A good dog biscuit has a short ingredient list that starts with something you recognize, like a named meat or a whole grain, and avoids artificial colors, excess salt and sugar, and unnamed “meat” or “by-product” fillers. Biscuits are treats, not complete meals, so they should make up no more than about 10 percent of your dog’s daily calories.
Main ingredient types
Flours and grains
Most biscuits use a flour base. Common choices include wheat, whole wheat, oat, brown rice, barley and corn. Grains are fine for most dogs. Dogs with a true wheat or grain allergy are uncommon, but if yours is itchy, ask your vet. Gluten-free flours such as rice, oat (certified), sorghum, chickpea or tapioca are options for sensitive dogs. Note that “grain-free” does not automatically mean healthier or lower calorie.
Proteins
Protein adds flavor and nutrients. Look for named proteins like chicken, beef, lamb, salmon or peanut butter. Meat meals made from named animals are acceptable, but vague terms like “meat meal” or “animal digest” tell you less about quality. Plant proteins such as soy and pea are common and not harmful to most dogs.
Fats and oils
Fats improve taste and texture and supply essential fatty acids. Chicken fat, sunflower oil and fish oil are common. Too much fat can cause weight gain or an upset stomach, and dogs prone to pancreatitis should avoid fatty treats.
Fiber and fillers
Ingredients like beet pulp, pumpkin, peas, cellulose and brans add fiber that supports digestion. Fiber isn’t a bad “filler” in moderate amounts, though a biscuit made mostly of starch has less nutritional value.
Binders, humectants and preservatives
- Mixed tocopherols (vitamin E), rosemary extract and vitamin C are natural preservatives.
- BHA, BHT and ethoxyquin are synthetic preservatives that some owners prefer to avoid.
- Glycerin and propylene glycol keep soft treats moist. Propylene glycol is approved for dogs but not for cats.
Flavors, colors and sweeteners
Dogs don’t care about color, so artificial dyes are for owners only. Skip them if you can. Avoid biscuits with xylitol, which is poisonous to dogs, and watch for added sugar, molasses and corn syrup.
How to read a dog biscuit label
- Check that the first ingredient is a recognizable food.
- Scan for xylitol, onion, garlic, raisins, grapes or chocolate. None should be in a dog treat.
- Look at the calories per biscuit so you can count them in the daily total.
- Check the guaranteed analysis and expiration date.
- Make sure the maker lists a contact number and country of origin.
Homemade biscuits
If you bake your own, use plain flour, oats, pumpkin, unsweetened applesauce or xylitol-free peanut butter. Our post on treats for dogs with kidney disease shows how to choose ingredients for special diets, and how to select the best chew treats for dogs covers harder chews.
Bottom Line
Pick biscuits with simple, named ingredients, no xylitol or artificial dyes, and a calorie count you can fit into your dog’s day. When in doubt, ask your vet.
