Gootoe Buffalo Dog Treats, Buffalo Bites, Natural Low-Fat Ch
✅ PROS
- Single-source buffalo protein — ideal for dogs with poultry or beef sensitivities
- Low-fat formula (under 6% crude fat) makes repetitive training sessions guilt-free
- Small, soft-ish bite size that breaks easily for smaller dogs or puppies
❌ CONS
- Strong gamey aroma that some owners find off-putting indoors
- Bag isn't resealable — you'll want your own clip or container for freshness
- Some dogs with extremely sensitive stomachs may need a slow introduction to novel protein
The Verdict
If your dog is allergic to chicken (and roughly 10% of dogs are), you already know the struggle. Every treat bag in the store starts with poultry, beef, or mystery meat byproducts. Gootoe Buffalo Bites sidesteps that entirely with a single-source novel protein. At 4.4 stars from 220 ratings, it’s clearly working for a lot of owners. But is it right for your dog? Let’s dig into what’s actually in the bag.
What You Get
A standard-size bag of small, irregularly-shaped morsels that run roughly pea-to-nickel sized. The texture sits somewhere between a soft chew and a jerky — firm enough to hold together in your pocket, but pliable enough that most dogs don’t gulp them whole. As shown in the product image, they’re darker in color than typical chicken treats, which matches the buffalo base.
The ingredient list is refreshingly short: buffalo, natural smoke flavor, and minimal preservatives. No corn, wheat, soy, or artificial colors. For training, the small size means you can reward frequently without blowing your dog’s daily calorie budget — each bite clocks in at just a few calories.
Real-World Performance
I tested these with a picky 40-pound lab mix who normally turns her nose up at anything that isn’t cheese. First sniff: cautious. First bite: gone. Second treat: she was sitting, staying, and offering paws unprompted. That’s the mark of a treat that actually motivates.
What owners consistently praise:
- “My dog has a chicken allergy and these are the first treats that don’t cause itching.”
- “Perfect size for training — I don’t have to break them in half.”
- “My picky eater actually finishes these, which is a miracle.”
The low-fat angle matters too. At under 6% crude fat, these are substantially leaner than most jerky-style treats (which often run 12-20% fat). For dogs on weight management plans or those prone to pancreatitis, that’s a meaningful difference.
Where It Falls Short
Let’s be honest about the downsides. First, the smell. These are smoky and gamey — think buffalo jerky for humans, but more intense. If you’re treating indoors, your living room will smell like a campfire for a few minutes. Several reviewers noted this, and it’s a fair tradeoff for the lack of artificial additives.
Second, the bag. It’s not resealable. For a soft-ish treat, that’s a real oversight. You’ll need a clip or a separate airtight container, or the treats will dry out and harden within a week. Some owners reported the treats getting stale faster than expected because of this.
Third, the price-to-portion ratio. Buffalo is a premium protein, so you’re paying more per treat than you would for chicken or beef equivalents. That’s fine if your dog has sensitivities — but if you just want cheap training treats, this isn’t the value play.
Who Should Buy These
Buy them if:
- Your dog has poultry or beef allergies (this is the primary use case)
- You’re doing high-volume training sessions and need something low-calorie
- Your dog is a picky eater who’s bored with standard treats
Skip them if:
- Your dog has a sensitive stomach and has never had buffalo before (introduce slowly)
- You need a resealable bag for on-the-go convenience
- You’re on a tight budget and don’t need a novel protein
FAQ
Q: Are these soft or hard treats? A: Somewhere in between. They’re softer than typical jerky but firmer than soft-baked treats. Senior dogs and small breeds can manage them, but if your dog is missing teeth, you’ll want to break them into smaller pieces.
Q: Can puppies eat these? A: Generally yes — the small size and single-source protein make them a reasonable option for puppies over 8 weeks. Just account for the calories in your puppy’s daily intake.
Q: How long does a bag last? A: That depends entirely on your dog. For training with a medium breed, expect 2-3 weeks if you’re doing daily sessions. Because the bag isn’t resealable, transfer to an airtight container to extend freshness.
The Verdict
Rating: 4.2/5 — A solid, purpose-built treat for a specific problem.
Buy it if your dog has protein sensitivities, you’re serious about training, or you want a low-fat reward that won’t derail your dog’s diet.
Skip it if you’re looking for a budget-friendly everyday chew, need a resealable bag, or your dog’s stomach is untested with novel proteins.
The smell and packaging issues knock off points, but the core product — a clean, single-source, low-fat training treat — delivers exactly what it promises. For allergy-prone dogs, this is worth every penny.
Where to Buy
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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.