Can Dogs Eat Biscuits?

Look, let’s cut straight to the chase because, frankly, this is a question that gets asked way too often, usually right after someone’s adorable furball gives them that look. The one that could melt glaciers, right? So, can dogs eat biscuits? The short, and honestly, best answer for the vast majority of human biscuits is a resounding NO. Or at least, they shouldn’t. And I’m not talking about those specifically formulated, bone-shaped, doggy dental chews or training treats you buy at the pet store. I’m talking about our biscuits. The ones we dunk in tea, the ones with chocolate chips, the plain digestives, the fancy shortbread, the sugary, processed little delights lining the supermarket aisles. Just… no. Please.

Why so emphatic? Because I’ve seen the aftermath. I’ve seen the sorry-looking pups at the vet’s office because someone thought giving them “just a little piece” wouldn’t hurt. Newsflash: it absolutely can. And often does.

Think about what goes into a standard human biscuit. Sugar. Usually loads of it. Refined flour. Unhealthy fats – butter, margarine, palm oil, who knows what else, often in generous quantities. And then there are the extras: chocolate (toxic! Seriously, never, ever chocolate), raisins (also highly toxic!), nuts (macadamias? Toxic!), artificial colours, flavourings, preservatives… the list goes on. Is any of that stuff beneficial, or even harmless, for a dog? Absolutely not.

A dog’s digestive system is fundamentally different from ours. They don’t process sugar the way we do (and let’s be real, we don’t process it that great either, but that’s another story). That sudden influx of sugar and fat can wreak absolute havoc. Picture this: a sudden sugar rush, followed by a crash, maybe some hyperactivity first, then the inevitable stomach upset. Vomiting. Diarrhea. Not fun for anyone involved, especially the dog. It’s a recipe for a miserable night, a messy house, and potentially a rather expensive trip to the vet.

Beyond the immediate, gut-wrenching drama, there are the longer-term implications. Feeding a dog human biscuits regularly is a fast track to obesity. An overweight dog is not a healthy dog. They are prone to joint problems, heart disease, respiratory issues, and diabetes. Yes, dogs can get diabetes, and just like in humans, it’s a chronic, difficult condition requiring lifelong management, including insulin injections. All because of too many empty calories, too much sugar, too much fat. Is a fleeting moment of canine joy over a biscuit worth a lifetime of potential health problems? Seems like a no-brainer to me.

Let’s talk about specific ingredients that are downright dangerous. Xylitol, a sugar substitute commonly found in sugar-free human foods, including some biscuits or cookies, is lethally toxic to dogs. Even a tiny amount can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and liver failure. You might not even know xylitol is in there if you don’t read labels religiously, and who does that for every single biscuit? Chocolate, as mentioned, contains theobromine, which dogs can’t metabolize effectively. Dark chocolate is the worst, but any amount can cause problems, from vomiting and tremors to seizures and death. Grapes and raisins? Acute kidney failure. Onions and garlic (sometimes found in savoury crackers or biscuits)? Damage to red blood cells. See? It’s not just about a little tummy ache. It can be life-threatening.

Even plain biscuits without these obviously toxic ingredients are still problematic. They’re essentially junk food for dogs. High in calories, low in nutritional value. Dogs need a balanced diet specifically formulated for them – good quality protein, healthy fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Filling them up on empty biscuit calories means they’re getting less of the good stuff they actually need to thrive. It’s like feeding a child a diet of only candy and chips and expecting them to grow up strong and healthy. Doesn’t work.

I remember my first dog, a goofy Labrador named Max. Always hungry, always hopeful. I was young, naive. Someone offered him a piece of their shortbread. “Oh, just a tiny bit won’t hurt!” they said. So I allowed it. Max gobbled it up, tail wagging furiously. An hour later? Let’s just say I learned a valuable lesson about cleaning up dog vomit from a beige carpet. And that was just a small piece of shortbread. It wasn’t even chocolate! It drove the point home: their systems are sensitive, and human treats are simply not designed for them.

Okay, but what about those adorable dog biscuits sold everywhere? Are they okay? Yes, generally speaking, dog-specific treats are designed with canine health in mind. They are usually made with dog-safe ingredients, formulated to be digestible, and often serve a purpose – like dental health (chewing helps clean teeth) or training rewards (small, low-calorie pieces). BUT, even these should be given in moderation. Treats should make up no more than 10% of a dog’s daily caloric intake. The bulk of their diet should come from high-quality dog food. Giving too many dog treats can also lead to weight gain and nutritional imbalance.

So, if your dog is giving you the puppy eyes while you’re enjoying your afternoon tea and biscuit, what should you do? Resist! It’s tough, I know. Their pleading eyes are a powerful weapon. But you are the responsible one. You know what’s best for them, even if it means saying no to that moment of shared snack happiness. Instead of a human biscuit, offer them a piece of a healthy, dog-safe snack. A small bit of plain cooked chicken or lean meat (no bones, no seasoning). A baby carrot. A slice of apple (seeds removed!). A green bean. There are plenty of healthy, safe alternatives that they will enjoy just as much, or perhaps even more, knowing it came from you, their favourite person.

The bottom line is simple: Human biscuits are for humans. They are loaded with ingredients that are at best unhealthy, and at worst, toxic for dogs. Feeding them human biscuits is risking their health, causing potential digestive upset, and contributing to long-term problems like obesity and related diseases. Stick to high-quality dog food and appropriate, dog-specific treats in moderation. Your dog might give you a disappointed look for a second, but their long-term health and happiness are infinitely more important than a fleeting biscuit fix. Be strong. Be responsible. Your dog deserves the best, and that definitely doesn’t include raiding your biscuit tin.