Feeding & Nutrition

As humans, we eat a lot of bread on a daily basis, but can our dogs eat bread too? Find out all you need to know on whether bread is good for dogs and the types to avoid with our guide. Bread is a staple to the human diet, with most of us consuming it in some regard on a daily basis. Whether it’s toast for breakfast, sandwiches for lunch or a big slice of crusty bread to go alongside a stew or soup for dinner, it’s safe to say as a species we eat a lot of bread! As a nation of dog lovers, we love to share everything with our dogs and when they’re giving us their best puppy dog eyes as we tuck into our food, it begs the question: can dogs eat bread? We’ve put together this guide to tell you everything you need to know from is bread good for dogs to the types to avoid. Can dogs eat bread? Yes and no. Dogs can eat small amounts of plain white or brown bread, but it should be only given as the very occasional treat. There are some types which may be toxic to your pup and will contain added extras such as nuts – macadamia nuts are toxic and all nuts are high in fat, which isn’t good for dogs. Plus, breads with chocolate chips, raisins, onions, garlic and some dessert bread may also contain xylitol, so always be sure to double-check the ingredients first.

To keep them healthy, happy and active for as long as possible, your dog's diet needs the right balance of six major nutrient groups: protein, fats/oils, vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates and water. Did you know that the nutritional requirements for dogs include 37 different essential nutrients through food alone?

Has the time arrived for weaning your puppy? Here is how to help them make an easy transition from their mother’s milk to puppy food. Weaning is an important part of your puppy’s development. When your puppy weans, it means they move from relying on their mother’s milk for all their nourishment, to enjoying solid foods. During the period of time from birth to puppy weaning, the mother’s natural instincts will often kick in. She should help the puppies to suckle when they are young, and gradually encourage them to look elsewhere for food, trying the puppy diet that is offered. However, if your female is struggling to feed her puppies you should speak to a vet for advice as this can indicate an underlying health problem such as mastitis. Read on to find out when to wean puppies, how you can them to develop good eating habits and much more. Life before puppy weaning A puppy should stay with their mother and siblings for at least the first 8 weeks of their life. For the first few weeks they will only need their mother’s milk, or a suitable puppy milk formula. Initially, your puppy’s sense of smell will help them find their way to their mother’s teats, where suckling should be instinctive. During this early period, the mother keeps her puppies warm with her own body heat. When the mother temporarily moves away from them, they group together to make up for the loss of heat that her fur provides. She will also lick the puppies to keep them clean and help to stimulate them to urinate and defecate. Human contact is also important during this early period, although you should try to get a balance that does not cause distress to the mother.

Most dogs love nothing more thanmeal time! As soon as you open theirfavouritefood they’ll run in with their tails wagging, whether they’re eating a dry kibble or a wet food. Both wet and dry dog foods are nutritionally complete andbalanced, andwill provide your canine friend with everything they need for their health and happiness. But you might have wondered what the benefits are, and which your dog will prefer. • What is the difference between wet and dry dog food? • Which one is 'better'? • How can you choose between them? Read on to find out more, and help you decide whether your dog will prefer wet or dry dog food. Wetdogfood contains more water Wetdogfood, of course, contains more water than dry kibble. This means that each meal will appear slightly larger, meaning there’s ‘more’ for your dog to eat, and each meal will last longer too. This water is also a small source of hydration, which is helpful if your dog doesn’t drink as much as they should. Even so, if you serve wet food ensure they always have a bowl of clean fresh water on hand! Many types of wet food also come in portion sizes, such as individual cans or pouches, which makes serving your dog very easy.

We offer a huge variety of complete and balanced diets to suit every dog at every life stage, whatever their unique nutritional requirements. Find out about our best dog food brands to suit your canine in this guide. At Purina, we’re proud to offer a wide range of complete and balanced diets to match a variety of age ranges and unique requirements. Our team of vets and nutritionists work tirelessly to create meals that not only provide your four-legged friends with everything they need to thrive, but are also completely delicious to ensure that every meal time is a tail-wagging occasion! Keep reading to find out about our best dog food brands for each life stage and requirement. Best dog food for puppies During puppyhood, it’s extremely important you give your canine companion the best dog food to ensure they get the optimal start to life. That’s why feeding Pro Plan Opti Start is a great choice. This diet contains the nutrients in colostrum, which is the first milk produced by the mother and is very important for supporting the puppy’s natural defences. This means the Opti Start diet is great for giving your pup a good start, and it also contains all the nutrients they need to help them grow up healthy and happy. What’s more, this diet comes in a range of size variants from ‘small and mini’ right the way up to ‘medium’ and ‘large’, so you can be assured your little puppy’s getting the best dog food that’s tailored to their needs. Another good option for your puppy’s diet is our Beta food. Packed full of antioxidants to support natural defences, DHA for brain and vision development, and selected natural prebiotics for digestive health, the Beta puppy food has everything your growing puppy needs. Our Bakers range is another fantastic option to help your pup grow up fit and healthy, featuring added protein for healthy growth and muscle development, as well as vitamin D and minerals to support growing bones and teeth. Whichever puppy food you choose from our range, you’ll be sure to get a complete and balanced diet that supports your pup’s needs. Browse our full range of puppy food in our online shop.

Blueberries are a great, healthy snack for humans, but do they offer the same nutritional benefits for our dogs too? Find out if dogs can have blueberries and if they’re good for them with this article. Blueberries can be especially moreish for us humans. Their small size coupled with their juicy contents means that we often find ourselves reaching for berry after berry. And it makes it even better that they’re packed full of goodness for us to enjoy! Whilst you’re tucking into your delicious snack, you may discover you’re being watched by your four-legged friend, eagerly awaiting with their best puppy dog eyes and might find yourself wondering ‘can dogs eat blueberries?’ We’ve put together this guide to tell you everything you need to know about whether dogs can eat blueberries or not and if blueberries are good for dogs.

As humans, we love cheese and it’s no secret that our dogs often look at us with their best puppy dog eyes whilst we’re munching on it! But, can dogs eat cheese and is it good for them? Find out more with this article. Cheese is a common staple to the human diet. We often find ourselves reaching for the block to add a grating atop our meals and there are so many varieties available that it pairs well with everything! We’re not the only ones who think that cheese is particularly moreish either – our dogs also think it’s pretty much the best thing since sliced bread. But, where it’s obvious that most dogs think the taste of it is nothing short of divine, are they actually allowed to eat it and is cheese good for dogs? Keep reading to find out whether dogs can eat cheese! Can dogs eat cheese? In most cases yes, dogs can eat cheese. When given in moderation it can make a great high reward training treat (particularly when there’s lots of distractions) and most dogs adore the taste of it too. Can dogs eat cottage cheese? Yes, dogs can eat cottage cheese. This type is actually low in fat and sodium so it is actually one of the better options to give your dog as an occasional treat. Can dogs eat blue cheese? No, never give your dog blue cheese. The fungus involved in making blue cheeses such as Stilton can produce a substance called roquefortine C, which dogs can be very sensitive to. If your dog ingests this, they may develop the following symptoms: • Vomiting. • Diarrhoea. • High temperature. • Seizures. The higher the amount of blue cheese your dog eats, the greater risk of them developing the symptoms above. If you notice your dog displaying any of these signs, contact your vet straight away.

Christmas is an exciting time for all the family, and that includes your dog too! Most owners want their four legged friend to be involved in all the festivities, but it's important to know which foods are safe for them to eat. Read our guide to find out what can be included in your dog's Christmas dinner and what should be avoided. Christmas is an exciting time for the whole family and that includes your dog too! It’s only natural that you’ll want your dog to be involved in all the festivities – you might buy them presents and wrap them up and you could even be thinking about making their very own Christmas dinner for dogs. If you want to prepare your pup a special Christmas meal, it’s important to know that there are certain foods that should be avoided as they could cause problems that vary in severity from digestive issues, to possible death. You may be wondering whether dogs can eat turkey, gravy or stuffing? Keep reading to find out which foods are safe and which should be avoided at all costs. Common Christmas dinner foods There are many little pieces that make up the perfect Christmas dinner – only some of which are ok for canine consumption. We’ve looked into the most common food items and whether they’re safe to give as a Christmas dog treat: Can dogs eat turkey? Yes, dogs can eat turkey as long as it’s boneless and skinless. The skin is much too fatty for your dog, while the bones can cause internal damage, so ensure that you’ve taken the time to remove these from the meat before adding it to your dog’s Christmas dinner. Can dogs eat gravy? It’s better not to. While your dog may love the taste of the gravy that humans enjoy, it’s far too salty and fatty for them and should be avoided as it could cause stomach upset, and digestive problems like sickness and diarrhoea. You can try giving them a similar experience with gravy dog food as a Christmas dog treat as this is specially designed for canine consumption. Can dogs eat stuffing? No, stuffing contains onions, spices and herbs. Onions can be toxic for your dog, while some spices and herbs can cause stomach upset. How about Christmas pudding and mince pies? Both of these tasty Christmas treats contain lots of currants, sultanas and raisins which are all highly toxic for your dog, and in some cases if digested they can even cause severe kidney failure. Can dogs eat pigs in blankets? Even though your dog will find bacon wrapped sausages simply delicious, pigs in blankets are too high in salt and fat for them. Pork products should only be fed as a Christmas dog treat if it’s a lean cut and always ensure that it’s properly cooked. Other foods to avoid There are certain ingredients that should never be added to your dog’s Christmas dinner as they could cause serious stomach upset or worse. The following foods should be avoided and placed far out of reach of paws during the festive period: Chocolate Chocolate is highly toxic to dogs and even small amounts can be fatal. Chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine and when small amounts are consumed it can cause serious reactions such as agitation, tremors, convulsions, hyperexcitability and even heart problems. Interestingly, the darker the chocolate, the higher the levels of theobromine.

We love the zesty taste of oranges and their unforgettable smell. And if your dog agrees, it’s natural to wonder if the canine friend is safe getting a taste of this fruit. Whether your dog is pleading to let them have some of that juicy orange you’re snacking on or your pet has already helped themselves to an orange bite unbeknownst to you, you’re probably wondering if dogs can have this tasty fruit as a treat without any unfortunate consequences. Here is what you need to know about dogs, oranges and how to react when your pet is begging for a taste. Can dogs eat oranges? Yes, dogs can eat oranges. This citrus fruit is not toxic or dangerous to dogs, and while oranges have no particular nutrients that could have a negative effect on an otherwise healthy dog, moderation is key. On average, you should not feed your dog more than two orange slices, but keep in mind your dog’s size when thinking about portion control. Don’t forget it’s always best to check with your vet before adding human foods to your dog’s diet, even as an occasional treat. And keep an eye out for your dog’s reaction to the new food.

Pineapple is deliciously packed with nutrients, so it’s natural for owners to wonder if their dog should get a bite of it too. Find out if dogs can eat pineapple and how to feed it to our canine friends. This tropical fruit is a favourite in many households which means chances are our four-legged friends have already crossed paths with the pineapple fruit and its many different guises: fresh, dried, frozen and even grilled. But can dogs actually have pineapple? Is it safe to let our pet have a bite of this beloved fruit? Keep reading to find out. Can dogs eat pineapple? Dogs can eat pineapple, but in moderation. The fruit does not contain toxic or dangerous nutrients for dogs, but you should still monitor your pet for any unusual reactions, such as an upset stomach, especially the first time they eat pineapple. Keep in mind that fruits are high in sugar which might make existing health conditions worse. Always consult the vet before giving your dog new food. Is pineapple good for dogs? Pineapple is packed with various vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, magnesium and iron. However, dogs will get these nutrients and many more from their specially-formulated dog food. There is no nutritional need to add pineapple to your dog’s diet, but if you choose to do so keep in mind that this is a fruit that’s high in sugar, so only allow pineapple snacks for your dog in moderation. If you want to find out more about all the different nutrients your pet needs and how to feed your dog a balanced diet check out our in-depth article.

There’s nothing better than sitting down in front of the TV with a big bowl of popcorn, ready to watch your favourite movie – but are our dogs allowed to join the fun too? Find out all about can dogs eat popcorn and if it’s safe for your pup, here. Movie night isn’t complete without a big bowl of our favourite popcorn. It’s the perfect, easy snack as it only takes moments in a microwave and it’s a fairly healthy treat for us humans, containing high-fibre whole grains. While we’re sat on the sofa consuming handful after handful, it’s easy for us to drop pieces of popcorn, where our dogs will be waiting all too eagerly to gobble it up. But this does beg the question, can dogs eat popcorn? We’ve put together this guide to whether dogs can have popcorn to answer all your questions. Keep reading to find out whether your dog can join in with the next movie night snacks or not. Can dogs eat popcorn? Yes, but only in certain circumstances. Dogs can eat popcorn in small amounts but only if it’s unseasoned and it should only be given as a treat on the odd occasion. It’s also important to remember to follow healthy feeding guidelines and ensure that treats only make up 10% or less of their daily calorie content. Is popcorn good for dogs? While popcorn isn’t bad for dogs, it isn’t necessarily that good for them either. Corn kernels do contain minerals including magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, zinc, fibre and trace amounts of vitamins, but these are all things your dog should be getting from their daily food anyway, providing you feed a complete and balanced diet of high-quality dog food.

When you’re sitting on the sofa and relaxing with your evening cup of tea, you might find that your dog is hanging around too. Since you’re enjoying your cuppa so much, you might be wondering whether your dog can have a bit of tea too. We’ve got all the answers below. Take a look!