It’s that time of year again! On February 23, 2025, we celebrate National Dog Biscuit Day—yes, a whole day dedicated to the glory of that crunchy, drool-worthy snack we all know and love: the dog biscuit. Whether your dog’s idea of “treats” is a healthy, grain-free bite or a full-on indulgence (hello, bacon-flavored biscuits!), today is the day to show your furry friend how much they mean to you—with a biscuit, or two, or three. What’s behind this special day? How about we explore that question and try out some homemade recipes that will have your pup wagging their tail in pure bliss!
A Brief History of National Dog Biscuit Day
Like most national food holidays, National Dog Biscuit Day might not have a glittering backstory, but that doesn’t make it any less fun—or important. Celebrating the bond between dogs and their humans through the tasty treat of dog biscuits, the day acknowledges a long history of canine snacks that dates back more than a century.
The first commercial dog biscuits were made in the late 1800s, primarily to provide a convenient and nutritious snack for working dogs—many of whom helped farmers herd livestock. It’s no surprise that the idea of giving dogs treats evolved from practical necessity to something a little more indulgent. Eventually, these dog biscuits became a staple of the canine culinary world.
In 1860, an American by the name of James Spratt invented the first known dog biscuit in London. As the story goes, Spratt, who was a lighting salesman, noticed that sailors in the harbor were feeding their dogs leftover food scraps. He decided to create a product specifically designed for dogs, made from beef, wheat, and vegetables. His invention—often called “Spratt’s Patent Meat Fibrine Dog Cake”—was marketed as a healthy alternative to table scraps and quickly became a hit.
From there, the dog biscuit market blossomed, with various shapes, sizes, and flavors emerging, catering to different tastes and dietary preferences. In 1931, the first commercial dog biscuit factory opened in the United States, further cementing the role of these delicious treats in the lives of pet owners everywhere.
But the love for dog biscuits didn’t just stay in the hands of corporate giants. As the pet industry grew, so did the desire for homemade, all-natural treats, leading to the rise of “DIY dog biscuit recipes.” Today all natural treats are as trendy as artisanal human baked goods (and arguably, just as delicious!). Us humans probably won’t like the flavor as they can taste bland to us. How do I know this? Scoop Masters Pet Waste Removal Service goes through over 5000 lbs. of dog treats each year and I couldn’t help but taste one. Yech!
So, why do we celebrate National Dog Biscuit Day? To honor the humble dog biscuit for its history, its role in nurturing dogs, and—most importantly—to indulge our furry best friends with the tasty treats they deserve. It also gives us something to write about, kind of like National Pooper Scooper Week coming up in April. Whether you’re a dog owner or just an admirer of canine culture, February 23 is a day to pay homage to those crunchy little snacks.
How to Celebrate National Dog Biscuit Day
There are plenty of ways to show your dog how much you care on National Dog Biscuit Day. A simple way is to spoil them with their favorite store-bought biscuits (no shame in that—let’s be honest, some of those biscuits are downright gourmet). But why not make the day even more special by whipping up a batch of homemade dog biscuits?
Here are a couple of simple, fun, and healthy recipes to get your dog’s tail wagging in delight!
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Peanut Butter & Banana Dog Biscuits
Let’s face it, dogs love peanut butter. It’s one of the most popular dog treat ingredients, and for good reason—dogs can’t get enough of that rich, creamy goodness. Combine that with a ripe banana, and you’ve got a match made in doggy treat heaven.
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 1/2 cup of peanut butter (make sure it’s xylitol-free!)
- 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (or oat flour for a gluten-free option)
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup water (you may need more depending on dough consistency)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mash the banana until smooth. Add the peanut butter and egg, mixing until everything is well combined.
- Gradually add the flour, stirring to form a dough. If the dough feels too dry, add a little water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough is firm but not sticky.
- Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thick.
- Use cookie cutters (bone-shaped if you want to go full theme!) to cut out the biscuits. You can also just shape them by hand if you’re feeling extra artistic.
- Place the biscuits on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let them cool completely before offering one to your pup. They’ll love it!
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Sweet Potato & Chicken Dog Biscuits
If your dog is more into savory flavors, this one’s for them. Sweet potatoes are packed with nutrients, and when combined with chicken, these biscuits become a protein-packed, flavorful treat that your dog will devour.
Ingredients:
- 1 small sweet potato (peeled and cooked)
- 1/2 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 1/2 cups oat flour (or whole wheat flour)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
- 1 egg
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a food processor or blender, puree the cooked sweet potato until smooth.
- In a large bowl, combine the sweet potato puree, chicken, oat flour, chicken broth, and egg. Mix well to form a dough.
- Roll the dough out to about 1/4-inch thickness on a floured surface.
- Cut out shapes using cookie cutters or slice into squares with a knife.
- Place the biscuits on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until firm and golden.
- Allow them to cool before sharing with your dog, and watch their excitement as they munch away.
A Fun, Tail-Wagging Tradition
Whether you’re celebrating with homemade treats or simply enjoying the joy of watching your dog savor their favorite biscuit, National Dog Biscuit Day is the perfect time to bond with your pet. Go grab that rolling pin, throw on an apron, and let’s bake some dog biscuits worthy of the title “Best Dog Parent of the Year!” Just be sure to keep a few for yourself—after all, you’ve earned it after all that hard work (and maybe a little snack for your own taste buds). Just don’t spoil them too much with too many dog treats. Otherwise, you’ll you’ll have to put them on a diet or exercise them more often.
So, here’s to our dogs—the loyal companions, the treat lovers, and the ultimate biscuit enthusiasts. Happy National Dog Biscuit Day! 🐾🍪
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