Bone shaped biscuits are one of the oldest types of dog biscuits, so much so, they are virtually a staple for many dogs as treats, or time-out biscuits.
But are they actually good for dogs?
With such a traditional heritage you could be forgiven for assuming they must be fine, after all they are still on the market almost 60 years later!
Regular Biscuits Lead to Issues
If your dog eats a cereal based biscuit about once a month, and a fresh food diet at other times, probably, the odd dog biscuit won’t matter. If, however you are feeding your dog one on a daily or even every other day inclusion, genuinely, you could be contributing to issues, digestive, skin or internal inflammation being a few.
But I Want to Reward/Treat My Dog!
The feeling of giving a treat is wonderful, but alongside everything a dog has to cope with in modern society (stress/vaccines/environmental toxins/worming treatments etc) it is a golden opportunity to give something that contributes to your dog’s well-being too.
It’s Not Just About Calories!
Cereals and grains turn to sugars inside your dog’s systems, leading to all sorts of issues -inflammation loves sugar! Your dog’s blood sugar levels can become unbalanced and equally their beneficial microbiome, which fed sugars, can run unruly and contribute to all sorts of internal and digestive issues down the line.
Your dog has eight biological ways to raise their blood sugar, but only one to reduce them.
Just one…
Good old Insulin! The hormone is mighty useful, but in a diet including grains and cereals gets a little over used, even if it’s only for daily biscuits.
The Issues Are Often Internal
Every dog is different and whilst many can digest and cope with the odd dog biscuit, many will have internal symptoms. Most of which are unlikely to show as external, more visible skin or stool issues until later on. One of the most common signs of internal imbalance can actually be tear staining. The stomach meridian ends near the eye corner. Maintaining your dog’s healthy stomach is all about them eating fresh meat with a bone content, and not grains.
What to Use Instead?
Giving, Without Giving up to Tradition.
Dried, or Dehydrated Meaty Pieces
Amazingly nutritious, yet often a bit stinky! If you don’t mind the smell these are by far the most supportive to give, in terms of well-being.
Dried Liver Treats
Packed with much need vitamins (like heaps of A, and some vitamin E and D) these offer a great solution to the treaty titbits you are looking for.
Freeze Dried Meaty Chunks
A relatively new treat manufacturing process (also used for dog food too) this keeps in the majority of the nutrition of the meaty piece, and offer a high value smell to the dog, without such a smell to your living room as you lounge with your cuppa.
Raw Meaty Bones
It’s got be said these last the longest, if you are hoping for a 30min break rather than a quick 5 mins peace you can’t beat a raw meaty bone, such as a beef or lamb rib, to keep your pet amused and well fed. These will form part of the dog’s full daily diet though. Bones are absolutely packed with nutrients: minerals, vitamins, good fats and more.
Grain Free, Home-made Little Biscuits
Little ones clearly have less calories. If you really have to feed biscuit type treats (and being honest even my own fresh fed, picky as anything little dog even has these occasionally) why not support a local small business and purchase home-baked biscuits. These are often made with safe peanut butters and even yummy proteins such as quinoa!
Take a quick peek at all our natural dog treats, if you are still not sure we are always happy to help you choose, by email or over the phone.
Thanks for the advice guys!