National Dog Biscuit Day . . .

. . . was yesterday - but it's never to late to read about man's best friend!

Robert Laurent, Sleeping Dog, 1920, crayon and pencil, 17 1/16 x 22 1/8 in., Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase 

It’s a dog-eat-dog world out there and no one knows that better than man’s best friend. And when the day has gone to the dogs, they are in the dog house, sick as a dog and dog tired, nothing can make a top dog feel better than a good ol’ fashioned biscuit. So today we honor that treat of treats, that reward which, when given, leaves Rovers the world over as happy as a flea in a doghouse. (Of course, when it comes to the subject of fleas it is best to let sleeping dogs lie.)

According to the Milk-Bone web site, the brand was developed in 1908 by the F. H. Bennett Biscuit Company in New York City. The bakery created a hard, bone-shaped biscuit out of minerals, meat products, and cow’s milk that would eventually be called a “Milk-Bone.” The recipe remained relatively unchanged until 1979 when Milk-Bone introduced a beef flavored biscuit, paving the way for the variety of flavors found today. Nowadays dog biscuits can be as exotic as the breeds found at the annual Westminster Kennel Club dog show. Where a Xoloitzcuintli might enjoy a Pumpkin & Blueberry flavored treat, a Kooikerhondje may prefer a Green Beef Tripe with Atlantic Kelp biscuit. And while that may sound like a dog’s breakfast to you, to them it is proof that every dog has its day . . .—Carrie Carter 

Looking for a friend? Consider adopting.

Already have one? Consider a special treat.

Comments

[Kathy]

My dog and I celebrated the day yesterday (Sunday). I made her some homemade dog biscuits. I just couldn't do that during the week. Which brings me to ask, is the holiday always on February 23?

[dog guide trainer Joe]

Huh...who knew.

[David]

This makes me wonder if there is a similar celebration for cats...National Catnip Day? And if not, are cats jealous? Are cats even capable of jealousy? So many questions for the Smithsonian to explore!

[Grant]

ahhh...this article was just what I needed after a heavy day's work and depressing news of world events. Keep up the doggy-style!

[Mo and Jack]

Woof! Woof!!! We're sending Mom out to buy us treats for a belated celebration.