Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day

Dog biscuits. Debbie Miller / Pixabay.com / 2014 / CC0 1.0

The 23rd of February is Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day.

What do you call these popular dog treats? Dog biscuits, or dog cookies? Have you ever called a dog biscuit a “Scooby Snack”?

For your pooch today, you can buy some special ones from a dog bakery, or make some at home.

When buying, it’s possible now to choose healthier biscuits that are lower in fat and calories.

Many dog biscuits now can help support your dog’s health, both in terms of nutritional formulation, and of cleaning teeth while the dog munches. Some may contain needed vitamins and minerals.

And, it is easier now to find some that work for dogs on restricted diets, such as diabetic, gluten or corn free, vegan, etc.

What is your dog’s favourite flavour of dog biscuit — peanut butter, pumpkin, apple, banana, bacon, chicken, beef?

Does your dog have a favourite shape, such as bone-shaped, or heart?

Older dogs with teeth problems might prefer softer biscuits.

The CDC and FDA both remind us to always wash our hands after handling dog biscuits:

“Always wash your hands with soap and water right after handling pet food or treats.” ^[1]Pet Food Safety. 23 February 2021. Accessed August 2021 at https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/publications/pet-food-safety.html

The reason is that pet food is not prepared to the same levels of sanitization as food certified for humans is. Dogs can tolerate some bacteria that humans cannot. There are documented cases of illness from people touching dog food, and not washing their hands afterward.

Safe handling of pet food (click to enlarge)

#DogBiscuitDay #NationalDogBiscuitDay

Activities for today

• have a dog biscuit party and invite your friends to bring their pooches over for it;
• create little treat bags for each dog (make sure to inquire about any special dietary needs first);
• donate some money to a dog shelter so they can buy some dog biscuits for their charges;
• have a friend or two over who are dog owners to have a dog-biscuit making session.

Recipes

Google “Homemade dog biscuits”

History

The earliest print mention that CooksInfo is aware of for a “Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day” dates from 2001 in Michigan:

“Feb. 23. International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day.” — Battle Creek, Michigan: Battle Creek Enquirer. Sunday, 18 February 2001. Page 1D.

Feb. 23. International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day. Battle Creek, Michigan: Battle Creek Enquirer. Sunday, 18 February 2001. Page 1D.

Sources

Christiansen, Kathleen. Celebrate Dog Biscuit Day with Central Florida treats and a recipe. Orlando, Florida: Orlando Sentinel. 19 February 2021. Accessed August 2021 at https://www.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment/events/os-prem-et-national-dog-biscuit-day-sweet-dees-cupcakery-recipe-20210219-njyjrqrm5zeatjlob4czrlvnyu-story.html

Denenberg, Zoe. It’s Time To Treat Your Pup: February 23 is National Dog Biscuit Day. Southern Living Magazine. 12 February 2020. Accessed August 2021 at https://www.southernliving.com/culture/pets/national-dog-biscuit-day

Happy Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day! Roodepoort, South Africa: The Roodepoort Record. 23 February 2016. Accessed August 2021 at https://roodepoortrecord.co.za/2016/02/23/happy-dog-biscuit-appreciation-day/amp

International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day’s Papers, Thursday, Feb. 23. Ipswich, Massachusetts: Ipswich Local News. 23 February 2017. Accessed August 2021 at http://thelocalne.ws/2017/02/23/international-dog-biscuit-appreciation-days-papers-thursday-feb-23/

International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day! Peoria, IL, USA: 104.9 The Wolf. Accessed August 2021 at https://www.1049thewolf.com/2021/02/24/international-do-biscuit-appreciation-day/