Can dogs eat biscuits?

Caution — depends entirely on type

A plain biscuit crumb isn't toxic but biscuits are empty calories, and chocolate, raisin, or nut biscuits can be dangerous. Know what's in the biscuit.

The full picture

'Biscuits' covers a huge range of products — plain digestives, rich tea, and shortbread are non-toxic but nutritionally pointless and high in sugar. The dangerous ones are: chocolate biscuits (chocolate digestives, Hobnobs, bourbons), raisin biscuits (Garibaldi, fruit shortbread), nut biscuits (sometimes macadamia), and anything with xylitol (rare but check sugar-free ranges). A single plain digestive dropped on the floor isn't an emergency. A packet of chocolate digestives is. Always identify what type of biscuit before deciding the response.

If your dog ate more than a safe amount

Risks to watch for

  • Chocolate varieties are toxic
  • Raisin varieties are toxic
  • Xylitol in some sugar-free ranges
  • Empty calories, weight gain

Safe portion size

Not recommended. If sharing, a small plain biscuit (digestive, rich tea) occasionally.

Safer alternatives

  • Dog biscuits from pet shops
  • Plain cooked chicken

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Important: This page is general information, not veterinary advice. Every dog is different, and individual factors (age, breed, health conditions, medications) can change what's safe. If in doubt, always contact your vet — or the Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000 in the UK.