The Best Alternatives to Dog Biscuits
Biscuits have long been a favourite of owners and dogs, often convenient to buy from supermarkets and bite-size to suit most dog breeds. However, convenience does not always equal nutrition. Whilst dog biscuits are still easily accessible, there are a huge selection of alternative treats that keep your dog healthy and benefit their lifestyle.
We explore why dog biscuits are so popular, whether you should be seeking out alternatives and the best options to improve your dog’s existing diet. In this article:
- What are dog biscuits made from?
- Are dog biscuits bad for your dog?
- Easy dog biscuit alternatives
- Maintaining a healthy diet for your dog
- Where to buy natural dog treats
- FAQs
What are dog biscuits made from?
Dog biscuits are typically made from several ingredients. This commonly includes:
- Grain and flour
- Proteins and meat
- Fats
- Oils
- Artificial flavourings
- Preservatives
- Additives
These ingredients mean that many dog biscuits are not gluten free or hypoallergenic. Having a large number of ingredients can lead to triggering allergies, and may also be unsuitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs and specific dietary requirements.
This doesn’t mean dog biscuits can’t be eaten. However, it does mean finding treats that are suitable for your dog becomes much more difficult and checking ingredients labels carefully is essential to find healthy treats that also provide easy digestion.
Are dog biscuits bad for your dog?
Dog biscuits are not inherently bad for your pet; however, this does depend on what brand biscuits you buy and their ingredient list. Dogs are much more likely to have issues with digestion and allergies when eating treats that contain multiple and unnatural ingredients.
When purchasing store bought biscuits, make sure to check their ingredient list carefully and be aware of how your dog reacts to different foods. Dog biscuits can often have:
- Harmful chemical preservatives
- High starch content that could worsen dental health
- High sugar content and artificial flavouring that could cause weight gain
Many dog biscuits are safe to eat, so just make sure you are choosing a healthy option when looking for biscuits or processed treats.
Easy dog biscuit alternatives
The best alternative to dog biscuits is 100% natural dog treats. Natural dog treats are made from natural ingredients, with no grain, gluten, additives or preservatives. Many of these treats are also single ingredient, reducing the chance of an allergic reaction and being a great choice for digestion. All our treats also go through an air-drying process, reducing moisture from our treats whilst retaining their great flavour and nutrients.
We’ve put together a small list of natural treats to get you started below!
Training treats
Training treats are a fantastic choice to get your dog started on all natural treats. They are suitable from just 8 weeks old, helping you train and reward your puppy with low value treats. Even after they grow out of their puppy phase, they are still a great choice, ideal for weight management and being part of a healthy diet.
Training treats are available in a range of flavours including:
Order individual packs online or a variety pack to find the best flavour for your dog.
Mini filled bones
Mini filled bones are made from 100% British beef barrow bone, with a delicious meat filling. They’re high in protein and low in fat, perfect for small and medium sized dog breeds. Unlike our larger filled bones, these treats are great for less aggressive chewers whilst still supporting dental health.
Pigs ear strips
Pigs ears are one of our best sellers and most popular choices when it comes to natural dog treats. These pigs ear strips are a smaller bite size treat and a great substitute for dog biscuits. Long lasting, they will support with dental health whilst being great for both large adult dogs and smaller breeds.
Pig ear strips are grain and gluten free, single ingredient, supporting with a healthy skin and coat, muscle development and repair.
Mini sausages
Mini sausages are one of the best and most convenient substitutes to dog biscuits. Already a small size, they can easily be broken into smaller pieces to be given more frequently to your dog. Mini sausages are also high in protein and only use natural ingredients.
They are available in 5 different flavours, whilst all flavours are made with chicken. Our flavours include:
Dried sprats
Dried sprats are an extremely healthy option, with fish treats being rich in omega-3. They’re suitable for all dog breeds and sizes and support with many health benefits, including:
- Skin hydration
- Promoting skin and coat health
- Improving heart health
- Boosting immune system
- Muscle maintenance
- Brain development
- Removing plaque and tartar for oral hygiene
If you’re looking for a slightly different treat to typical high protein meat treats, dried sprats are an excellent choice.
Maintaining a healthy diet for your dog
Keeping your dog healthy isn’t always easy. Whilst they may get plenty of exercise, it can sometimes be a little too tempting to give them all the treats you *think* they deserve. Well, whilst they probably do deserve them, treats should only make up 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake.
If you’re aware of any dietary restriction for your dog, make sure to buy treats that fit this diet. Also looking for low fat and high protein treats is ideal for weight management, whilst still supporting overall health.
Where to buy natural dog treats
We sell natural dog treats directly to customers and store owners across the UK. All our dog treats use 100% natural ingredients, are air dried to reduce moisture and many of them are single ingredient, suitable for hypoallergenic diets and dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Browse our dog treats and order online with free next day delivery available on orders over £34.99 before 2pm.
FAQs
What can I give my dog instead of biscuits?
Natural treats such as training treats, mini sausages, pig ear strips, filled bones and dried sprats are all alternatives to traditional dog biscuits. The best option depends on your dog’s size, age, dietary requirements and chewing habits.
Can puppies have alternatives to dog biscuits?
Yes, but treats should be appropriate for your puppy's age, size and chewing ability. Small, soft training treats can be particularly useful for puppies from 8 weeks old, while harder or longer-lasting chews may be more suitable as they grow from 3 months and older.
Are dog biscuits good for dogs' teeth?
Some dog biscuits may support dental hygiene, but they should not be relied upon as a substitute for proper dental care. Some natural chews can also support dental hygiene, and due to being air dried and long-lasting, are usually a better option for removing plaque and tartar.
Can dogs eat treats every day?
Yes, treats can be given daily as part of a balanced diet, provided they are given in moderation. As a general guideline, treats should account for around 10% of a dog's daily calorie intake. The appropriate number to give your dog every day depends on your dog’s size and diet, in line with their daily calories.
What treats are suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs and allergies?
Single-ingredient treats can be a useful option for dogs with sensitive stomachs and allergies because they contain fewer ingredients that could potentially cause a reaction. Some natural treats may be suitable for dogs with allergies, particularly single-protein or single-ingredient options. However, "natural" does not automatically mean hypoallergenic, so owners should check the ingredients and avoid known allergens.
