· 7 min read
Can Dogs Eat Biscuits and Gravy? A Pet Parent’s Guide to This Classic Comfort Food
It’s a lazy Sunday morning. You’re curled up with a warm plate of biscuits and gravy—flaky, buttery biscuits drowning in a rich, savory sauce. Out of nowhere, your dog trots over, tail thumping, nose twitching like a metronome. Those big, soulful eyes lock onto your plate, and you can almost hear the silent plea: “Share? Please?”
We’ve all been there. As pet parents, our first instinct is to spoil our furry friends, but when it comes to human food, “sharing” isn’t always safe. So, can dogs eat biscuits and gravy? Is this breakfast staple a harmless treat or a hidden hazard?
In this guide, we’ll break down the risks, potential benefits (spoiler: they’re minimal), and safer alternatives to help you make the best choice for your pup. Let’s dig in!
Table of Contents
- Can Dogs Eat Biscuits and Gravy? The Short Answer
- What’s Actually in Biscuits and Gravy?
- Potential “Benefits”: Are There Any Upsides?
- The Risks: Why Biscuits and Gravy Are (Usually) a Bad Idea
- If You Must Share: How Much Is “Safe”?
- Healthier Alternatives to Biscuits and Gravy
- FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered
- Conclusion: Prioritize Your Pup’s Health
Can Dogs Eat Biscuits and Gravy? The Short Answer
No, dogs should not eat biscuits and gravy as a regular treat or meal. While a tiny, occasional bite (think: a crumb of biscuit or a drop of plain gravy) might not harm most dogs, this comfort food is high in fat, salt, sugar, and often contains toxic ingredients like onions or garlic. It offers little nutritional value and poses significant risks to your dog’s health, including stomach upset, pancreatitis, or even poisoning.
In short: Save the biscuits and gravy for yourself, and opt for dog-safe treats instead.
What’s Actually in Biscuits and Gravy?
To understand why biscuits and gravy are problematic, let’s break down their typical ingredients. Remember, recipes vary, but most versions include:
Biscuits:
- Flour: Usually white flour (low in fiber, high in carbs) or occasionally whole grain.
- Butter or shortening: High in saturated fat.
- Sugar: Added sugar for sweetness (common in “flaky” or “buttery” biscuit mixes).
- Baking powder/soda: Harmless in small amounts, but contributes to a dry, crumbly texture.
Gravy:
- Meat drippings or broth: May contain fat, salt, and (dangerously) onions, garlic, or herbs like chives (all toxic to dogs).
- Flour or cornstarch: Thickens the gravy but adds empty carbs.
- Salt, pepper, or seasonings: Often excessive salt, plus spices that irritate dogs’ stomachs.
- Milk or cream: Some gravies use dairy, which many dogs are lactose intolerant to.
Potential “Benefits”: Are There Any Upsides?
Let’s be generous: Could there ever be a silver lining to sharing biscuits and gravy with your dog? Maybe, but the benefits are minimal and far outweighed by the risks.
- Trace nutrients: If the biscuit is made with whole grains, it might contain small amounts of fiber (good for digestion) or B vitamins. Gravy made from unsalted meat broth could offer tiny bits of potassium or protein.
- Mental enrichment: A rare, novel treat might temporarily please your dog—but there are safer ways to bond (like a walk or a dog-safe chew).
Bottom line: These “benefits” are negligible. Your dog’s regular food (high-quality kibble or wet food) is already formulated to meet their nutritional needs. Biscuits and gravy don’t add anything meaningful.
The Risks: Why Biscuits and Gravy Are (Usually) a Bad Idea
Now, let’s get real about the dangers. Biscuits and gravy are a perfect storm of ingredients that spell trouble for dogs. Here’s what you need to watch out for:
Toxic Ingredients: Onions, Garlic, and More
The biggest red flag? Gravy often includes onions or garlic (fresh, powdered, or dehydrated). These common kitchen staples contain thiosulfate, a compound that destroys dogs’ red blood cells, leading to hemolytic anemia. Symptoms include weakness, vomiting, pale gums, or lethargy—and in severe cases, it can be fatal.
Other risky gravy add-ins:
- Chives or leeks: Part of the onion family, also toxic.
- Excessive salt: Even a small amount of salty gravy can cause sodium ion poisoning in dogs, leading to vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, or kidney damage.
- Alcohol or xylitol: Rare, but some gourmet gravies might include wine or sugar-free sweeteners (xylitol is deadly to dogs, even in tiny doses).
High Fat, Sugar, and Sodium: A Recipe for Stomach Trouble
Dogs’ digestive systems aren’t built to handle rich, fatty foods. Biscuits and gravy are loaded with:
- Fat: Butter, meat drippings, and cream in gravy can trigger pancreatitis—a painful, life-threatening condition where the pancreas becomes inflamed. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and lethargy. Pancreatitis requires emergency vet care.
- Sugar: Added sugar in biscuits can lead to obesity, dental decay, or even diabetes over time. Even “unsweetened” biscuits are high in carbs, which spike blood sugar.
- Sodium: A single serving of gravy can contain 500+ mg of sodium—way more than a dog needs in a day (the recommended limit is ~100 mg per 10 lbs of body weight). Too much salt causes dehydration, increased thirst/urination, or kidney strain.
Choking Hazards and Digestive Blockages
Biscuits are dry, crumbly, and often hard—especially if they’ve been sitting out. For small dogs, puppies, or senior dogs with dental issues, a biscuit chunk can get stuck in their throat, causing choking.
Worse, if your dog gulps down a large piece, it could swell in their stomach or intestines, leading to a blockage. Symptoms include loss of appetite, vomiting, or constipation—and surgery may be needed to remove it.
If You Must Share: How Much Is “Safe”?
Let’s say you accidentally drop a crumb, or your dog begs so hard you cave. What’s the “least bad” scenario?
- Stick to a tiny portion: A crumb of plain biscuit (no sugar, butter, or seasonings) or a drop of unsalted, unseasoned gravy (no onions, garlic, or dairy).
- Avoid processed versions: Canned biscuits, frozen meals, or fast-food gravy are the worst—they’re packed with preservatives, salt, and hidden sugars.
- Monitor for reactions: Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or excessive thirst for 24 hours. If you see any of these, call your vet.
But honestly? It’s better to skip sharing altogether. The risks far outweigh the momentary joy of seeing your dog’s tail wag.
Healthier Alternatives to Biscuits and Gravy
Craving a way to treat your pup? These dog-safe alternatives are delicious, nutritious, and way less risky:
Instead of Biscuits:
- Plain, cooked sweet potato: Soft, fiber-rich, and naturally sweet (dogs love it!).
- Whole grain dog treats: Look for brands with simple ingredients (e.g., oats, peanut butter, pumpkin) and no added sugar.
- Carrot sticks or apple slices: Crunchy, low-calorie, and great for dental health (just remove apple seeds!).
Instead of Gravy:
- Low-sodium meat broth: Simmer chicken, turkey, or beef bones (no onions/garlic!) to make a savory, hydrating topping for their regular food.
- Plain yogurt: A dollop of unsweetened, lactose-free yogurt adds creaminess and probiotics (good for digestion).
- Pumpkin puree: Canned, unsweetened pumpkin is packed with fiber and soothes upset tummies.
FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered
Q: My dog ate a whole plate of biscuits and gravy! What should I do?
A: Call your vet immediately. Even if they seem fine, the fat, salt, or toxic ingredients (onions/garlic) could cause pancreatitis or poisoning. Bring the ingredient list (if you have it) to help your vet assess risks.
Q: Are “homemade” biscuits and gravy safer than store-bought?
A: Not necessarily. Homemade versions can still include onions, garlic, butter, or sugar. If you insist on making dog-friendly biscuits, skip the butter/sugar and use whole grain flour + pumpkin. For gravy, stick to plain meat broth with no seasonings.
Q: Can puppies or senior dogs eat biscuits and gravy?
A: No—puppies have sensitive stomachs, and seniors are more prone to pancreatitis or kidney issues. Both groups are at higher risk of complications.
Q: What if the gravy has no onions or garlic? Is it okay then?
A: Maybe a tiny spoonful, but it’s still high in fat and salt. It’s not worth the risk of stomach upset or pancreatitis.
Conclusion: Prioritize Your Pup’s Health
At the end of the day, biscuits and gravy are a human indulgence—not a dog-friendly treat. While sharing food with your pet is a sweet way to bond, their health depends on a balanced, species-appropriate diet.
Stick to high-quality dog food, fresh fruits/veggies, and vet-approved treats. And when in doubt? Call your vet—they know your dog’s unique needs best.
Your pup will thank you for it (with extra tail wags, of course).
References
- American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). “People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets.” aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets
- American Kennel Club (AKC). “Pancreatitis in Dogs: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment.” akc.org/expert-advice/health/pancreatitis-in-dogs
- VCA Hospitals. “Dietary Guidelines for Dogs.” vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/dietary-guidelines-for-dogs
- PetMD. “Can Dogs Eat Onions?” petmd.com/dog/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-onions