Ben Donati

“We anthropomorphize our pets. We take pictures of them where they look like they're smiling.”

Ben Donati · said date not stated · reported 2026-09-10

Donati explained how people anthropomorphize their pets, including taking pictures of them.

“Probably shouldn't eat a whole box of Girl Scout Cookies,”

Ben Donati · said date not stated · reported 2026-09-10

Donati warned against overindulging in treats, noting they are not a substitute for a complete diet.

“Overall, I think it's great,”

Ben Donati · said date not stated · reported 2026-09-10

Donati gave the Girl Scouts' canine cookie experiment an enthusiastic reception.

“add a lot of fun for the girls who are selling them and the families who are buying them.”

Ben Donati · said date not stated · reported 2026-09-10

Donati said the treats should add fun for the girls selling them and the families buying them.

“It's just getting the behavior that you reward,”

Ben Donati · said date not stated · reported 2026-09-10

Donati noted that treats can have behavioral consequences if used to inadvertently reinforce unwanted behaviors.

“We tend to say about 10% of their diet should come from treats, or up to 10% really,”

Ben Donati · said date not stated · reported 2026-09-10

Donati cautioned owners against letting their dogs overindulge in treats.

“So, probably a light bulb went off in someone's mind that, why not sell to the four-legged member of the family,”

Ben Donati · said date not stated · reported 2026-09-10

Donati said the treats make sense as Americans increasingly consider their pets part of the family.

“Probably shouldn't eat a whole box of Patch Pals.”

Ben Donati · said date not stated · reported 2026-09-10

Donati warned that dogs probably shouldn't eat a whole box of Patch Pals.

“There is an emotional component to it. There's a psychological component to it,”

Ben Donati · said date not stated · reported 2026-09-10

Donati discussed the increasingly human-like relationships Americans have with their pets.