Old Mother Hubbard is one of the oldest names in the dog treat aisle. Dog owners have kept buying the crunchy, bone-shaped biscuits for generations, even though newer brands now compete with trendier packaging. So is the brand still worth your money? This review looks at seven options from the lineup, covering ingredients, texture, value, and who should skip them.
A Quick Look at the Brand
Old Mother Hubbard is now sold under the Wellness Pet Company name. The brand says it has baked its classic treats with the same simple methods since 1926. The biscuits are slowly oven-baked, and they are marketed as all natural with no added artificial preservatives. chewypetsmart
That sounds good on a label, but what matters is how the treats perform in real life.
1. Classic Original Mix (Mini Biscuits)
This is the best starting point if you have a small dog or just want to see what your dog likes. The mix contains original, chicken, cheddar, and Char Tar flavors. Dogs get variety, and you get a bag that is easy to portion. petsmart
Pros: Small size, good variety, affordable, crunchy texture.
Cons: Contains wheat, so it isn’t suitable for every dog.
2. Classic P-Nuttier (Large Biscuits)
This is the flagship treat for many owners. The ingredient list includes whole wheat flour, oatmeal, wheat bran, chicken fat, crunchy peanut butter, apples, carrots, and molasses. The peanut butter smell is strong, which is why most dogs go for it right away. reberranch
Large dogs can eat these whole. For medium dogs, many owners snap them in half, which also stretches the bag. Their size makes them better as an occasional reward than as a training treat.
Pros: Real peanut butter, apples, and carrots; high palatability.
Cons: Large size means more calories per treat; contains wheat and eggs.
3. Classic P-Nuttier (Mini/Small Biscuits)
It’s the same recipe as the large version, but sized for smaller mouths and for training. The guaranteed analysis lists at least 12% crude protein and at least 7% crude fat, with moisture at no more than 11%. The fat percentage is worth noting if your dog is watching their weight. reberranch
Pros: Good for training, easier to portion, same flavor.
Cons: Not low-calorie; feed sparingly to dogs prone to weight gain.
4. Chicken Flavor Biscuits
The chicken flavor, found in the Original Mix, is the savory option. Dogs that aren’t excited by sweet or peanut flavors often prefer it. It also makes a good pick if you want a simple reward without peanut butter.
Pros: Savory taste, good for picky eaters.
Cons: Not sold separately in every store, so you may need to buy the mix.
5. Cheddar Flavor Biscuits
Cheddar is another flavor in the Original Mix, and many dogs find it hard to resist. Dogs that tolerate dairy usually enjoy it. If your dog has a known dairy sensitivity, check the label first, or give those pieces to a friend’s dog.
Pros: Strong aroma, very popular with dogs.
Cons: Not ideal for dairy-sensitive dogs.
6. Char Tar Flavor Biscuits
The Char Tar biscuits are the unusual member of the mix. They are the most distinctive in appearance, and some dogs treat them like a bonus. They are fine as part of a variety bag, though few owners buy a bag of just this flavor.
Pros: Adds variety, keeps treat time interesting.
Cons: Not everyone likes the look, and some dogs ignore them.
7. Value Bags and Bulk Sizes
Old Mother Hubbard sells its treats in several bag sizes, including larger value bags. One retailer lists a 3.3-pound bag at about 39 large treats, and a 20-pound box at about 227. If you have a big dog or several dogs, the bulk size cuts the cost per treat noticeably. Because the biscuits are baked and crunchy, they stay fresh well when stored properly. chewy
Pros: Lower cost per treat, long shelf life.
Cons: Only worth it if your dog actually likes the flavor.
Who Should Buy Old Mother Hubbard Treats?
These biscuits are a good fit if you:
- Want a simple, crunchy, traditional biscuit
- Have a dog with no known grain, egg, or peanut issues
- Prefer widely available treats you can pick up at most pet stores
- Want a budget-friendly option for everyday rewards
Who Should Skip Them?
Look for something else if your dog:
- Has a wheat, egg, or peanut allergy
- Needs a low-fat or low-calorie diet
- Follows a grain-free or limited-ingredient plan
- Is a senior with sore teeth who needs soft treats
If your dog has a sensitive system, our hypoallergenic dog treat recipes offer gentler, simpler options you can control yourself.
Make Your Own Version at Home
Store-bought treats are convenient, but baking your own lets you decide every ingredient. If you like the crunch of these biscuits, try our homemade crunchy dog biscuits. If the peanut flavor is what your dog loves, our peanut butter dog treats are a simple recipe to start with. Always use xylitol-free peanut butter, since xylitol is toxic to dogs.
How to Feed Treats the Right Way
Even a good treat can cause problems if you overdo it. Keep treats under 10% of your dog’s daily calories, and adjust their meals on days with extra treats. Introduce any new treat slowly, and watch for signs of stomach upset or itching. Store opened bags in an airtight container to keep them crunchy.
Final Verdict: Still Worth Buying?
Old Mother Hubbard treats are not fancy, and they don’t need to be. They are crunchy, affordable, widely available, and most dogs love them, especially the P-Nuttier biscuits. They do contain wheat, fat, and salt, so they aren’t the right pick for dogs with allergies or weight concerns.
For the average healthy dog, they are still worth buying as an occasional reward. If your dog has special dietary needs, check the label and ask your vet before switching.
