National Dog Biscuit Day is coming up soon on February 23rd, 2017. This celebration is also known as International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day. It is not really known how or exactly when this day came to be. It is a celebration of the iconic treats that we give the canines we love.History of the Dog Biscuit
Historically, dog “treats” were associated with old food, such as rotting leftovers, moldy bread, and stale grain biscuits. James Spratt, an American on a visit to Liverpool, England in the mid 19th century, was watching street dogs scavenging for food. Some of what they found were discarded biscuits that were commonly stored aboard maritime vessels. These were known as ship’s biscuits.
Spratt went on to develop a less dense, fresh cake-like snack for canines made up of grains, vegetables, and meat. He called them Meat Fibrine Dog Cakes. Later, in 1908, the infamous Milk Bone dog treat was developed and produced by the F.H. Bennett Biscuit Company in New York. These are the popular ones we know as being in the shape of a bone. They were made with ingredients such as milk, meat products, and minerals. Hence the name Milk Bone.
Dog Treats Today
There is a whole new world of dog treats available now that are much healthier versions. Some are designed to do more than reward your pet, such as cleaning his or her teeth or clearing up bad breath. Some specialty companies and bakeries make dog treats using organic vegetables, whole grains, real meat, and plenty of vitamins and minerals. There is some basic science around the creation of dog biscuits that includes knowing what foods can and cannot be digested properly.
How can You Celebrate National Dog Biscuit Day?
You can make your own treats by baking up some tasty cakes or biscuits with vegetables, whole grains, peanut butter, or lean protein. Make sure you leave out the stuff that isn’t good for them, like chocolate. You can find some really good and nutritious recipes online that are design with a dog’s health and well-being in mind. Just search “healthy dog biscuit recipes” and you will score some great ideas.
The most important thing about this day is to take the time to show your appreciation for your furry friends. Play with them, cuddle them, and give them a tasty snack just for being them. Your affection won’t go unnoticed.
