Every February 24, we celebrate National Dog Biscuit Day—a holiday created to honor one of the simplest joys in a dog’s life: treats! But beyond the crunch of a biscuit or the excitement in those bright, eager eyes, this day is the perfect opportunity to rethink how we reward our dogs in a healthier, more mindful way.
From choosing safe ingredients to using treats strategically during training and keeping your dog’s teeth clean with TropiClean's Pet Dental Care Line after snack time, here’s your complete guide to celebrating this delicious holiday the smart way.
Why Treats Matter (and Not Just on Dog Biscuit Day)
Treats play a meaningful role in your dog’s routine. They can:
- Strengthen your bond
- Encourage good behavior
- Support training sessions
- Provide mental enrichment
- Help with grooming desensitization
But moderation and safety matter just as much as enjoyment. For picky brushers, try TropiClean Dog Dental Care Water Additives, it's clear, tasteless, and multi-pet; just add it to their water bowl for amazing results.
Treat Ingredients to Avoid: Not Every “Biscuit” Is Safe
Some common human ingredients are dangerous—or even deadly—for dogs. Even a small amount can cause severe reactions.
❌ Toxic Ingredients to NEVER Feed Dogs
- Xylitol (found in sugar-free products—extremely dangerous)
- Chocolate
- Grapes & raisins
- Macadamia nuts
- Onions & garlic
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- Nutmeg
- Yeast dough
- Certain artificial flavors or dyes
🚫 Ingredients Not recommended for biscuits or treats:
- Excess salt
- Artificial sweeteners (even if not xylitol)
- Fried or fatty foods
- Excess peanut butter (safe only if unsalted and xylitol-free)
When in doubt, stick to simple, dog-safe foods.
**How Many Treats Should Dogs Have?
A Vet-Approved Rule of Thumb**
Even on National Dog Biscuit Day, treats should only make up 10% of your dog’s total daily calories. The rest should come from balanced meals.
👉 General treat guidelines:
- Small dogs: 1–2 small treats a day
- Medium dogs: 2–4 treats
- Large dogs: 3–6 treats
- Training sessions: use tiny pieces or low-calorie treats
And remember: biscuits + dental chews + training treats all count toward the daily amount.
If your dog is on a weight-loss plan, treats should be even more limited or swapped for low-calorie rewards like carrots or special training treats broken into crumbs. TropiClean offers dog dental care brushing solutions with enticing flavors that will help with your dog dental routine and almost work as a treat, by getting your love and attention while tasting some delicious tooth pastes and foams.
A Simple, Safe Homemade Dog Biscuit Recipe
Celebrate the day with a crunchy, wholesome treat you can feel proud to give your dog.
❤️ 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Dog Biscuits
You’ll Need:
- 1 cup whole wheat flour (or oat flour for sensitive pups)
- ½ cup xylitol-free peanut butter
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce or water
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix peanut butter and applesauce in a bowl.
- Gradually add flour until a dough forms.
- Roll out and cut into small shapes (or simple squares).
- Bake for 18–20 minutes or until firm.
- Cool completely before serving.
Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Rewarding Beyond the Biscuit: Enrichment-Based Alternatives
Treats are great—but many dogs crave attention, stimulation, and engagement just as much as snacks.
Here are healthy alternatives to reward your dog:
1. Sniffing Games
Scatter treats or kibble in the grass, hide them in puzzle toys, or create snuffle mats.
Sniffing tires dogs out mentally—just 10 minutes of sniffing = the mental equivalent of a long walk.
2. Dedicated Playtime
Every dog has a favorite game: fetch, tug, chase, supervised chew time—make today extra fun.
3. Training Sessions
Dogs love structure. Use National Dog Biscuit Day to reinforce commands or teach a new trick.
4. Grooming as Bonding
Many dogs find comfort in the routine of brushing and gentle grooming.
Use today as a chance for:
- A warm bath. Try our best seller TropiClean Papaya & Coconut 2-in-1 Shampoo & Conditioner for Dogs and Cats, that gently cleanses, moisturizes, and conditions your pet’s coat in one easy step.
- A detangling session. For the tangle magician, try TropiClean Sweet Pea Tangle Remover Spray for Dogs & Cats, which makes brushing easier by gently loosening knots, tangles, and mats—no rinsing required.
- An ear cleaning. If you want to just do a quick swipe, try TropiClean Mild Coconut Dog & Cat Ear Cleaning Wipes, easy, gentle, and mess-free. Infused with soothing aloe and moisturizing coconut, these alcohol-free wipes lift away wax, dirt, and debris while helping to reduce odor and relieve itching.
- A refreshing wipe-down. You can't beat Dog Grooming Wipes to do the fastest clean up job without a mess. Choose from deep cleansing, moisturizing, plant based, for itchy skin, sensitive skin... TropiClean has one for your dog.
Reward afterward with a small biscuit and tons of praise.
Pairing Treats with Better Oral Dental Care
With every treat—even healthy biscuits—comes a little extra residue left behind. Without care, that buildup leads to:
- bad breath
- plaque
- tartar
- inflammation
- gum disease
Easy solutions for every stage of your dog’s life:
- Fresh Breath Water Additives
Just add to your dog’s water bowl daily.
- No brushing required
- VOHC-accepted
- Up to 12 hours of fresh breath
- Supports ongoing plaque and tartar control
- Brushing Gels & Toothbrush Kits
For dogs who tolerate brushing—or puppies learning how.
Great for removing sticky treat debris.
- Dental Dog Treats (if applicable)
Support oral health while rewarding.
Treats + TropiClean = a kissable smile every day.
Using Biscuits as Rewards: Train Smarter, Not Harder
Dogs respond best to clear, immediate reinforcement.
👍 For training success:
- Reward within 2 seconds of correct behavior
- Use tiny pieces, not full treats
- Keep sessions short and fun
- Tone and treat size
- End on a positive note
For high-energy pups or puppies learning boundaries, TropiClean’s Chew Stop Behavior Aids can also help redirect bad habits—like chewing furniture—so you can reward good behavior more often.
Celebrate National Dog Biscuit Day the Healthy Way
A biscuit is more than a treat—it’s a bonding moment.
And celebrating this day doesn’t have to mean extra calories or extra mess.
With mindful portioning, safe ingredients, enrichment activities, and a simple dental care routine, you can reward your dog in ways that keep them:
❤️ happy
✨ healthy
🦷 fresh-breath ready
🐾 and excited for the next training moment
Whether you bake treats at home or stick to store-bought favorites, pair them with TropiClean’s trusted grooming and Fresh Breath solutions to round out your dog’s care—and make every biscuit moment a celebration.
TropiClean Fresh Breath Dog Oral Care 3 Kit — a complete daily dental care routine designed to promote clean teeth, healthy gums, and lasting freshness.