Dog Biscuits for a Good Cause

Lori Bray-Levinsohn, CHHC

Are you a dog owner who loves finding creative ways to celebrate your pup? Then you’re in luck. February 23 is National Dog Biscuit Day (celebrated across the globe as International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day). Why all this love for dog biscuits? Not only are dog biscuits a tasty way to share some extra love with your canine companions, they’re also a great tool for rewarding your pooch as a positive way of reinforcing new skills and celebrating training milestones. Some dog biscuits can also serve as a nutritional boost for dogs who may need supplements, vitamins, or certain medications. In short, there’s a lot to celebrate – and if our dogs could talk, we think they’d probably agree.

Finding Quality Dog Treats

Of course, one of the best ways to celebrate International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day is by getting your dog a delicious dog biscuit to chow down on. But whether you’re celebrating National Dog Biscuit Day, or just looking for a treat your pet will enjoy throughout the year, it’s important to keep in mind that not all dog biscuits are created equal. Finding dog treats that are delicious, healthy, safe, and high-quality can sometimes be a difficult task. If you want to be an informed consumer and understand the kinds of treats and ingredients to look for (and which ones to avoid), we’ll cover some basic guidelines below.

What to Look for in a Dog Biscuit

The best dog treats are ones made with high-quality, wholesome ingredients that are in line with your dog’s specific dietary needs. Most vets recommend looking for dog treats that are free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. Instead, look for treats that contain real, whole proteins, along with healthy grains or vegetables for an additional nutritional boost, such as Give Pet Doghouse Rock Baked Dog Biscuits, a delicious dog treat that contains a balanced blend of wholesome ingredients that dogs love (including bacon, peanut butter, bananas, potatoes, peas, and lentils).

Your Dog’s Nutritional Needs

In order to have their nutritional needs met, dogs require a balanced diet that includes six basic and essential nutrients:
  • Water
  • Proteins
  • Fats
  • Carbohydrates
  • Minerals
  • Vitamins
Dogs have evolved to eat an omnivorous diet, meaning that in most cases, they can have their nutritional needs met through a combination of plant and animal sources. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) have established nutritional guidelines you can use to make sure your dog’s food meets certain minimum standards. Other nutritional needs will vary based on your dog’s age, breed, size, and other individual health factors. Your veterinarian can help you understand your dog’s specific nutritional needs. While dog food should provide the majority of your dog’s nutritional needs, look for dog biscuits that help supplement these same dietary needs (rather than just providing empty calories). Look for dog biscuits like Give Pet Campfire Feast Baked Dog Biscuits, dog biscuits made with delicious and easy-to-digest ingredients like wild-caught salmon and blueberries, or Give Pet The Ranch Hand Baked Dog Biscuits, which uses bison as its primary ingredient. Both biscuits are great sources of protein, healthy fat, and fiber, and provide lots of easy-to-digest nutrients from ingredients like potatoes, chickpeas, lentils, tapioca, and other dried fruits and vegetables.

Ingredient Quality Matters

But what’s the difference between an okay dog treat and a great dog treat? Ingredient quality. As VCA Animal Hospitals puts it, “The best advice you can receive about feeding your dog is this: feed your dog the highest-quality food you can afford. The differences between a premium food and budget food are not found on the nutrition label; they are found in the quality and source of ingredients.”

How Many Dog Treats Can My Dog Have?

Remember that all dogs are unique, and that your vet is the best source to help you understand the food and treats that should comprise your dog’s diet throughout every life stage. But as a rule of thumb, it’s best to be conservative with treats. Most veterinary nutritionists recommend that dog treats should make up about 10-15% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. Veterinary scientists at Cornell University suggest limiting table scraps as a primary source of dog treats; instead, they suggest dog owners be purposeful in setting aside part of each meal time to provide dogs with training and treats. Here is where you can really incorporate delicious dog biscuits or other dog treats as a part of your pup’s daily feeding routine. This International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day, show your furry friends some love by spoiling him or her with all natural dog treats without additives, such as dog biscuits, that are just as nutritious as they are delicious.
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About the Author

Lori Bray-Levinsohn, CHHC

Lori Bray-Levinsohn, CHHC, is a Certified Holistic Health Coach and received her Certificate from The Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN). At IIN, she studied dietary theories, contemporary health issues and topics, and Eastern and Western nutrition with some of the world’s top health and wellness experts. While recognizing each client’s bio-individuality, Lori works with people, helping them discover their primary & secondary nutrition choices as they create a healthier lifestyle.

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