Dogs need a healthy diet just like people do – free from artificial ingredients and fillers such as filler meat.
The ideal pet biscuits should contain ingredients with known purposes, without artificial preservatives, fillers or additives that could harm animals. Preferably, their first ingredient listed should be an identifiable protein source.
Contents
Flour
No matter if you prefer making homemade dog biscuits from scratch or following an existing recipe, one thing remains constant: flour will be necessary. There are various varieties available at grocery stores or health food shops; choosing one depends on your dog’s dietary needs, allergies and sensitivities.
Wheat-based flours such as white, whole wheat and all-purpose are widely used in baking for dogs, yet some dogs may be allergic or sensitive to them; using grain-free alternatives could be a better choice.
Brown rice flour is a gluten-free flour made by grinding hulled rice into fine grains. While its coarser texture creates heavier dough than some other types, mixing with other kinds such as sorghum or oat flour helps lighten and lessen this grittiness and create lighter end results. Teff flour, also a pseudograin but gluten-free and packed with plant proteins is considered super fine but needs mixing with other kinds to achieve its intended consistency.
Fats and Oils
Dog biscuits are hard, crunchy treats fortified with nutrients that serve as snacks or dietary supplements for dogs. Available in an array of shapes, sizes and flavors; many made using raw ingredients that have been combined, formed into desired shapes before being cooked in an oven, cooled down and packaged.
Some high-quality dog biscuits contain fatty acids to promote skin and coat health, along with joint supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support, while calming elements such as chamomile can help alleviate stress and anxiety in canines.
Attentive label inspection can reveal harmful additives. Hard to digest ingredients with fillers such as cornstarch can contribute to weight gain and allergies in dogs, while natural ingredients favored by your pup will provide optimal health benefits. Incorporating preservatives like color enhancers or color stabilizers as preservatives is usually best, though artificial dyes or chemical humectants such as glycerol monostearate could pose risks as additives that cause allergies in your pup.
Fiber
Some dog biscuits include fiber to enhance their consistency and appearance when making calorie-controlled recipes, helping your pup absorb nutrients more effectively while improving stool quality. It can also aid with digestion.
Some biscuits contain soothing elements like lavender or chamomile to reduce stress levels in dogs during stressful events like thunderstorms or vet visits, while other ingredients help promote dental health by reducing tartar build-up and freshening breath.
Look for biscuits that are free from artificial preservatives, sugars and salts which could contribute to weight gain and dental problems in your pet. Avoid biscuits made using by-product meals or fried in hydrogenated oils which contain cholesterol-raising ingredients; additionally any colors or dyes added could pose health risks; choose companies who prioritize sustainability, ethical sourcing practices and transparent manufacturing processes as this shows they prioritize your pet’s wellbeing.
Proteins
Dog biscuit proteins provide flavor enhancement and energy source. Protein sources may come from plants or animals; typically plant proteins include corn gluten meal and soybean meal as they tend to be cheaper alternatives with similar nutritional profiles.
Searching for dog treats that contain quality, recognizable ingredients is essential, especially those that contain protein sources like meat and bone meal or animal fat. Be wary of foods containing chemical humectants like propylene glycol which could have detrimental health consequences in high amounts.
Outside of the main ingredients, dog biscuit recipes also utilize other additives that don’t directly impact a dog’s nutrition, such as flavor enhancers that appeal to his senses; antioxidants which prevent vitamin and mineral breakdown; and preservatives which are used to prevent spoilage by keeping bacteria at bay.
