Pet Pointers: Milo's Kitchen Treat Truck

Building on the massively popular food truck trend, Milo's Kitchen brand dog treats is launching the nation's first mobile food experience for dogs and their pet parents.

With planned stops in major metropolitan areas across the U.S., the Milo's Kitchen Treat Truck will offer pups the chance to:

*  Taste real chicken and beef home-style dog treats like Chicken Meatballs and Grilled Burger Bites -- all proudly made in the USA with 100% domestically-sourced meat and no artificial colors or flavors.
*  Take a free family photo or "doggie selfie" (does this collar make me look cute?) in a professional canine-ready photo booth.
*  Socialize with other four-legged friends in the backyard-style lapdog lounge
*  Take a relaxing 'walk break' with dog beds, drinking bowls, and puppy toys
*  Bring home a doggie bag of tasty treats for lucky labs and hungry hounds

The Milo's Kitchen Treat Truck is entirely free to the public -- bring the whole family -- and will be making the following local visits:
August 9-10:  Minneapolis, MN
August 16-17:  Atlanta, GA
August 22-24:  Ohio
August 29-31:  Arkansas
Sept. 6-7:  New York City

Due to possible last-minute stops, follow the treat truck's live location. 

I had a chance to interview Chrissy Trampedach  from Milo's Kitchen to learn more.

Why did you decide to jump on the food truck bandwagon for pets?

Milo's Kitchen believes that dogs are truly members of the family. We noticed that people - and families - were enjoying food trucks. And since dogs are family members, too - we thought, why can't they have a treat truck? From the home-style treats, to the doggie window, to the doggie selfie station, to the toy-filled Lapdog Lounge, the Milo's Kitchen Treat Truck is a great experience for dogs and their families. 

What sets Milo's Kitchen apart from other foods?

Because we believe that dogs aren’t just like members of the family – they are family – we believe they deserve a treat of the same quality that you would serve to your family. Our treats are made with 100% real chicken or beef as the #1 ingredient, each totally free of artificial flavors and colors, and each one made right here in the USA. And our snacks don’t just look like real jerky, sausage slices and meatballs – they are real! At Milo’s Kitchen, dogs deserve nothing but the best.

This treat truck provides a chance for pets to socialize - do you have tips for non-pet parents on appropriate behaviors around other people's pets?

When people and pets get together in a fun environment like the Milo’s Kitchen Treat Truck, it’s tempting to want to snuggle up to a pup, especially if you don’t have your own! However, it’s important to keep in mind that every dog reacts differently to a stranger, be it a small child or a full-grown adult. There’s a few things you should always do before getting up-close-and-personal with an unfamiliar pooch:

1. Ask first! “Is your dog friendly?” and “Can I pet your dog?” are two things you should always ask before approaching a dog. Dog owners will generally be very upfront if their dog is not good with strangers or small children.
2. Approach and pet mindfully. Once you have the OK from the dog’s owner, approach the dog calmly and start by petting behind the dog’s head and moving slowly backward. And keep in mind – dogs like their personal space, too! You should never, ever get too close to an unfamiliar dog’s face.
3. Treat the dog. If the dog’s owner gives you the go-ahead, grab a treat (you can get them for free at the Milo’s Kitchen Treat Truck) and present it to the dog with a flat palm.

Do you have any other tips for healthy eating for pets?

Treats are a great way to show your love and create special moments with your dog, or to reward them for good behavior or learning new things. Treats can be part of a healthy doggie diet, but shouldn’t make up more than 10% of their daily calories, with at least 90% of your dog’s calories coming from a complete and balanced dog food. We also advise pet parents to always read and follow the feeding instructions on the package to ensure the safest and healthiest treating. Some treats should be broken up into smaller pieces for small dogs, and you should always monitor your dogs while eating food or treats.