Biscuits can be a great treat for dogs, as long as they are given in moderation. Many dog biscuits on the market are made specifically for canine consumption and contain ingredients that are safe and nutritious for dogs. However, not all biscuits are created equal when it comes to your dog’s health. As a dog owner, it’s important to read labels and choose your dog’s treats wisely.
Are biscuits good for dogs?
In general, biscuits formulated specifically for dogs can be a healthy part of your pup’s diet. The main benefits of giving your dog biscuits include:
- They can aid dental health – Biscuits are crunchy which can help scrape plaque and tartar off your dog’s teeth as they chew. This helps reduce bacteria and improve overall dental hygiene.
- They’re a convenient, portable treat – Biscuits are lightweight and often come in resealable packages, making them easy to toss in your bag and take on the go for training or as a quick reward.
- They can supplement nutrition – Many dog biscuits are designed to support specific aspects of your dog’s health. For example, some contain glucosamine for joint health, while others are fortified with vitamins and minerals.
Additionally, biscuits tend to be lower in fat and calories compared to some other dog treats like jerky. When used wisely, they can be a part of a balanced canine diet.
What should I look for in a dog biscuit?
When choosing a dog biscuit, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Whole food ingredients – Look for biscuits with whole food ingredients like whole grains, vegetables, and meats rather than artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.
- Calorie control – If your dog needs to lose weight, look for low-fat biscuits with 10 calories or less per treat.
- Allergen-friendly – If your dog has food allergies, choose biscuits that avoid ingredients like wheat, corn, and soy.
- Size appropriate – Make sure to pick biscuits sized appropriately for your dog – smaller for little dogs, larger for big breeds.
- Limited ingredients – For dogs with sensitivities, choose biscuits with a short, straightforward list of ingredients.
You also want to pay attention to quality. Look for biscuits made by reputable pet food companies that use high-quality ingredients and conduct frequent food safety testing.
What ingredients should I avoid in dog biscuits?
Some common ingredients to avoid in dog biscuits include:
- Artificial colors – Food dyes like Red 40 serve no nutritional purpose and may cause allergic reactions in some dogs.
- Artificial flavors – Artificial smoke, bacon, and other flavors can indicate low-quality ingredients.
- Artificial preservatives – Preservatives like BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin are controversial and may be harmful with long-term exposure.
- Sugar and salt – Too much sugar and salt is unhealthy and can lead to obesity, diabetes, and other problems.
- Xylitol – This sugar alcohol can be extremely toxic to dogs, even in small amounts.
- Unsafe oils – Lower-quality oils like cottonseed and palm oil may be inflammatory.
- Harmful chemicals – Avoid biscuits with propylene glycol, BPA, calcium propionate, and other questionable additives.
When in doubt, look for biscuits with recognizable, natural ingredients and as few additives as possible for optimal health.
Are milk bones good for dogs?
Milk Bone is one of the most popular dog biscuit brands. But are these iconic biscuits actually good for your dog?
Here’s a look at the pros and cons of Milk Bones:
Potential benefits
- Nutrient fortification – Milk Bones are fortified with vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D for strong bones and teeth.
- Dental health – The crunchy texture helps scrape away plaque and tartar as dogs chew.
- Palatability – Many dogs love the taste of these savory, bacon-flavored biscuits.
- Convenient training treat – They’re very easy to break into smaller pieces to use for training rewards.
Potential downsides
- Artificial preservatives – Milk Bones contain the preservatives BHA, BHT, and propyl gallate to extend shelf life.
- High in salt and fat – While Milk Bones are fortified, they’re also relatively high in salt and fat.
- Filler ingredients – Milk Bones contain corn, soy, and wheat – potential allergens for some dogs.
- Coating – The outer white coating is mostly sugar and hydrogenated oils.
Overall, Milk Bones in moderation are likely fine for most healthy dogs. But they may not be the best choice for dogs with allergies, weight issues, or certain health conditions. Homemade biscuits or other lower-calorie dental chews may be healthier alternatives.
How many biscuits can I give my dog per day?
There’s no single rule for how many biscuits a dog can eat per day – the right amount will vary based on your individual dog and the biscuit size/calories.
Some general guidelines include:
- 10% rule – Treats like biscuits should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories.
- Use biscuit feeding guidelines – Follow any feeding guidelines provided on the package based on your dog’s weight.
- Consider calories – The more calorie-dense the biscuit, the fewer you should offer to avoid weight gain.
- Divide daily allowance – If your dog gets 20 small biscuits per day, divide into several small meals.
- Pay attention to signs of fullness – Don’t overfeed. Stop giving biscuits if your dog loses interest.
- Adjust as needed – Increase or decrease the amount based on your dog’s age, activity level, and other foods eaten.
As a very general starting point, 3-4 small, lower calorie biscuits 1-2 times per day is appropriate for an average, healthy adult dog. But be sure to monitor your individual dog closely and adjust as needed to maintain an ideal weight and health.
What are the healthiest dog biscuit brands?
Some of the healthiest dog biscuit brands include:
| Brand | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Zuke’s | Grain-free options, wholesome ingredients, limited calories |
| Newman’s Own | Organic ingredients, no artificial additives, whole food sources |
| Wellness | Natural ingredients tailored to specific health needs |
| Blue Buffalo | Cold-pressed biscuits with no corn, wheat or soy |
| Rachael Ray Nutrish | Real U.S. farm-raised chicken as first ingredient |
You can also make healthy homemade biscuits for your dog using human-grade ingredients like whole wheat flour, rolled oats, peanut butter, eggs, and fruits/veggies. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about ingredients or preparation.
Are dog biscuits fattening?
Whether dog biscuits are fattening depends on a few factors:
- Ingredient quality – Lower quality biscuits may contain more fat, oil, sugar or calorie-dense additives.
- Portion size – Feeding too many biscuits in a day can lead to weight gain.
- Dog’s lifestyle – Less active dogs require fewer treat calories to maintain a healthy weight.
- Driver of use – Using biscuits primarily for training rewards will be less fattening than free feeding.
Some tips to keep biscuit use healthy include:
- Choose lower calorie biscuits made with whole ingredients.
- Break biscuits into smaller pieces for training rewards.
- Substitute a portion of kibble for biscuits to balance calories.
- Increase exercise to allow for occasional higher calorie biscuits.
- Monitor weight and adjust biscuit quantity to maintain an ideal body condition.
Overall, biscuits don’t need to be fattening if used properly, but they shouldn’t make up the majority of a dog’s caloric intake either. Moderation and portion control are key.
Should I give my puppy biscuits?
You can begin introducing puppy biscuits as early as 8-12 weeks old as you wean your puppy onto solid food. Some tips for feeding puppy biscuits include:
- Choose a premium puppy formula – Look for biscuits designed specifically for growing puppies with nutrients like DHA for brain development.
- Start small – Mix just a few crumbled biscuits into your puppy’s wet food at first to transition.
- Monitor stools – Introduce new foods slowly to check for digestive upset.
- Use for training – Hand feeding allows you to monitor intake and reinforces training.
- Follow package guidelines – Gradually increase biscuits according to package instructions as your puppy grows.
- Avoid overfeeding – Stick to the recommended daily amount to prevent obesity.
While puppy biscuits can be a healthy supplementary food, make sure your puppy’s primary nutrition comes from a high-quality commercial or homemade puppy diet recommended by your veterinarian.
Are biscuits suitable for senior dogs?
Biscuits can be a good treat option for senior dogs, with a few considerations:
- Choose softer biscuits – Opt for baked or moist biscuits that are easier for older dogs to chew and digest.
- Control calories – Lower-fat biscuits help prevent weight gain in less active senior dogs.
- Fortified nutrition – Look for biscuits with glucosamine, omega fatty acids, and antioxidants.
- Avoid hard surfaces – Place biscuits on a dog bed or mat rather than hard floors.
- Supervise eating – Make sure your senior dog can properly chew biscuits to reduce choking risk.
- Clean teeth – Biscuits help reduce bacteria, but brushing also important for dental health.
- Check with your vet – Consult your vet about any dietary concerns specific to your senior dog.
Ultimately, go with lower calorie biscuits marketed for mature dogs and monitor your senior closely to ensure biscuits agree with them and don’t cause digestive or dental problems.
Can I make homemade biscuits for my dog?
You certainly can make healthy homemade biscuits for your dog using dog-safe ingredients. Some common recipes include:
Basic Baked Biscuits
- 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup oats
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup water
Combine ingredients then roll out dough and cut into shapes. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Allow to cool before serving.
Pumpkin & Carrot Biscuits
- 2 1/4 cups whole wheat flour
- 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup shredded carrot
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp honey
Mix ingredients together and knead dough. Roll out and cut into shapes before baking at 325°F for 35-40 minutes.
Peanut Butter & Banana Biscuits
- 1 ripe banana
- 1/2 cup oat flour
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Mash banana then mix all ingredients together. Roll out dough and cut into shapes. Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.
Let biscuits cool fully before serving. Store homemade biscuits in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Conclusion
Dog biscuits can offer great nutritional value and textural benefits for canine dental health when chosen wisely. Look for high-quality biscuits made with wholesome ingredients and limited additives. Use portion control, factor biscuits into your dog’s daily caloric needs, and adjust quantity based on your individual dog’s health profile and lifestyle. Overall, biscuits in moderation can be a healthy supplemental source of nutrients, an effective training tool, and a safe, enjoyable treat for most dogs.