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Are Milk-Bone biscuits good for dogs?

Milk-Bone biscuits have been a staple treat for dogs for over 100 years. But are these crunchy biscuits actually good for your canine companion? Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients and nutritional value of Milk-Bone biscuits to find out if they should have a place in your dog’s diet.

The History of Milk-Bone Biscuits

Milk-Bone biscuits were first created in 1908 by the F. H. Bennett Biscuit Company. The original recipe contained minerals and ingredients like wheat, beef, and milk. This combination led to the biscuit being marketed as a nutritious treat that was “good for dogs’ teeth and bones.” The name “Milk-Bone” was inspired by the biscuit containing components of milk.

In 1931, the National Biscuit Company (now known as Nabisco) acquired Milk-Bone and began national distribution of the product. The marketing focused on Milk-Bone being a scientifically formulated dog food that provided vitamins and minerals. This helped establish Milk-Bone as the popular dog treat it is today.

Milk-Bone Ingredients

The primary ingredients in standard Milk-Bone biscuits include:

  • Wheat flour
  • Wheat bran
  • Beef bone meal
  • Pork bone meal
  • Poultry by-product meal
  • Milk
  • Salt
  • Vitamins and minerals

The meat and bone meals provide protein sources. Bran supplies fiber, while flour holds the biscuit together and provides carbohydrates. Salt adds flavor and milk gives Milk-Bones the taste dogs love.

The vitamins and mineral pre-mix contains nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D3. These support bone health. Vitamin E and other antioxidants also help maintain a healthy immune system.

Milk-Bone Nutritional Value

Here is the typical nutritional breakdown for standard Milk-Bone biscuits:

Nutrient Per Biscuit
Calories 40
Protein 2.5 g
Carbohydrates 6 g
Fiber 0.5 g
Calcium 50 mg
Phosphorus 15 mg

As you can see, the primary nutrient in Milk-Bone biscuits is protein. The meat and bone meal ingredients provide amino acids that support your dog’s muscles and tissues. The biscuits also contain notable amounts of calcium for healthy bones and teeth.

However, Milk-Bone biscuits are relatively high in carbohydrates and calories for a dog treat. The biscuits contain around 40 calories each, which can add up quickly if you give your dog multiple biscuits per day.

Potential Benefits of Milk-Bone Biscuits

Here are some of the reasons why Milk-Bone biscuits may be beneficial for dogs:

Nutrient Profile

The vitamins and minerals in Milk-Bone biscuits may help fill nutrient gaps in your dog’s main diet. Calcium and phosphorus keep bones and teeth strong. Vitamin D3 aids calcium absorption for bone health. Vitamin E and selenium support immune and antioxidant function.

Dental Health

The crunchy texture and abrasive surface of Milk-Bone biscuits can help scrape away plaque and tartar as your dog chews. This may reduce the risk of dental disease.

Satisfies Chewing Instinct

Dogs have a natural desire to chew. Milk-Bone biscuits provide a safe, edible chewing outlet. The biscuits are designed to stand up to vigorous chewing and not splinter easily.

Enjoyable Treat

Most dogs love the taste of Milk-Bone biscuits, making them an enjoyable reward during training or just for spoiling your pup. The biscuits often have an enticing aroma as well.

Potential Drawbacks of Milk-Bone Biscuits

However, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider before feeding Milk-Bone biscuits:

High in Calories

At around 40 calories per biscuit, Milk-Bones may not be the best option for dogs who need to lose weight. The biscuits are relatively high in fat and carbohydrates compared to some other dog treats.

High in Preservatives

Milk-Bone biscuits contain preservatives like BHA and BHT to maintain freshness. While approved by FDA, some pet owners prefer to avoid these synthetic preservatives.

Contains Animal Meals

The bone, meat, and poultry meals come from slaughterhouse waste products. This doesn’t appeal to owners looking for whole food treats.

May Contain Allergens

The wheat and milk ingredients mean Milk-Bone biscuits are not suitable for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities.

Hard Texture

The hard texture makes Milk-Bone biscuits unsuitable for dogs with dental issues or who prefer softer treats.

Milk-Bone Recall History

There have been a handful of recalls involving Milk-Bone products over the years:

  • February 2016 – recall of Milk-Bone biscuits due to potential salmonella contamination
  • December 2016 – several biscuit varieties recalled due to mold concerns
  • March 2018 – recalled biscuits and snacks with beef tallow from ingredients linked to pentobarbital

However, Milk-Bone has high food safety standards today and no recent recall incidents. Any products affected at the time were pulled from shelves quickly.

Alternatives to Milk-Bone Biscuits

Some alternatives to Milk-Bone biscuits include:

Veggie or Peanut Butter Dental Chews

These chews also promote dental health but have only natural ingredients. They are lower calorie and carb as well.

Single Ingredient Treats

Look for treats made with one whole food source, like sweet potato or chicken jerky. These avoid additives and are often more digestible.

Frozen Food Treats

Try 100% meat or vegetable treats you can microwave or serve frozen for a longer-lasting chew. These include products like frozen chicken wings or sweet potato fries.

DIY Treats

Make your own treats at home using simple recipes with whole foods like oats, pumpkin, apples, and peanut butter tailored to your dog’s diet.

Are Milk-Bone Biscuits Safe for Puppies?

Milk-Bone makes puppy biscuit varieties with adjusted nutrient levels for growing dogs. However, most vets recommend waiting until at least 6 months old before feeding any hard treats or chews to reduce choking risks while your puppy still has developing teeth.

Conclusion

Milk-Bone biscuits can provide nutritional value as part of a balanced canine diet. The protein, calcium, vitamins, and minerals may complement what your dog gets from their regular food. Milk-Bones also supply a tasty, long-lasting chew dogs love.

However, pet owners concerned about additives, allergens, or calories may want to limit Milk-Bone consumption or look for alternative options. Talk to your veterinarian about whether Milk-Bone biscuits are a healthy choice for your individual dog.