3 Sniffs Every Dog Should Make at the Grocery Store

Hey pals, it’s me — Champ.

If you’ve spotted my turquoise treat bags in more grocery stores lately, that’s because I’m expanding my turf. And with 2026 right around the corner, even more shelves are getting ready for my arrival. Pretty soon, you’ll be able to sniff me out in places like SaveMart, Lucky’s, Raley’s, Bel Air, Nob Hill, Safeway in Northern California, Hy-Vee across the Midwest, and regional grocers throughout the South.

So whether your human is doing early holiday shopping of our treats online, or waiting for us to get stocked on their local shelves, it’s the perfect time to sharpen your sniffing skills.

Here are my top three sniffs every dog should make when their human’s stocking up this season:

1. The Real-Protein Sniff

This is the first — and most important — test. The “Does this actually smell like food?” moment.

If what hits your nose smells like real chicken or beef, you’re golden. If it smells like cardboard, mystery crumbs, or something your human forgot in their gym bag… nope.

Here’s the tip for your human: real animal protein should be the first ingredient. Not corn. Not wheat. Not soy. And definitely not “meat by-product meal,” whatever that means. Protein-first treats equal better nutrition, better flavor, and better zoomie power. I’m in!

2. The Fresh & Functional Sniff

A treat should do more than taste good, it should help you feel good too!

Have your human look for treats that are:

• Soft and easy to break apart (great for training and gentle chewers)

• Made with clean, recognizable ingredients

• Packed with nutrients that support skin, coat, digestion, and immunity

Think of it like this: if your snacks help you shine, sprint, nap, and wag at your best? That’s a treat worth choosing.

3. The Grocery-Aisle Treasure Sniff

Here’s a secret most humans don’t know: Grocery stores everywhere are stepping up their pet aisle game. Clean-label, protein-first options (like mine!) are showing up on more shelves every month, making it easy for your human to grab something healthy without an extra trip.

During this busy time of year, isn’t it great that your human only needs to make one stop for all of their healthy food needs and yours too? Two paws up for that! 

The Final Sniff

When your human’s rolling through the store, remind them to swing by the pet aisle. You handle the sniff test; they handle the checkout — teamwork (and tasty treats) for the win.

Until next time, keep your tail high, your humans trained, and your snacks healthy.

🐾 Champ
Chief Treat Officer, Champ’s Pet Kitchen