve walked through ingredients, usability, safety, and real-world performance so that we know what to expect with Buddy Budder Barkin Banana + Pumpkin Pup, 100% All Natural Dog Peanut Butter, Peanut Butter Dog Treat, Made in USA (Set of 2 | 17oz ea). Overall, we find it to be a well-considered product for owners who value natural ingredients, functional versatility, and a flavor profile that most dogs enjoy. We encourage mindful portioning and gradual introduction for any new dog to maximize benefits and minimize risks.