13 Best Dog Biscuits UK to Provide Delicious Treats

After eating the same meal daily, it’s obvious for dogs to get bored. You may have tried different ingredients or altered the recipe to offer a change in the regular diet but, it might have not worked. As a responsible dog owner, you may have thought of using dog biscuits as treats to tackle such a situation. So, if you are in search of the best dog biscuits UK then, this article will be the perfect place for you to initiate and conclude the search for the best dog biscuits for your furry friend.

In this article, you will find some of the best dog biscuits available in the UK. To help you pinpoint the right pack of dog biscuits, there is a buying guide as well. You will get detailed information about dog biscuits, know the health benefits, and drawbacks, and tips on how you can serve it to your furry friend without causing any health issues.

Best Dog Biscuits UK

Dog biscuits are baked using different ingredients such as oats, flour, eggs, peanut butter, and other dog-friendly substances to improve dog’s dental health and also, provide some nutritional benefits. In comparison with human biscuits, dog biscuits have a hard and crunchy texture to facilitate proper dental health. Also, the mix of ingredients ensures there is no health-related risk involved. Below are some of the best dog biscuits in the UK to consider for your furry friend:

1. Pedigree Biscrok Multi Mix

For dog owners who prefer having bone-shaped mixed-flavoured dog biscuits for their furry friend, Pedigree Biscrok Multi Mix is the perfect choice. This dog biscuit has chicken, lamb, and Beef flavour which is perfectly baked to provide a crunchy treat feel for the dogs.

The presence of Omega 3 in pedigree dog biscuits helps dogs remain fit and the calcium portion in the mix of ingredients ensures the bones get stronger.

In addition, the Vitamin E present in this dog biscuit helps support the immune system of the dog.

2. Bonio Adult Dog Biscuits Chicken

If you need dog biscuits for your adult dog then, Bonio Adult Dog Biscuits Chicken are the ones you need to consider. The bonio dog biscuits are crunchy and support dogs’ health. The low-fat distribution in the biscuits makes them suitable for usage on dogs who need a diet change.

The chicken flavour of this dog biscuit makes it appealing for the dogs and they will have them without much resistance. As per the manufacturer, these crunchy dog biscuit treats can be served anytime in the day.

Further, make sure that you serve pieces as per the dog’s weight. For example, a 14-pound dog must be given 0.5 pieces and a 30-pound dog can have 1 piece of biscuit.

3. Lily’s Kitchen Training Treats

If you need dog biscuits that can help with dog training then, Lily’s Kitchen Training Treats is the feasible choice. These dog biscuit treats are cheese & apple organic baked natural dog treats which can be used as training treats or, as snacks for the dog.

In addition, these dog biscuits have organic rosehips for Vitamin C and antioxidants, organic farmhouse cheddar as a source of calcium and organic flaxseed as a good source of fibre.

These dog biscuit treats are suitable for dogs from four months old and you can give upto five treats per day to your furry friend.

4. Wellness CORE Reward

The Wellness CORE Reward are soft treat that can come in handy for training the dog. The recipe of its dog biscuits includes grain-free duck and camomille which is suitable for the sensitive stomach of the dog. The camomile and passion flower present in the mix of ingredients help calm the dog down.

These soft dog treats also retain chondroitin sulphate and glucosamine to support the dog’s hips and joints.

The manufacturer claims to have made these treats naturally hypoallergenic to support food-sensitive dogs.

5. Extra Select Mix Dog Treat Biscuits

If you need dog biscuits that are suitable for every dog breed and ideal for use in dog training or rewarding then, Extra Select Mix Dog Treat Biscuits are the dog biscuits you need to consider. These dog biscuit treats are made using delicious colours and flavours to make sure that the dogs enjoy the treat.

The low sodium in this dog biscuit makes it a good choice for senior dogs. It removes excessive salt through urine and prevents kidney damage. Also, low sodium in these dog biscuits helps regulate blood pressure and reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Further, the container of these dog biscuits is reusable so, the dog biscuits will remain fresh inside.

6. WHIMZEES By Wellness Variety Box

For dog owners looking for dog biscuit treats that improve their dog’s dental health then, WHIMZEES by Wellness Variety Box is a suitable option. These dog biscuits are made using grain-free recipes and for dental care. So, they reduce plaque, combat bad breath, and fight tartar.

In addition, these dog biscuit treats are made in different shapes and provide longer chew time to ensure effective dental care.

The manufacturer suggests that these biscuit treats are more effective for small dog breeds and also emphasizes that it’s not for dogs who are under 9 months.

7. Munch & Crunch Bikkies Multipack Dog Biscuit Shapes

If you need dog biscuits that have variety in their shapes the, Munch & Crunch Bikkies are your best bet. These dog biscuits are available in multiple shapes and are made using ingredients that have vitamins which support dogs’ health and improve their energy levels.

The biscuits are oven-baked, lightweight and crunchy so, easy to digest for the dog. Also, the calcium present in these dog biscuits helps in improving the dental health of the dog.

Further, the protein proportion in these dog biscuits helps maintain the muscle tissues in the dog.

8. Pointer Biscuit Selection

The pointer biscuit selection is baked dog biscuit treats that dog owners can use as natural treats or snacks for their furry friends. These dog biscuits are small in size and suitable to serve to every dog. In addition, it also retains essential vitamins and minerals to support the dog’s health.

Further, the crunchy texture of this naturally baked dog biscuit is good for dogs and is available in different shapes and sizes.

The manufacturer of these dog biscuits suggests using these dog biscuits for dogs who are of age less than 12 weeks old.

9. AmeizPet Dry Dog Food Delicious Dog Biscuits

For dog owners looking for dog biscuits that are specifically made to improve a dog’s coat health then, they can explore AmeizPet Dry Dog Food Delicious Dog Biscuits. These dog biscuits are made to facilitate healthy skin and coat in dogs, improve digestion, and absorb the nutrients that are crucial for improving coat health.

In addition, balanced nutrition ensures that the dog’s coat is nourished from every angle. The combination of the ingredients makes sure that the dog’s coat is both visually appealing and has a luxurious texture.

As the manufacturer of these dog biscuits, they have used vet-recommended recipes to provide health benefits.

10. Bounce and Bella Whitefish and Potato Cookies 

Bounce and Bella Whitefish and Potato Cookies are perfect for older dogs. These dog biscuits are made of two ingredients only. The proportion of fat is below 10% so, useful for dogs having diabetes or pancreatitis issues. Also, the presence of Omega 3 helps improve the joint, skin, and coat health of the dog.

In addition, these dog biscuits are grain-free and have no presence of gluten, vegetable or animal derivatives, additives, or preservatives.

Further, the manufacturer also suggests that their dog biscuits are helpful in behavioural training.

11. Belly Charcoal Miracle – Charcoal Dog Biscuit

To improve a dog’s immune system, Belly Charcoal Miracle dog biscuits are a feasible option to consider. These charcoal dog biscuits are made of activated charcoal and the other ingredients used in the mix provide necessary vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The activated charcoal maintains the microbial balance within the intestines and gets rid of the impurities from the digestive system.

Further, this charcoal dog biscuit works fine as a breath freshener for the dogs and helps improve the gut and quickly absorb the ingested impurities. It works as fibre for the dog and prevents dog farting and diarrhoea.

The precise dosage of Belly charcoal dog biscuits is one biscuit for 10-15 lbs weight of the dog. So, one per day to leverage the benefits.

12. Wagg Yumms Liver Dog Treats

If you need dog biscuits with extra minerals and vitamins then Wagg Yumms Liver Dog Treats are a feasible choice. These Wagg dog biscuits are oven-baked to lock in the nutrition and flavour and have a crunchy biscuit texture to keep the dog’s teeth and gums clean. The yeast present in these dog biscuits helps improve digestion.

Also, the chicken liver digest in the Wagg dog biscuits helps improve a dog’s muscle strength and energy levels.

Further, the Wagg dog biscuits have no added sugar, artificial flavours, or colour added to the mix of ingredients.

13. Winalot Shapes Biscuit Treats

The Winalot Shapes Biscuit Treats are suitable for dog owners who are looking to make their furry friends’ teeth and bones stronger. The vitamin D and calcium present in dog biscuits make the bones and teeth stronger. Also, the fibre in the Winalot dog biscuits supports healthy digestion.

In addition, the antioxidants help support the natural defences. The Omega 3 and Omega 6 in these dog biscuits provide a shiny and healthy coat.

Further, the Winalot dog biscuits are available in six tasty varieties and different shapes for dogs to enjoy.

Buyers Guide: Best Dog Biscuits UK

After checking out different dog biscuits from the list, you may have set your eyes on a few. So, to help you pick one of the best dog biscuits, I will discuss several prospects about dog biscuits and how they are useful for the dog.

Dog biscuits – ingredients

Dog biscuits are hard biscuit-based dietary supplements for the dogs. They are similar to human food and are available in flat bone shapes in different flavours. Here are some of the main ingredients that you’ll find in dog biscuits.

• Oats – these cereal grains are rich in fibre, protein, and antioxidants. They help improve digestion, lower cholesterol, and support the dog’s immune system.
• Wholemeal flour – this flour has whole grain and provides nutrients and fibre that have refined flour.
• Egg – this animal-based ingredient is high in protein and contains other helpful nutrients for the dog. It also boosts the nutritional value of the biscuits and also improves the texture.
• Coconut oil – this is a plant-based extract. The oil is extracted from the flesh of the coconuts. It can provide healthy fats, improve flavour, and facilitate skin care.
• Peanut butter – this is a paste made using roasted peanuts, which are legumes that contain healthy protein, fats, and minerals. The peanut butter ingredient in biscuits improves the flavour and contributes to improving the skin and coat health of the dogs.
• Dried cranberries – these are dried and sweetened fruits that are red or dark pink. They help in providing vitamins, antioxidants, fibre, tart, and fruity flavour to the biscuits.
• Parsley – this herb is bitter but, has a fresh green leaf which provides minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. It also improves the flavour.
• Chicken stock – this liquid is made by simmering the chicken bones and meats. These are mixed with other seasonings and water like vegetables, and herbs. The stock can add moisture, and flavour, and provide necessary nutrients to the biscuits.

Types of dog biscuit treats

The dog biscuits are treats that are helpful to provide a change to the dog from their regular meals. There are different types of dog biscuits available for dogs and you can pick the best dog biscuit as per the requirement or preference of your furry friend:

• Crunchy treats

These treats are made using hard biscuits in different flavours like beef, chicken, cheese, or peanut butter. The hard biscuit crunchy treats help improve oral health, provide a nice crunch, and clean dog’s teeth as well.

• Freeze-dried and jerky treats

The freeze-dried and jerky biscuit treats are made of meat fish, seafood, or poultry. They are nutritional and natural dog biscuit treats for the dog. Also, these dog biscuit treats are high in protein low in fat and with desirable flavour for your furry friend, you can use them in their training as well.

• Soft biscuit treats

These treats are made of soft biscuits and are useful for dogs who have digestion problems. They are soft and easily break down which makes them easy for dogs to chew and digest. The soft biscuit treats have a nice texture and taste. Also, older dogs get significant benefits from soft biscuit treats.

• Dental chews and bone-like biscuits

The dental chews and bone-like biscuit treats are made such that they help improve the dog’s dental health. The chews and biscuits reduce the tartar and plaque build-up. However, these biscuit treats are not made of actual bones but, from corn starch or other digestible ingredients. The chews made for improving dental health last longer and make the biscuit treat enjoyable for the dog.

• Fruits and vegetables

Many dog biscuits include fruits and vegetables in the mix of ingredients. Apples, bananas, pumpkin, carrots, or sweet potatoes are in these biscuits and help deliver much-needed minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, and fibre for the dog. They also add some natural sweetness to the treat which makes it pleasant for the dog.

• Cheese biscuit treats

Cheese or cheese-based ingredients like mozzarella, cheddar, or cream chees are used in these biscuit treats. This mix of ingredients can contribute to providing protein, calcium, and probiotics for the dog. Also, the cheese biscuit treats provide a nice texture and flavour to the dog’s treat.

• Herbal biscuit treats

The herbal biscuit treats are made using parsley, mint, or cinnamon. These biscuits help in refreshing the dog’s breath and provide minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. In addition, they can also provide flavour to dog treats.

Factors to Consider When Buying Dog Biscuits

Before buying the dog biscuits there are several factors you need to consider. Ingredients, nutritional value, flavour and several other factors need to be analysed properly to ensure the dog biscuit you buy is suitable for your furry friend. Let’s have a detailed understanding of each factor:

#1. Ingredients

It is important to analyse the ingredients present in the mix of dog biscuits. Different biscuits have different ingredients and resolve different health-related issues in the dog. You need to look for wholesome, natural, and high-quality ingredients which provide the necessary nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Further, the mix of ingredients should not contain additives, flavours, sweeteners, or preservatives. These ingredients could trigger various allergies, or health issues for the dog. Also, make sure there is no presence of toxic ingredients like grapes, raisins, onions, chocolate, xylitol, macadamia nuts etc.

#2. Nutritional values

The dog biscuit you select must be healthy. You need to check the nutritional values that it provides and match them with the regular meal of the dog to make sure it can deliver similar calorie intake. This is important as the dog needs a specific amount of calories, protein, and other nutrients to facilitate proper growth.

While checking the nutritional levels in the dog biscuits, make sure you consider your furry friend’s energy levels, age, breed, and health condition. Look for dog biscuits with low fat, sugar, and salt to avoid issues like obesity, heart disease, diabetes or other health issues.

#3. Source of Protein

Protein helps in muscle development and tissue repair in dogs but, you need to check its source. This is mainly because different manufacturers of dog biscuits will use different sources of protein and it might be not suitable for your furry friend. So, look for high-protein source ingredients such as egg, fish, or cheese.

Avoid ingredients like potato, soy, pea, or potato if possible. The reason is simple, a dog’s digestive will easily digest animal-based protein and is more bioavailable. This means the nutrient absorption will be greater if the dog biscuits have animal-based protein. Plant-based proteins are not toxic but, they can trigger allergies and some dogs are intolerant to these ingredients.

#4. Fat distribution

Fat is a dense source of energy and offers necessary fatty acids for a dog’s skin, coat, and brain health. But, you need to make sure that the amount of fat in dog biscuits doesn’t exceed a certain value. Excessive fat could trigger issues like obesity, diabetes, or pancreatitis in dogs.

A healthy pack of dog biscuits will retain Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. They help reduce inflammation, support cognitive function, and boost the dog’s overall immunity as well. Ensuring optimal fat distribution will keep dogs healthy and minimise health issues.

#5. Carbohydrate type

Carbohydrates in a dog’s diet are essential as they provide fibre and help maintain a dog’s energy levels. However, not every type of carbohydrate is suitable for the dog. To make sure the dog gets the benefit of the carbohydrates, you’ll have to pick dog biscuits with complex carbohydrates. Complex carbs mainly include corn, sugar, and wheat.

The reason to pick such dog biscuits is that complex carbohydrates are easily digested by the dog. Whereas, simple carbohydrates often spike weight, and blood sugar levels, trigger allergies, or cause dental problems for the dog. Complex carbohydrates are absorbed by the dog’s body at a slow pace which helps regulate their appetite and blood sugar levels. In addition, the complex carbohydrates also provide crucial vitamins, minerals, fibre, and antioxidants which support dog’s digestive system, and improve their overall health.

#6. Size and texture

You need to consider the size and texture of the dog biscuits you purchase for your furry friend. Also, you need to make sure the size of the dog biscuits is a match for your furry friend; ‘s mouth and the texture will also be suitable. This is important as big-size biscuits could lead to choking issues and improper texture will make dogs resent the dog biscuits you serve them.

In addition, if the big-size dog biscuits are hard and strong, they are likely to cause dental problems as well. Crunchy dog biscuits are a good option for such scenarios. They are good for dogs and also facilitate teeth cleaning and stop tartar buildup. The texture of the biscuit should be good and match your furry friend’s chewing habit.

#7. Flavour and variety

Dogs will not like the biscuits if the flavour is not proper. The biscuits you buy should match your furry friend’s preference i.e. suit their taste buds. The natural and proper flavours that you can consider are chicken, beef, lamb, cheese, fish, and peanut butter.

Further, alongside flavour, make sure, that the biscuits bought are of different sizes, colours, shapes, and textures. This helps in prompting the dog’s senses and interest towards the dog biscuits and makes it easy for you to feed them.

Additional factors to consider before buying dog biscuits

The above-mentioned factors are crucial for you to consider before buying any dog biscuits. however, there are some other prospects to consider as well. Here are some of the additional factors you need to consider before buying dog biscuits:

• Intolerances and allergies – the dog biscuits are made using various ingredients and some of them are not suitable for the dog. For instance, many dogs have allergies or intolerances towards specific ingredients like dairy, eggs, soy, wheat, etc. These ingredients cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, scratching, or even anaphylaxis. Hence, before buying dog biscuits, you have to make sure that there are no ingredients that your furry friend may be allergic to or, intolerant to.

• Quality and reputation – the dog biscuits are made by various brands and each of them has a different manufacturing strategy. This also suggests that the ingredients used in the biscuits will be different. It’s possible, that some of the brands will use low-quality ingredients to sell their product so, as a responsible dog owner, you need to make sure that you thoroughly analyse the quality of the product and verify the brand’s reputation.

• Storage and expiration date – dog biscuits can go stale, mould, and rancid if they are not stored properly. This can also happen if the biscuits are not consumed by the dog before the expiration date. So, here, not only the taste is compromised but the change in texture, taste, and quality of the biscuits can cause health issues for the dog.

Factors Affecting Prices of Dog Biscuits

The prices of dog biscuits are influenced by various factors. You’ll have to analyse each of them as it helps in selecting the right dog biscuit for your furry friend within your budget. Below are some of the prominent factors affecting the prices of dog biscuits:

#1. Ingredients (Raw materials)

The cost of different raw materials/ingredients that are used in making dog biscuits like grains, meat, vegetables, fruit, oil etc have a direct impact on the prices of the dog biscuits. So, based on their quality, availability, and source the prices differ. The higher the quality, the cost will be high, especially if the supply of the raw material is not enough.

#2. Availability of the ingredients

The availability of the ingredients relies on the season, the production, and the weather. Also, the transportation of the ingredients influences the prices. For instance, the vegetables and fruits that are in season are likely to cost less in comparison with the ones that are hard to find or imported from different locations.

#3. Quality of the ingredients

The quality of the ingredients indicates the freshness, taste, nutritional value, and safety of the product. For example, organic ingredients are comprehended as high quality in comparison with traditional ones. The main reason behind this is the process. Organic ingredients are made without any synthetic pesticides, hormones, fertilizers or antibiotics. These ingredients are certified and expensive because of the labour and land costs involved while producing them.

#4. Production

The production of dog biscuits is the process of changing the raw materials into the products with the help of water, labour, packaging, electricity, and other utilities. Each of these prospects affects the production cost and the price of these dog biscuits also indicates the quality of the product. The high-quality ingredients used in the production elevate the prices and are more costly when compared to low-quality ingredients in dog biscuits.

#5. Marketing and distribution

When the dog biscuit brand promotes and sells dog biscuits to customers while using retailing, branding, and promoting there are lots of expenses involved. These expenses are often reflected in the prices of the dog biscuits you purchase. So, if a specific brand is conducting an aggressive marketing and distribution campaign then the dog biscuits are likely to be of higher prices.

#6. Customer preference and demand

The prices of the dog biscuits will change based on the preferences and demand of the product. A customer’s preference will mainly be the taste of the biscuit, nutritional value, and price. Some dog owners also look for premium products so, the prices are likely to be high, especially if they are more in demand and less in supply.

#7. Recipes

Many brands focus on researching and developing biscuits using new recipes or formulas to make their product better. The money that goes into research and technology used to form new recipes or formulas is significantly high. So, this cost adds up to the final product. In general, the high prices of these dog biscuits are worth it as they deliver top-notch quality biscuits using high-quality ingredients and following an extensive manufacturing process.

#8. Type of biscuit

The type of biscuit has a significant impact on the prices of dog biscuits. For example, the crunchy dog biscuits that are made of cereals, meat, grains, and other additives are easy to store and have longer shelf life. Based on the quality and quantity of these dog biscuits’ prices will vary. However, they are cheaper than soft or freeze-dried biscuit treats because of less processing and packaging requirements.

Soft biscuit treats are available in different shapes, sizes, and flavours like crunchy dog biscuits. They are made of vegetables, fruits, meat, and other additives. These dog biscuit treats have pleasing texture and taste for dogs and need more processing and packaging compared to crunchy dog biscuits hence, expensive. The freeze-dried biscuit treats are the most expensive as they need more processing and packaging in comparison with the crunchy and soft dog biscuits.

Tips on Serving Dog Biscuits to the Dog

Dogs can have the dog biscuits but, you must not overfeed them. These biscuits are not a substitute for the regular meal and should only be served as an occasional treat. Here are some crucial tips that you can consider to serving dog biscuits to your furry friend:

#1. Consult with the vet

When you plan to serve the dog biscuits to your furry friend, it’s wise to consult with the vet. This is important as some dogs are allergic to the ingredients present in the dog biscuits and can suffer from serious health issues if fed without proper vet consultation.

For example, if a dog has a gluten allergy then you may need a grain-free biscuit. Only the vet or dog’s nutritionist can check your furry friend’s health and food sensitivities to make sure the dog biscuits you are giving to them pose no threat health-wise.

#2. Start serving in moderation

The basic ingredient in the biscuits is flour, milk, and eggs. Normally, there is no chance of digestion issues but, if the dog biscuits are fed in too much quantity then, it will cause issues. This is because the natural sugars and compounds of this biscuit break down into glucose and cause obesity in the dog.

If the issue is significant, the dog is likely to face issues such as vomiting, diarrhoea, or indigestion. To avoid such as situation, it is recommended that you begin with a small portion of dog biscuits and add them to the mix i.e. roughly 10% of the regular meal.

#3. Serve high-quality, natural, and dog-friendly ingredients

Biscuits you serve your dog should retain natural ingredients such as vegetables, fruits, cheese, and oats. These ingredients can provide much-needed antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, and fibre to the dog. Looking for these ingredients is important as harmful or low-quality ingredients like sugar, xylitol, or other chemical additives can trigger allergies and compromise a dog’s health. In addition, these ingredients also add nice flavour and sweetness to the biscuits and provide variety to the dog.

#4. Break the dog biscuits into small pieces

The dog biscuits have to be broken into small pieces to ensure proper chewing and swallowing. If the pieces are not small, both soft and hard dog biscuits can become a choking hazard. Hence make sure the pieces of soft or hard dog biscuits are small and if you wish to make it easier, add some water or broth to the biscuit treat to make it more moistorous.

#5. Sprinkle some supplements on the biscuits

If you wish to increase the nutritional value of the biscuits then you can add some nutritional supplements on top of the biscuits. Sprinkle some supplements on the biscuits which may contain minerals, vitamins, probiotics, or antioxidants. The supplements you sprinkle on the dog biscuits will boost the dog’s immunity, digestion, metabolism, and overall health.

However, before you add the supplements to the biscuits, consult your vet as the supplements you add could cause some side effects and might also interfere with the medications your dog might be on.

#6. Keep altering the textures and flavours of the biscuits

The dog might get bored with the same flavour or texture of the biscuits. So, try mixing it up with some other ingredients or keep changing the flavours and textures of the biscuits. Doing this will ensure that the dog has enough stimulation. You can also try using different ingredients and recipes to alter the taste of the biscuits.

Store the biscuits in an airtight container to preserve the taste, flavour, quality, and freshness of the biscuits. You can also put the dog biscuits into the freezer for about four weeks and thaw them before serving them to the dog. However, if you notice any mould, rancid, or stale then discard the biscuits as it could be harmful to the dog’s health.

Things to consider before serving dog biscuits

In the previous section of this article, we saw how the type, quality, and quantity of dog biscuits are some of the prominent prospects to consider before serving dog biscuits. But, dog owners need to also consider various aspects for their furry friend before serving the dog biscuits. Below are some of the prospects dog owners can consider:

#1. Age of the dog

The age of the dog highlights the stage of growth and indicates their energy levels and metabolism. Also, the age of the dog helps in deciding which dog biscuits will be suitable and how many times the dog can have them. For instance, young puppies need more fat, calories, and protein in comparison with adult or senior dogs.

On the contrary, old dogs need less protein, fat, and calories, but, more fibre, antioxidants, and joint supplements to maintain health and mobility. In addition, the age of the dog is important to consider as some dogs may have pre-existing dental problems or soft teeth and gums, which might sustain damage after chewing on different dog biscuits. They might lose their tooth if the biscuits are hard.

#2. Size, body weight, and appetite of the dog

Before serving the dog biscuits, it is important to consider the size of the dog, their body weight, and appetite of the dog. The size factor of the dog has two prospects, one is the actual size which indicates the intake of calories and the second one is the mouth size. In the context of their actual size, Larger dogs need high calories, and small dogs need fewer calories.

Likewise, there is variation in dog’s mouth sizes, and the dog biscuit treats you pick for your furry friend must fit into their mouth. Otherwise, it could cause a choking hazard. In addition, the weight of the dog is also a crucial prospect as you don’t want to accidentally feed your dog high-calorie dog biscuits which could cause digestion or other health-related issues. Furthermore, the appetite of the dog needs to be assessed before serving dog biscuits, as you don’t want to risk overfeeding your dog.

#3. Breed of the dog

Every dog breed has different nutritional requirements. Based on their genetic disposition, tendencies, and characteristics they might have some specific nutritional requirements or sensitivities like high-protein is needed for working dogs, and gluten-free food is needed for dogs with gluten allergies. Also, some dogs specifically need a low-fat diet.

Hence, before serving the dog biscuit, it is recommended that you are aware of the nutritional requirements of your dog breed and consult with the vet regarding the biscuits you plan on serving them. The dog breed is significant as some dog breeds have flat faces with difficult breathing, and will have difficulty eating the biscuits.

#4. Digestive capacity

Dog biscuits do provide a delicious flavour and certain health benefits but, they can also cause some health issues in dogs, especially if the digestive capacity of the biscuit is compromised. Dogs with less digestive capacity are prone to issues like indigestion, diarrhoea, bloating, or vomiting.

If a dog suffers from issues like bloating, dog biscuits will make the condition worse, especially if they retain high nutrients. Likewise, if the dog is ingesting fewer biscuits than its digestive capacity, it could cause issues like malnutrition, hypoglycemia, or hunger.

#5. Health of the dog

The health of the dog is one of the prominent prospects to consider before serving the dog biscuits as it reflects the latest health condition of the dog. Alongside the recent medical history, dogs need to consider different medications, and past health history before feeding dog biscuits to their furry friend.

For instance, some dogs have pre-existing medical conditions such as allergies, kidney disease, cancer, or heart disease. A dog with such a health condition is likely to suffer more because of certain ingredients in the dog biscuits.

#6. The intent behind serving the dog biscuits

As a responsible dog owner, you must use dog biscuits only if it’s necessary. There are three main instances where you might need the dog biscuits – for serving as a treat, rewarding, improving dental health, or controlling the dog’s diet (on vet consult).

Based on the purpose of serving the dog biscuits, you can use different types of dog biscuits i.e. crunchy, soft, hard, freeze-dried, or a dental chew. Also, it is important to use proper methods of serving different types for instance, if the dog biscuits are hard or big, break them into smaller pieces.

#7. Frequency of serving dog biscuits

Remember, dog biscuits are not a substitute for a dog’s regular meal or a medium to resolve any medical condition in dogs. You need to carefully decide on the frequency of feeding the biscuits or simply consult the vet to outline an accurate feeding schedule.

The frequency of serving dog biscuits will make sure that your furry friend is not receiving more calories or nutrition than required in a single day.

Perks of Using Dog Biscuits for the Dog

There are ample benefits of using dog biscuits for the dog and you can provide them to your furry friend if you manage to use dog biscuits as per the instructions suggested previously. Below are some of the prominent perks of using dog biscuits for the dog:

• Improves dental health

Many dog biscuits are made such that they help in cleaning dog’s gums, and teeth, and reducing plaque and tartar buildup. The hard texture of dog biscuits helps scrape off the food particles and the germs which stick to the dog’s teeth. It also massages the gums and stimulates saliva production.

In addition, some of the dog biscuits contain ingredients like parsley, cinnamon, or mint which keeps the dog’s breath fresh. So, dog biscuits deal with bad breath, tooth decay, and gum diseases in dogs and improve overall dental health.

• Boosts immunity and overall health

There are different ingredients present in the dog biscuits and based on the quality, each of these ingredients helps boost the immunity of the dog. For instance, protein is important for dogs and ingredients like beef, lamb, and chicken in dog biscuits provide it. The protein helps in building the muscles, organs, and immune cells of the dog.

Likewise, carbohydrates in dog biscuits help in providing energy, and fibre to the dog and improve metabolism and digestion. Vitamins and minerals support the immune system and improve overall health. In addition, if there are probiotics present in the dog biscuits, they can improve the dog’s gut flora and stop infections and diseases as well. Also, vegetable and fruit ingredients in the dog biscuits help protect the dog’s cells from oxidative stress and inflammation issues.

• Improves skin health

Many dog biscuits have essential nutrients such as Omega fatty acids, vitamins, proteins, and minerals. These elements help in improving dog skin health. The Omega fatty acids reduce inflammation and dryness issues in the skin. The vitamins and minerals help protect against oxidative stress and infection issues. In addition, the protein in dog biscuits can repair the damaged tissues.

• Easy on the stomach and improves digestion

The majority of dog biscuits use natural ingredients so, less risk of inflammation and allergic reactions. These natural ingredients support the stomach and improve digestion. Some of the ingredients that improve digestion are fibre, probiotics, prebiotics, and digestive enzymes. The fibre received from vegetables, fruits, or grains helps regulate bowel movements.

Probiotics in dog biscuits help in improving the diversity and the function of the gut microbiome which is crucial for immunity, digestion, and mood of the dog. The prebiotics help in feeding the probiotics to help them grow and thrive in the dog’s gut. Likewise, if there are digestive enzymes present in the biscuits, it helps in breaking down the food into smaller molecules and improves digestion.

• Variety and stimulation

Dogs often get bored with the same meal and the same taste. The dog biscuits help provide different textures and flavours of the biscuits. This change provides dogs with a pleasant experience and they enjoy the flavour of the biscuits. In addition, the variance in flavour also provides mental stimulation to the dogs and makes them feel happy.

Drawbacks of Using Dog Biscuits

You observed various benefits of using dog biscuits, if you are not using the dog biscuits properly for your dog then there are some drawbacks as well. Here are some of the possible drawbacks of using dog biscuits for the dog:

• Diabetes, obesity, or digestive issues

Some dog biscuits have high fat, calories, and carbohydrates which leads to metabolic issues and weight gain. These dog biscuits have more than 10% calories and fat, which is higher than the usual intake for the dog. Normally, these biscuits are given after the vet’s consult with the dog with specific diet requirements but, often dog owners serve these biscuits to their furry friends and it compromises their health.

In addition, if the dog biscuits are served in more quantity, it can cause indigestion, diarrhoea, or vomiting issues in dogs. This happens because of the overload of the digestive system or disruption of the gut flora. Thus, it’s important, for dog owners to feed the biscuits in proper amounts to the dogs.

• Dental problems

Usually, dog biscuits help in improving the dog’s teeth and gum health. But, there are quite a few of the dog biscuits which cause dental problems for the dog. Instead of cleaning the gum and teeth, these dog biscuits get stuck in the tooth and increase plaque and tartar build-up. This often leads to bad breath, gum disease, and tooth decay.

The dog suffers from immense pain and faces the risk of infection, or worse, tooth loss. Sometimes, the bacteria stuck can enter the bloodstream and damage the liver, heart, or kidneys of the dog. This issue is common when dogs are given soft dog biscuits so, make sure you only use hard, crunchy, and dry dog biscuits. They can scrape off the food particles and bacteria from the dog’s gums and teeth.

• Allergies, intolerance, or toxicity

Dogs who are allergic or sensitive to certain ingredients like wheat, dairy, soy, corn, or xylitol can cause skin, respiratory or digestive issues for the dog. Substances like onions, raisins, grapes, chocolates, garlic, artificial sweeteners and macadamia nuts, can cause severe health issues for the dog.

A dog is likely to have kidney issues, seizures, liver damage, and in some cases even death. Hence, dog owners need to remain cautious about this prospect and avoid dog biscuits that have harmful substances or ingredients in them.

• Lack of nutrition

Dog biscuits have less nutrition in comparison with the normal meal that the dog is having. They do not retain enough minerals, vitamins, proteins, and other nutrients to match dog’s nutritional requirements and keep them healthy. Yes, the majority of dog biscuits are made of ingredients that are beneficiary to the dogs but, the quantity is less.

The less quantity means the nutrition levels are low and the dog will not receive adequate energy if it is only served the dog biscuits. Instead of providing regular meals and dog biscuits, dog owners make the mistake of serving the dog biscuits in large quantities. This can backfire as lots of dog biscuits make the dog lose their appetite for regular food. Thus, as a responsible dog owner, you should use dog biscuits only as an occasional treat, for training purposes, or for dietary adjustments with a vet’s consultation.

Additional drawbacks of dog biscuits

Apart from the above-mentioned drawbacks, dog biscuits pose some other risks as well. Below are some of the additional drawbacks of using dog biscuits for the dog:

• Risk of choking or injury

The dog biscuit pieces are often hard and some of them are big and sharp. This could cause injury to the dog or pose a choking hazard for the dog. The risk factor is high for dogs who have small mouths and the dog cookie or biscuit size is big.

In addition, if the dog biscuit has sharp edges, it could cause issues for the dog if ingested or swallowed. The hard dog biscuits can also trigger pain and other dental injuries to the dog if not served properly in small pieces after moistening by the dog owner.

• Dehydration issues

The dog biscuits that are dry or retain more salt will absorb the water from the dog’s stomach and mouth. This will make them feel thirsty and dehydrated. It also affects the kidney function and electrolyte balance. Hence, dog owners should ensure that the dog biscuits they are serving their dog don’t have a high amount of salt or dry to avoid the dehydration issue for the dog.

Homemade dog biscuits for the dog

Some dogs may not be able to handle commercial dog biscuit packs. So, instead of serving those dog biscuits, dog owners can try and make dog biscuits at home itself. Generally, you will only be required to make dog biscuits by yourself when there is a definite instruction from the vet regarding the change in the dog’s diet or to simply provide the variation from regular meals.

Ingredients

• 2 eggs
• 2 cups of flour
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup of honey
• 2 tablespoons of hot water
• 2 tablespoons of cornstarch

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 170-200 °C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Take a large bowl and stir together two cups of flour and 2 eggs. Add 1/2 cup of peanut butter and 1/4 cup of honey to the mix.
3. After adding peanut butter and honey, stir the mix until it forms a thick dough. Use your hands to knead the dough.
4. On a lightly floured surface roll out the dough to roughly 1/4 inch of thickness. With the help of cookie cutters or a knife cut the dough into small pieces. If the dough is not used completely, re-roll the scrap and cut out more biscuits.
5. Set the biscuit pieces on the baking sheet and leave some space between them. Now, bake it for 15-20 minutes or until the golden dough is formed.
6. Allow the dough to cool down.

Now, for the icing on the biscuits, you can use two tablespoons of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of hot water in a small bowl until it becomes smooth. After this, you can add some food colouring but, make sure it is not toxic for the dog.

Once you add the colouring, transfer the icing to a piping bag or a ziplock bag using a small hole cut in the corner. Spread the icing on the peanut butter dog biscuits and allow it to settle on.

Benefits of homemade dog biscuits

• Easy to formulate the recipe and simple method of making the biscuits
• Ingredients can be added as per the dog’s health and taste preferences
• No presence of toxic substances like xylitol
• The flavour is good, thanks to the icing on the biscuits

Disadvantages of homemade dog biscuits

• Homemade dog biscuits are it is high in calories, sugar, and fat, so, they can lead to health issues like obesity, diabetes, or dental problems in the dogs.
• If the recipe includes ingredients to which the dog is allergic, it can cause serious respiratory problems, digestive issues, and skin problems.
• The long-term exposure to moisture or heat could melt the icing and spoil the biscuits.

FAQs for Best Dog Biscuits

Final Remarks on Best Dog Biscuits UK

Selecting the best dog biscuits UK is a tough task, especially if you are looking to resolve some pre-existing health issue in your dog. You have to consider different prospects like type, quality, ingredients, and flavours to ensure the dog biscuits you pick are the right choice for the dog. No one wants to end up buying dog biscuits that could be harmful to the dogs.

Also, as a responsible dog owner, you must make sure that you consult with the vet before buying any dog biscuits. The vet will provide you with instructions on how you can feed those dog biscuits properly and leverage the nutrition benefits for your furry friend. This will ensure your furry friend’s safety as some ingredients in dog biscuits are known to cause health issues for the dogs.

Lastly, I hope that you were able to navigate the article thoroughly to pick the best dog biscuit for your furry friend. If you have any questions regarding which dog biscuits will suit your dog or have any concerns about any other prospect related to dog biscuits, mention them in the comments. Wewantdogs team will look into those prospects and provide you with information.