February 23 is International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day! Read on for some fun facts as well as ideas for celebrating.
• It is not entirely clear who invented the dog biscuit, but in the 1860s an American living in London claimed to be the first and took out a patent; he called his treat “Pratt’s Patent Meat Fibrine Dog Cakes” (appetizing!). They were made with wheat, beetroot, vegetables, and beef blood.
• The biggest dog biscuit on record was made in 2011 in Joplin, Missouri. It was 19 feet long and weighed 617 pounds! It was made by Hampshire Pet Products to celebrate the company’s 10th anniversary and later donated to the Joplin Humane Society.
• Sales of pet treats have been skyrocketing in the US for years now, and approximately 80% of pet treats sold are for dogs.
• Dog treats are not limited to the classic bone-shaped biscuit; these days you can find liquid varieties, soft treats made for wrapping around pills, and others that are specially formulated to help keep your pup’s teeth clean and healthy.
Of course, it is the perfect day to give your dog a few extra biscuits, but that is not the only way you can celebrate. Consider donating a few packages of your dog’s favorite treats to a local shelter or foster group. Even if you do not have a dog of your own, you can sit in the sun and offer biscuits to your neighbor’s pooches as they walk by.
You can also make your own dog biscuits; they can be as simple as sweet potato pieces roasted in the oven until they reach peak crunchiness, or as fancy as one of the endless recipes found online. Just make sure that you are using only canine-safe ingredients. If you are concerned about your dog’s diet, contact Pet Hospitals of Hawaii for expert guidance.