Can Dogs Eat Biscuits? How to Serve Dog Biscuits Safely

Biscuits are bready treats that are sometimes crispy and crunchy, other times fluffy and soft. While their nutritional value can vary based on the ingredients, they generally serve as a good source of carbohydrates as well as certain proteins and vitamins. This is largely due to the amount of milk and eggs included in most recipes for the products.

Pet food vendors craft dog food biscuits with canine dietary needs in mind. These products are similar to human biscuits, but they lack some of the sugars, sweeteners, and other ingredients that might cause an upset stomach or other health concerns for dogs.

Dogs can eat biscuits so long as pet owners remain cognizant of certain side effects their furry friends might experience from eating too many biscuits at once or a specific type of biscuit with toxic ingredients.

Biscuits can provide some health benefits for dogs—for instance, they contain calcium, which helps strengthen bones and joints. Similarly, if you serve your dog biscuits containing supplementary chicken or fish, the fatty acids could help improve their brain health. Steer clear of high sugar content, artificial sweeteners, and ingredients like chocolate or raisins—these ingredients will make your dog sick.

Pet owners can delight their canine companions with a biscuit every once in a while, so long as they remain aware of certain key caveats. Here are seven tips to keep in mind when feeding a dog these bready treats:

1. 1. Check with your vet. Although nearly all dog breeds can tolerate plain biscuits in moderation, it’s important to check in with your vet about your specific pet. For example, your dog might have a gluten allergy, in which case, you should opt for grain-free biscuits. Vets can test your pet for other food sensitivities to ensure they can eat biscuits without the risk of any health issues.
2. 2. Feed biscuits in moderation. The basic ingredients in most biscuits—milk, flour, and eggs—are easy on the canine digestive system, but too many of these dog treats at once can still cause trouble. Some of the compounds and natural sugars in biscuits will break down into glucose, which can lead to obesity and its subsequent health concerns for your pet. In the short term, they might also experience indigestion, diarrhea, or vomiting if you feed them too many at once.
3. 3. Look at the ingredients. For any premade biscuits you serve your dog, make sure to take a thorough look at the ingredients list. Additives and artificial sweeteners, such as xylitol, common in human treats and some biscuits can cause severe health issues for dogs, including liver failure. Similarly, you should opt for alternatives to any biscuits containing chocolate, as the compound theobromine in cacao can also cause health problems.
4. 4. Opt for homemade treats. Consider making your own basic biscuit recipe for your dog instead of seeking out a premade, store-bought treat. This way, you have total control over what your dog eats. For example, if your vet says your dog is gluten-intolerant, you can swap out wheat flour for a grain-free alternative.
5. 5. Seek out biscuits specifically for dogs. Many vendors and pet stores formulate dog biscuits with canines in mind. These differ from human biscuits in that they generally have far less sugar and next to no additives, preservatives, or sweeteners. When possible, choose these as treats for your dog instead of the biscuits you consume personally.
6. 6. Supplement biscuits with other foods. While biscuits can serve as one aspect of a balanced diet for dogs, you’ll need to give your pet more than just these to ensure they remain healthy and nourished. Continue supplying their regular dog food and only give them biscuits in moderation. Power up the biscuits themselves by serving them alongside peanut butter (for extra protein), fish (for fatty acids), and veggies (for vitamins and minerals).
7. 7. Use small portions. When feeding biscuits to your furry friend, make sure each individual piece is easy for them to chew and swallow. Both soft and hard biscuits can serve as a choking hazard when they are too big for a dog. Break up the pieces you give your pet if necessary to ensure they can swallow them comfortably.

Certain human foods can cause adverse reactions in canines, so always consult your veterinarian to determine whether it is safe to add these foods to your pet’s diet. This article is for educational and informational purposes and is not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

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