The word ‘biscuits’ may mean something different to you, depending on where you’re from. If you live in the UK, you may know biscuits as a dense, crumbly, and sweet treat—more like what an American would call a ‘cookie’. Meanwhile, if you grew up in the US, you probably think of biscuits as buttery, fluffy, and flaky—similar to a savoury scone. Can dogs eat either?
No matter the type, dogs cannot eat human biscuits, says Alex Crow, a licensed veterinarian and the owner of PetHealthGuru.com. For example, human biscuits can be high in carbohydrates, fat, and salt, which aren’t ideal for most doggie diets.
Below, learn why dogs shouldn’t eat biscuits made for humans and what biscuits are safe for them.
Why Shouldn’t Dogs Eat Biscuits?
Generally, feeding your dog any biscuits for humans is not a good idea for the following reasons.
- Too much salt. Dr Crow says dogs are more sensitive to salt than humans. For example, a medium-sized dog weighing 15 kg (33 pounds) should have no more than 200mg of sodium daily (some biscuits have up to 600 or more!). If your dog eats too much salt, they might vomit, have diarrhoea, or even have a seizure
- High carbs and fat. One 10 cm (4 inch) diameter buttermilk biscuit contains around 45g of carbohydrates and 16 g of fat. Dr Crow explains that dogs who regularly consume fatty, high-carb foods are prone to weight gain or medical conditions.
- Preservatives. Store-bought biscuits may contain preservatives, which Dr Crow says may irritate a dog’s stomach.
- Unsavoury sides or ingredients. Pet parents might serve biscuits or cookies containing chocolate or raisins, or sometimes with sides like ice cream, which can affect your dog’s health more than the biscuits themselves. Biscuits or the sweet sides they accompany may also contain an artificial sweetener called xylitol, which is highly toxic to dogs.
- High in sugar. UK biscuits are especially high in sugar; too much sugar can cause diabetes, breathing problems, and obesity in dogs.
What Should I Do If My Dog Eats A Biscuit?
If your dog only ate a small bite of a biscuit, they may not experience immediate issues, but Dr Crow says to watch for symptoms like vomiting or diarrhoea.
Additionally, if your dog accidentally ate a biscuit with a dangerous side, like a jelly made with xylitol, watch them closely for symptoms like:
- weakness
- lethargy
- staggering
- seizures
“If you see any of these symptoms, or if you’re just unsure, it’s always best to contact your vet for advice,” Dr Crow adds.
What Types of Biscuits Can Dogs Eat?
Instead of feeding your dog a biscuit while you’re enjoying your cup of tea, it’s much safer to feed them biscuits specifically designed for dogs.
For convenience, a store-bought dog biscuit can provide a tasty treat. Dr Crow suggests reaching for biscuits from reputable brands like Wellness or Greenies.
But if you want to test your baking skills, you can roll up your sleeves and try a DIY recipe, such as these peanut butter shortbread dog biscuits
What Foods Can Dogs Eat Instead of Human Biscuits?
Looking for pet-safe people foods your dog can enjoy safely? The following fruits and vegetables can make nutritious snacks in moderation. Just remember that human food should comprise no more than 10% of your dog’s regular diet.
| Dog-Safe Foods | Nutrients | Dog-friendly serving suggestions |
| Apples (core and seeds removed) | Vitamins A and C, antioxidants and fibre |
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| Bananas (peeled) | Vitamins B6 and C, potassium and magnesium |
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| Blueberries | Vitamins C and K, antioxidants and fibre |
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| Carrots | Vitamins B6, C, and K, beta keratin, fibre and potassium |
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| Oranges | Vitamin C, calcium, potassium and magnesium |
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| Pumpkin | Fibre, calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium. |
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| Sweet potato | Vitamin C, fibre, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and folate |
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