Canine Carry Outs are soft, chewy dog treats made to look and smell like restaurant leftovers, in flavors such as beef, bacon and chicken. They are a grocery-store snack, not a complete food, and there is no evidence that they are dangerous when fed in normal amounts.
What are Canine Carry Outs?
Canine Carry Outs are packaged treats sold mainly in supermarkets and discount stores. The line has included jerky-style strips, bite-size soft chews and novelty “takeout” shapes. Flavors and recipes change over time, so the ingredient list on the bag in your hand is always the best source of truth.
Like most treats in this category, they are meant for rewards, training and the occasional snack. They are not formulated to balance a dog’s daily diet.
The propylene glycol rumor
The brand is best known online for a rumor that it contains “antifreeze.” The claim spread on social media in 2015 and came back again in 2016. Here is what is actually known:
- Propylene glycol is not the same chemical as the toxic one in car antifreeze. Antifreeze is usually based on ethylene glycol. Propylene glycol has a different structure and is used to keep soft foods moist.
- The FDA lists propylene glycol as generally recognized as safe for use in food. It is considered acceptable for dogs within recommended limits, but it is not allowed in cat food, so never share these treats with a cat.
- No FDA warning or recall was ever issued for Canine Carry Outs over this claim, according to the fact-checking site Snopes.
The takeaway is that the rumor is not a good reason to avoid the treats. It is still fair to skip them if you prefer treats with shorter, simpler ingredient lists.
How to choose and feed soft treats like these
- Read the label. Look for a named meat near the top of the list, and check for anything your dog is allergic or sensitive to.
- Keep treats small. A common vet guideline is that treats should make up no more than about 10 percent of a dog’s daily calories. Break strips into small pieces for training.
- Watch the salt and fat. Dogs with pancreatitis, kidney disease or weight problems may need a different snack. Ask your vet first.
- Supervise chewing. Any chewy treat can be a choking risk for gulpers or very small dogs.
- Store them sealed. Soft treats can dry out or grow mold if left open. Throw away anything that smells off or looks fuzzy.
If you want something simpler, our easy puppy teething treats are made with a short list of ingredients, and our guide to low purine dog food covers dogs that need a restricted diet.
Frequently asked questions
Were Canine Carry Outs ever recalled?
The antifreeze rumor never led to a recall of the brand. Recalls for any pet product are posted on the FDA’s website, so check there for current notices.
Are Canine Carry Outs good for puppies?
They can be used in tiny pieces as a training reward, but puppies get most of their nutrition from a complete puppy food. Ask your vet if your puppy has a sensitive stomach.
Can cats eat them?
No. They are made for dogs, and propylene glycol is not approved for cat food.
Bottom Line
Canine Carry Outs are an ordinary soft dog treat, and the antifreeze story about them is a myth. Feed them in small amounts, check the label, and talk to your vet if your dog has a medical condition or a special diet.
This article is general information, not veterinary advice. Call your vet if your dog has health problems or reacts badly to a treat.
