February 23 is always designated as National Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day. The origins of this day aren't known but a dog was probably behind it!
While dogs in the Utica/Rome area of upstate NY are sure to enjoy some extra biscuits, not all of them should. Dr. Roger Thompson of Burrstone Animal Hospital recommends small pieces of fresh carrot or cooked sweet potato for dog treats. Most dog biscuits have wheat flour, which some dogs are allergic to, and many also contain potentially harmful food dyes.
In addition, many dogs are overweight. Just an extra biscuit or two a day could add up to long term weight gain for some dogs, especially as they get older. Many dogs have done an excellent job of training their owners when to deliver biscuits however! One way to help keep calorie counts down is to break your dog's nightly biscuit in two. If he normally gets two whole biscuits every evening, he will be happier with two small pieces than one whole one. Dogs can count.
You can also look for healthy biscuits that don't use wheat and have all natural ingredients. These include Spoil Me Rotten, Planet Dog Eats, Annie's Pooch Pops or make a cake from K9 Cakery. These are healthy treats your dog can enjoy all year round!
Comments