Our ingredients

We loooooove apples. They’re chock full of Vitamin C, A, potassium, antioxidants and fiber (especially in the skin!) which helps dogs maintain a healthy weight while assisting with their digestion. Their skins are also full of quercetin, an antihistamine which can reduce irritation, redness and inflammation. So, feeding apples means less itching for your pup! That’s why we leave the skins on our apples when we bake with them. The vitamins your dog gets from apples can help protect against the damaged cells, by giving your dog a source of antioxidants which helps control inflammation and can help avoid long term health issues. So, apples can reduce chronic inflammation, promote a balanced gut, and detoxify the liver. The pectin in them, which makes up about 50% of the fiber in an apple, is a prebiotic which feeds the probiotics in your dog’s gut.

Feeding recommendation: We recommend a few slices for a medium sized dog per day, probably not more than half an apple.

You probably know that bananas are being packed full of potassium which is very useful in the body. But they also contain vitamins B6 and C, and fiber. Potassium is great for muscle health. As dogs can’t produce their own vitamin B6, feeding bananas is a good way to supplement it. Vitamin B6 helps your dog’s body to create antibodies which it needs to fight off infections. Vitamin C on the other hand supports a healthy and strong immune system. And the fibre? Well, it helps with your dog’s no1 and no2s. It’s a fantastic way to relieve any digestion issues or constipation your dog may experience.

Feeding guide: We recommend to feed no more than half a banana per day for medium dogs as they are high in natural sugars and fibre, so too much of it can cause bigger problems. Always be sure to feed fiber-rich foods in moderation.

Little old basil has powerful qualities. It is an antioxidant, destroying free radicals that damage cells. The plant’s antioxidants can help keep chronic diseases like cancer at bay. Basil also has anti-inflammatory properties, so the herb can protect dogs from diseases like arthritis. It can reduce inflammatory bowel disease risks and is also great as a calming agent. In fact, the herb is safer and better compared to most prescription medicines for anxiety, as it decreases levels of stress hormones known to cause anxiety in dogs. The anti-inflammatory benefits of basil can get rid of canine arthritis, chronic diseases, and cellular damage known to accelerate aging in dogs.

Feeding guide: Some dogs are allergic to basil and herbs in general. As a result, some precaution is necessary when giving your dog basil for the first time. Basil is common in human foods. If you feed your dog basil on its own or as part of a snack or bite of human food, observe them for allergies. Common effects of allergies in dogs include sneezing, swelling, hives, diarrhea, vomiting and itchy ears.

Broccoli is filled with important vitamins and nutrients, including Vitamins C and K and potassium (it actually carries the highest amounts of Vit K found in vegetables!). These nutrients work wonders on the heart health, bone density, and immune systems of canines. The best thing it can do for dogs is boost their heart health, which is crucial for them to live a long, active and happy life. Other potential benefits of broccoli: it can improve bone strength and density, help fight off diseases and boost the immune system.

Feeding guide: It’s important that you feed broccoli to your dog in moderation. Broccoli does contain trace amounts of isothiocyanates in the floret, which can cause indigestion problems. So we recommend feeding no more than 15g per 9kg of dog per day. Also, when you give raw broccoli to puppies, please supervise them to make sure they don’t choke on them.

Did you know that buckwheat is a seed that is considered a pseudo-cereal (like quinoa and chia)? It is gluten-free, and despite its name, it is not related to wheat. So, buckwheat is a great wheat-free carbohydrate. If your dog has grain or gluten allergies, buckwheat can be added to their food or treats as an alternative.It also contains several antioxidants. These could potentially lower the risk of cancer, heart disease, and improve inflammation and blood pressure. Buckwheat contains fiber, protein, and carbohydrates. These help with your dog’s regular bowl movements and prevent constipation and anal gland problems (fibre), they keep your dog’s muscles healthy (protein) and help to provide energy to your dogs (carbohydrates). There is also some evidence that buckwheat might be able to lower blood sugar levels by 12-19%, which could be beneficial for diabetic dogs. And all of this, while being an excellent alternative to wheat, potatoes, oats, and rice!

Canola oil is made from rapeseeds. It is generally considered a “healthy” oil because it is very low in saturated fat (7%) and like olive oil it is high in monounsaturated fat (63%), although olive oil contains more anti-oxidants. The canola oil we use in our biscuits is made in the UK, so a much more environmentally friendly than coconut oil or even olive oil. Key reasons for us to include it in the biscuits are added chewability, to prolongue shelf-life and as a vehicle for turmeric and other herbs and spices.

Carrots are a low calorie, low-fat treat for dogs. They can help canines with bowel movement regularity and are rich in beta-carotene. The latter is a carotenoid that is an antioxidant and a precursor to Vitamin A. Basically, it helps with your dog’s eyesight. Carrots are also rich in Vitamin A, which provides a host of nutritional benefits to your dog. Beyond supporting eye health, it also assists in supporting a thriving immune system and healthy skin and coat. Because of their nutrient-dense properties, raw and cooked carrots can be a healthy addition to your dog’s diet. Every part of the carrot can be good for dogs, including the leafy greens at the top. Many dogs love the flavor of a carrot, especially when enjoyed as a crunchy treat.

Feeding guide: Carrots contain higher amounts of natural sugar than other vegetables, so while they are safe for dogs to eat, they should be enjoyed in moderation. Too high of a sugar intake could cause weight gain, which could lead to other health issues later in your pup’s life. It also could cause an upset tummy if introduced too quickly. Just remember: While carrots are highly nutritious, they should still be used only as an occasional treat, fed in small amounts and balanced with a healthy source of protein. 

Chamomile provides the body with antispasmodic and light sedative effects. This can help if your dog has an upset stomach as stomach spasms and vomiting can be eased. Chamomile is also useful when it comes to calming uneasy nerves due to anxiety. The antimicrobial effects of chamomile can soothe itchy skin and eyes. This will also heal any irritation from scratching at the inflamed area. Bacterial and fungal infections can even be cured if treated early on with chamomile. It also has antiseptic properties and is actually a natural parasite cure. It works slowly over time so it is great to use all the time, without any toxic side effects. Especially useful for ticks, chamomile is a natural way to easily remove the parasite. The anti-inflammatory properties reduce any irritation caused by parasites.

Cassia cinnamon has many health benefits for dogs. It is packed with antioxidants which help fight free radicals, which have many damaging effects on the body. It can also improve heart health as it can lower blood pressure, heart rate and blood sugar. There is also an abundance of anti-inflammatory properties in cinnamon. This makes it useful for joint pain and muscle soreness. So cinnamon is a great home remedy for arthritis pain in their aging canines. Cinnamon may also reduce swelling, making joint pain easier to bear. Cinnamon is brain food as well and helps aid cognitive functions. It also bhas antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. And in case your dog is suffering from bad breath, cinnamon can help you as it acts as a breath freshener. Since cinnamon also has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-fungal properties, it can help against other dental issues that may be causing your pup’s bad breath.

Feeding guide: Owners can give their dog 1/8 teaspoon of cinnamon per 15lbs of weight. Do not give your dog cinnamon sticks, as they can cause coughing and breathing problems. Don’t feed cinnamon to pregnant dogs. It can have a stimulating effect on the uterus. Although it is recommended to respect a limit of ½ teaspoon of cinnamon per day, there is no specific general dose, as it depends on the animal. Cassia cinnamon for dogs is safe as long as you don’t overdo it; a teaspoon or so every day with food will still be beneficial in all the ways described above, but won’t give you or your dog nearly as high a dose as the higher concentration found in, say, a cinnamon supplement capsule (which would contain a substantially higher amount of coumarin). 

Clove isn’t regarded as safe for dogs to eat, especially in high quantities. That’s because of its active ingredient eugenol. While this substance may have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, it’s known to be toxic to dogs, and even more so for cats, who can suffer from liver toxicity. Clove oil is considered safe for dogs, as long as it is given in very small quantities. And because it’s so effective on numbing gums and teeth, we decided to include 2 or 3 drops per 100g of dough in our biscuits. This way, we get the benefits, but make sure that we’re not putting the pups in danger.

Peas are a source of vitamins, including A, K, and the B vitamins. They’re packed with minerals like iron, zinc, potassium, and magnesium. They’re also rich in protein and high in fiber and contain lutein, an anti-oxidant. What does this all mean? They are amazing when it comes to digestion issues and for anything skin, heart and eye health related.

Feeding guide: Peas contain purines, which are normally harmless but can be dangerous for dogs with kidney disease. If your dog has had any kidney issues, opt for similar healthy treats that are low in purines, such as carrots or red bell pepper.

Ginger can be a great help against nausea and motion sickness. Giving a dog ginger about 30 minutes before a car ride can have the same effects as giving Dramamine, according to one study. It can also help decrease gas and bloating, and relax spasms in smooth muscle in the intestinal loops, which helps decrease pain with digestive issues. Ginger also may have anti-inflammatory benefits for dogs with hip and joint pain. It is an antioxidant, and may provide some cognitive support, so it can be given to dogs with cognitive dysfunction. Basically, an all-around talent for older dogs.

Feeding guide: The dose for ginger is based on the size of your dog, and the range is 20-50mg/kg (about 10 to 25mg per pound of body weight). In extremely rare cases, ginger may react with blood clotting times. Therefore, dogs with bleeding disorders or that are on medications or supplements that increase the risk of bleeding should not receive ginger.

Flaxseed, also know as linseed, is the seed from the flax plant Linum usitatissimum. It is one of the richest plant sources of omega-3 fatty acid. Flaxseeds can aid in constipation relief, help increase the quality of their coat and skin, and aid in a healthy immune system. One of the biggest benefits of flaxseed is its fiber content. So it is a great addition to your dog’s food when they are constipated. It can improve the condition of a dog’s skin when applied to coats after just 14 days. And flaxseeds can help keep your pup’s immune system strong. Ligands are also found in ground flaxseed, which can act as an antioxidant in the body which aids the immune system in fighting off disease and illness.

Feeding guide: And if your dog is on medications like anticoagulants, blood pressure medications, or insulin, you should use extra caution and discuss with your vet before giving flaxseed or flaxseed oil to your dog. 

We love mushrooms, because they effectively soak up toxins and pesticides. They are also high in B vitamins (B2, B3, folate, B5), phosphorus, vitamin D, selenium, copper, and potassium – so an all-round talent! They support immune health and dementia prevention, improving gut health and also aiding in the prevention of liver disease, kidney disease, and other chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease in humans and there is reason to believe that these benefits also translate to dogs. Button mushrooms are also relatively low in calories so you don’t have to worry about potential weight issues when dogs are fed these white mushrooms.

We use oats in our biscuits as they are a great alternative carbohydrate for dogs that may be sensitive to wheat or grains. They contains vitamin B, which helps maintain a healthy coat, and linoleic acid, which is a type of omega-6 fatty acid that helps to keep a dog’s skin strong and healthy. They are also a great source of soluble fiber (over 4 grams of fibre in each 240 grams of oats!), which can regulate blood glucose levels and help dogs that have irregular bowl movements and compared to other types of cereal grains, oats are relatively high in protein and fat. The protein quality is also high in oats, meaning that a dog’s body can digest and use them, and oats also provide a good balance of amino acids. Oats are packed full of vitamins and minerals (including vitamin E, B vitamins, zinc, iron, and selenium), which play an important role in maintaining or improving health.

Parsley is a powerhouse. Per tablespoon of chopped herb, it contains just 1 calorie and no fat or cholesterol. It is fairly rich in Vitamins A, C, and K as well as trace minerals like potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iron. Parsley also boasts several volatile oils which have natural anti-inflammatory properties in addition to their antimicrobial and carminative benefits. What can it do? It freshens bad breath thanks to microbial properties and relieves swelling and pain from arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. Vit K improves blood clotting and boosts liver health and it helps soothe upset stomachs. Parsley is also good for kidney and eye health!

Feeding guide: Watch those serving sizes, as parsley does contain a toxic compound called furanocoumarin which can be dangerous in excessive amounts. In smaller servings, however, parsley does your dog more good than harm. If you’re concerned about accidentally giving your dog too much parsley, play it safe and restrict them to 1 teaspoon per 20 pounds of bodyweight. Our biscuits contain far less, so you don’t have to worry!

If there’s one food that dogs are known to go nuts over, it’s peanut butter and because it’s rich in protein and healthy fats, vitamins B and E, and niacin, peanut butter is actually both a delicious and nutritional treat for your dog. So, what are the benefits of peanut butter? It is high in protein, which support their immune system, repair and maintain cells, and assist with making hormones, enzymes, and antibodies. Peanut butter is also high in fiber strengthening the colon or preventing bad bacteria from forming. Fiber also reduces the chances of diarrhea or constipation. And it is high in healthy fatty acids, containing omega-6, which promotes growth, immunity, healthy skin, and more. Peanut butter is also packed with vitamin E and several B vitamins (key for maintaining healthy muscles, eyes, and skin and nails) and essential minerals, helping to reduce the impact of free radicals and to improve bone and teeth strength.

Peanut butter has a high fat content, so too much of it could lead to obesity as well as serious health issues such as pancreatitis. Peanut butter’s sodium content can also be an issue. We only use unsalted peanut butter without added sugar and additives and so should you! Avoid the sugar substitute known as xylitol, which is extremely toxic for dogs, as it causes a rapid release of insulin that leads to a significant decrease in blood sugar levels that can be life-threatening if left untreated. When choosing a peanut butter brand for your pooch, opt for the all-natural, organic, and unsalted varieties whenever possible. These varieties consist primarily of peanuts, so there’s no risk of your dog consuming ingredients like sugar or corn syrup, artificial sweeteners like xylitol, or other preservatives that could potentially be harmful.

Peppermint not only tastes great for dogs, but it’s also loaded with a bunch of healthy nutrients including: antioxidants, vitamins A and C, protein, rosmarinic acid (known to relieve seasonal allergies), fiber and loads of minerals. It also includes menthol, that breaks up phlegm and mucus both in humans and dogs. It helps with your dog’s fresh breath and numbs tooth and gum ache.

Rosemary, in most forms (dried, fresh whole plant, tincture or tea) can be used very safely in dogs. It packs a powerful antioxidant punch. This means that it can help eliminate free radicals in your dog’s body. An excess of free radicals is what can lead to age-related health issues. Another benefit of feeding rosemary is that it can prevent spasms on smooth muscles. Additionally, it can help in the case of some cardiac arrhythmias as well as to strengthen the heart. However, if your dog has cardiac issues, please consult your vet before adding rosemary to your dog’s diet or treatment plan. What else? Rosemary can also help your dog digest food better, which can lead to a healthier gut and better absorption of micronutrients. It helps prevent gastrointestinal infection and can even help prevent gas. Rosemary is helpful in the treatment of minor cuts, skin burns, oral, urinary and digestive tract infections.

Spinach is an incredibly nutrient-rich vegetable. It is dense in iron and magnesium, as well as essential vitamins A, C, E and K. Serving your puppy a little bit of spinach on occasion, can help fend off cancer, inflammatory and cardiovascular issues. There is also the potential to raise energy levels and immunity. Spinach also contain calcium, iron, fibre, manganese, folate, and potassium. It boosts the immune system, energy levels, and vitality.

Sweet potatoes are very popular with dogs and our own puppy Lottie regularly gets sweet potato chews. And she loves them! Sweet potatoes are a great source of fiber and they’re rich in vitamins and minerals like Vitamin A, B6 and C, calcium, potassium and iron. Plus, sweet potatoes have more nutritional value and fewer carbohydrates (which can lead to obesity and blood sugar problems) than white potatoes. But they are also a starchy carbohydrate which means they turn into sugar in your dog’s body and whilst meaty bones, organs, fruits and vegetables that are rich in nutrients and therefore important ingredients for dog food and treats, carbohydrates like sweet potatoes are not. For this reason, we keep the proportion of sweet potatoes to a healthy level in our biscuits.

Turmeric is exceptionally remarkable in its anti-inflammatory effect and as such is a must have addition to any dogs diet. Often the existence of inflammation in the body is not apparent until specific health problems arise. Using turmeric regularly therefor acts a preventative measure. It helps alleviate the pain and stiffness associated with arthritis, can lower cholesterol and reduce the potential for blood clots. Turmeric supports liver function by helping to break down fat and remove waste and it can slow down ageing, degeneration and is believed to even contribute to an increase in lifespan. However, your dog’s body won’t absorb turmeric if it’s ingested in isolation. It must be combined with a healthy oil.

Vegetable glycerin is a form of sugar that binds moisture in baked goods and prevents it from spoiling. It is made by heating triglyceride-rich vegetable fats under pressure or together with a strong alkali. This causes the glycerin to split away from the fatty acids and mix together with water, forming an odourless, sweet-tasting, syrup-like liquid.

For us, it is the answer to not adding chemical preservatives to our biscuits. When we started Poppet & Floof and looked for natural preservatives, we found that rosemary, honey and canola oil have preservative qualities, so we added some of these to some of our recipes. However, in order to create consistent biscuits that are vegan and not too oily, but still guarantee a shelf-life of at least 6 weeks and therefore reduce food waste, we continued looking and came across vegetable glycerin. This ingredient helps keep food and treats dry so mold is less likely to start growing, as it “encapsulates” water molecules so that the water in moist treats won’t accelerate spoilage and lead to mold formation. It was important for us to use as little vegetable glycerin as possible, even if both the U.S Food and Drug Administration (‘FDA’) and the European Food Safety Authority (‘EFSA’) class vegetable glycerin as functional and safe when added in pet food as a preservative, as we prefer to use only naturally occurring ingredients. And whilst other companies typically include a minimum of 10% glycerin, which concentrates further when the treats are baked due to the “shrinkage” occurring in baking (which can result in up to 30% of the baked treat consisting of vegetable glycerin), our recipes use considerably fewer vegetable glycerin. So we use the benefits of vegetable glycerin, but don’t compromise your dog’s health.