Are charcoal biscuits good for dogs?

Are charcoal biscuits good for dogs?

Charcoal biscuits for dogs have become a popular treat among dog owners. These biscuits often contain activated charcoal, a form of carbon treated to have a high surface area and numerous tiny pores. Known for its ability to absorb toxins and impurities, activated charcoal is used in various health applications for both humans and dogs.

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What is Activated Charcoal?

Activated charcoal is a form of carbon processed to have a highly porous structure, which significantly increases its surface area. This enhanced surface area allows it to adsorb (bind to) various substances effectively, making it useful in numerous applications, including food.

How Activated Charcoal is Made for Food

1. Raw Material Selection:
Activated charcoal for food is typically made from natural sources like coconut shells, hardwood, or bamboo. These materials are chosen for their purity and the absence of harmful chemicals.

2. Carbonisation:
The raw material is heated in a low-oxygen environment, a process known as pyrolysis. This step converts the material into char, which is a form of carbon.

3. Activation:
The char is then activated using physical or chemical methods to develop its porous structure.

  • Physical Activation: The char is exposed to oxidising gases (such as steam or carbon dioxide) at high temperatures. This process creates a network of tiny pores within the carbon structure, significantly increasing its surface area.
  • Chemical Activation: The char is treated with chemical agents like phosphoric acid or potassium hydroxide and then heated to high temperatures. The chemicals help to create the porous structure.

4. Purification:
The activated charcoal is thoroughly washed to remove any residual chemicals or impurities, ensuring it is safe for consumption.

5. Grinding and Sizing:
The activated charcoal is ground into a fine powder, which is then sifted to achieve a consistent particle size suitable for food applications.

Are Charcoal Biscuits Good for Dogs?

Charcoal biscuits for dogs have gained popularity for their fantastic health benefits, particularly when they are grain and gluten free without any additives or fillers included within the biscuit.

Digestive Health

  • Gas Relief: Activated charcoal can help reduce gas and bloating in dogs by binding to gas-producing substances in the digestive tract.
  • Detoxification: It can aid in detoxifying the digestive system by adsorbing toxins and impurities, which can be particularly beneficial after a dog has consumed something potentially harmful.

Odour Control

  • Fresh Breath: Charcoal biscuits can help freshen a dog's breath by absorbing odour-causing bacteria and compounds in the mouth.
  • Reduced Faecal Odour: By improving digestive health and reducing gas, these biscuits can also help decrease the odour of a dog’s poop.

Dental Health

  • Plaque and Tartar Reduction: The mild abrasive nature of charcoal can help in cleaning teeth and reducing plaque buildup, contributing to overall better oral hygiene.

General Detoxification

  • Toxin Binding: Activated charcoal can bind to and help eliminate toxins that a dog might have ingested, making it a useful addition to their diet in cases of minor poisoning or ingestion of harmful substances (though it should not replace professional veterinary care in serious cases).

PLEASE NOTE: Charcoal biscuits should not be used as a solution for dogs that have ingested something potential harmful such as dark chocolate, raisins and grapes. You should always consult your vet in these instances.

 

charcoal biscuits for dogs

 

Do Charcoal Biscuits for Dogs Work?

Dependent on the reason you are giving them, the feedback is a resounding yes! But charcoal biscuits should not be given to mask symptoms where there could be an underlying issue that needs addressing.

Dogs with excessive gas and digestive issues could have an intolerance to something in their food. Or the food they are eating is not of sufficient quality. Charcoal biscuits will help in controlling the symptoms but an easier fix is to address the source of the issue.

For dental health, charcoal will help to keep teeth in tip top condition but again, shouldn’t be used to mask bad breath that may be caused by rotten or broken teeth, abscesses or plaque build up. Charcoal biscuits will help in maintaining dental health once underlying issues have been resolved.

How Many Charcoal Biscuits Should a Dog Have?

The amount of charcoal biscuits that should be given to a dog depends on their breed and size. Owners should start by offering 1 or 2 and checking for any adverse effects before increasing the amount as per the guidelines below.

General Recommendations:

  • Small Dogs (up to 15kg): 1-2 biscuits per day
  • Medium Dogs (15-25kg): 2-4 biscuits per day
  • Large Dogs (25-50kg): 4-6 biscuits per day
  • Giant Dogs (over 50kg): 6-8 biscuits per day

Can Dogs Have Too Much Charcoal?

Yes, dogs can have too much charcoal, and excessive consumption can lead to several issues. While activated charcoal can offer benefits such as aiding digestion and reducing toxins, it should be given in moderation as per our gudielines. Here’s why overuse can be problematic:

Potential Risks of Excessive Charcoal Consumption

  • Nutrient Absorption Interference:
    Activated charcoal works by adsorbing substances, including nutrients. Excessive intake can interfere with the absorption of essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals from your dog’s diet, potentially leading to deficiencies.
  • Medication Interference:
    Charcoal can also adsorb medications, reducing their effectiveness. If your dog is on medication, excessive charcoal consumption could affect how well the medication works.
  • Digestive Issues:
    Overuse can cause digestive problems such as constipation or gastrointestinal upset. Activated charcoal can absorb fluids, potentially leading to dry stool or difficulty in bowel movements.
  • Dehydration:
    Since charcoal can absorb fluids, excessive use might contribute to dehydration, especially if not enough water is provided alongside it. 

Which are the Best Charcoal Biscuits for Dogs?

All charcoal biscuits for dogs are not created equal. Avoid mass manufactured treats with low activated charcoal content, bulked out with fillers and artificial flavourings.

Dragonfly Charcoal Biscuits are hand made, hand baked 100% grain, gluten and wheat free - perfect for dogs with allergies and intolerances and our customers rave about them.

For any further help and advice please contact us on 01484 246420 and why not join our social media channels and online community on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok.

With Wags and Woofs,

Laura, Dolly, Reggie & Bear

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