H-E-B HERITAGE RANCH BAKED PUMPKIN FLAVORED DOG SNACKS

Welcome to day 5 of Tag Sale Tastes’ Pumpkinpalooza 2020!

Humans aren’t the only ones that like to celebrate fall with a pumpkin treat or two. H-E-B’s Heritage Ranch Baked Pumpkin Flavored Dog Snacks make it possible for your dog to join in the pumpkin fun:

Look how happy that dog is to discover a pumpkin filled with dog treats:

These dog treats are “baked into the shape of hearts, with yummy pumpkin and ginger flavors that your dog’s taste buds will go crazy for.”

I had a few issues with the “feeding instructions.”  “Not intended as a meal replacement”? Really, who’s feeding these to their pupper instead of dinner, like it’s Slim Fast?  And the reminder to “thoroughly wash your hands after handling your pet’s food or feeding utensils?”  If they want to go that route, how about a reminder to wash your hands after handling your pet or picking up their poop on a walk if someone is looking? I’d appreciate it, however, if they’d share with my former neighbors — who no longer live in their house but come by to leave food for the feral cat they’ve been feeding — the reminder that pet food attracts rodents and insects.  And possums, thank you very much:

The ingredient list, devoid of artificial flavors and colors, includes molasses, pumpkin flakes, and ginger — nice and pumpkin-y:

As for the “human allergen concerns,” if you’re eating dog treats, you’ve got bigger problems than food allergies to worry about.

Let’s have a look-see:

Cute little treats.  They actually smelled pretty good — might try a few on my next charcuterie board and see if anyone notices anything unusual.

But the real test is what Jasper and Maisy think of them.  I don’t know if the treats were really good or the dogs were just excited to have a new treat, but they did indeed go crazy for them, hopping and drooling all over the place.  I’m going to have to stockpile a few boxes before they disappear from H-E-B’s shelves.

Rating:  5 pumpkins (out of 5)

DURHAM’S PUMPKIN PIE ALMONDS

Welcome to day 4 of Tag Sale Tastes’ Pumpkinpalooza 2020!

Today’s offering is Durham’s Pumpkin Pie Almonds (made by Texas-based Durham-Ellis Pecan Company):The obligatory pumpkins are in a neat little row across the top of the package:

No pumpkin listed in the ingredients, but the pumpkin spice spices are there (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves):

And here’s the pretty confection:

I love the aesthetic of the mix of bright orange and beige coatings.  This is fall holiday party food:

Well, slice me into wedges and call me pie — these almonds taste a whole lot like pumpkin pie!  I expected them to taste like candles or room freshener — needless to say I was pleasantly surprised that they did not.  I loved these almonds.  In fact, I’m going to get another bag and put it aside for Thanksgiving.  (If you see a bag, grab one — they’re not lingering on grocery store shelves.)

Rating: 5 pumpkins (out of 5).