Treats have saved my bacon on many occasions. They got me through puppy training. They helped coax Scout back into the car after she escaped in a grocery store parking lot. And, they were used to bribe Ziggy into ignoring the cat.

Fortunately for me, in this day and age of "think globally, buy locally" the choices are seemingly endless for Seattle-area treat hounds.

There's Fremont-based Simon & Huey's Doggone Tasty Treats. As their Web site states, each treat is "handcrafted with love." In addition to that most important ingredient, there is no wheat, corn or soy to upset your pooch's tummy. Instead, Simon & Huey's uses oat flour as a base plus veggies and free-range chicken broth, among other healthy ingredients.

Seattle-based Etta Says! is another local favorite. According to Etta, the wire-haired dachsund and inspiration behind Etta Says!, "I'm here to tell ya that my meaty treats are made of the highest quality, purest and most palatable hooman-grade ingredients." The freeze-dried, bite-sized treats come in three yummy flavors: beef liver, chicken liver and lamb liver.
 
I've heard Bellevue-based Cat-Man-Doo bonito flake cat treats described as "kitty crack." No lie. Cats love them and guess what? My dogs do too! What is a "bonito" you might ask? It's a fish commonly used in Japanese cuisine. Dried and shaved into little flakes of tasty goodness, Cat-Man-Doo's bonito treats are also a great source of protein for your cat or dog.

About the only baking I do is the pre-made, pre-cut, throw-them-in-the-oven kind. So when Petit Four Legs' bake-at-home Pupcakes came along, I was intrigued. Boxed and ready-to-go, each pupcake kit includes a wheat- and corn-free peanut butter-flavored mix plus yogurt frosting and yogurt bone-shaped decorations. All you need to add are two eggs, water and a little love. 

But, wait there's more! With so many Seattle-area treat companies and so little time, stay tuned. I'll be back tomorrow with more local favorites.

Copyright © 2009 The Seattle Times Company