Feeding & Nutrition

The image of a dog chewing a bone is such a familiar sight. Whether in cartoons, films or TV shows, it’s something we see time and time again – so often that many of us don’t think twice before shovelling leftover bones into our dog’s bowl. But could you be doing more harm than good feeding bones to your dogs? Can dogs eat bones and if not, why not?

Broccoli, the mini trees of the vegetable world, are a staple at the dinner table. But can dogs have broccoli? And should you offer them a couple of pieces from your dinner plate? Keep reading to find out.

Carrots are a wonderfully healthy food for humans. They’re packed full of vitamins and minerals, and they’re tasty too – they make the perfect addition to a roast, and can also be enjoyed as a snack when cut into sticks and served with a generous helping of hummus! As they’re so good for us, you may be wondering whether they have the same benefits for our canine companions too. Keep reading to find out if carrots are good for dogs and how best to add them to your dog’s diet.

Celery goes well with just about anything. You can add it to your salad, smoothie or soup and enjoy the nutrients this vegetable is loved for. Many pet owners have it in the fridge more often than not, which means that our canine friends are bound to get interested in having a bite sooner or later. If you’re not sure how to react to your dog’s pleading eyes, here is what you need to know about feeding celery to dogs and whether celery is good for dogs.

Coconut is a wonderfully delicious treat that finds its way into many dessert and drink recipes, and what’s more, the flesh also makes a great snack by itself. It’s not just humans that have been enjoying coconut in their diet either – recently lots of dog foods and treats have been developed that contain this tropical ingredient. But that begs the question: “can dogs eat coconut”?

Eggs are full of protein and essential amino acids. We know eggs are utterly delicious and nutritious for us humans which is why they feature so often in our breakfasts – sunny side up, boiled or scrambled. But how about our four-legged companions? Are eggs good for dogs too? Keep reading to find out.

Garlic and its tasty smell can be very tempting for some of our four-legged friends. Whether they rush into the kitchen to see what’s cooking, or stare into your soul as you sit down for dinner, dogs have plenty of tricks up their sleeve to get a bite of whatever garlicky feast everyone in the family is enjoying. But should loving pet owners give in and offer dogs that much-coveted bite? Keep reading to find out why garlic is bad for dogs.

Offering your dog titbits of human food is usually not a good idea. And grapes are the prime example why you shouldn’t assume food is safe for your dog just because it’s safe for us humans. Keep reading to find out more about how toxic grapes are for dogs. Can dogs eat grapes? No, grapes can be highly toxic to dogs, so you should never feed this fruit to your pet and make sure that they don’t have easy access to it either. Ingesting grapes or raisins can be fatal for dogs. This is true no matter your dog’s breed, size or the amount ingested. And because scientists haven’t yet identified the exact substance in grapes that is toxic to dogs, your pet should avoid any type of grape-related product. What are the signs of grape poisoning in dogs? The answer to the question ‘can dogs have grapes’ is a resounding no. But if you’re worried that your pet has helped themself, you should contact your vet straight away, even if your pet is not yet showing any symptoms. Signs of grape or raisin toxicity include: • Vomiting • Diarrhoea • Lethargy • Panting and dry nose as symptoms of dehydration • Difficulty breathing • Excessive thirst Do not delay in contacting your vet, as your dog could develop serious health problems such a kidney failure. Why can some dogs have grapes without showing any toxicity symptoms? Whether your dog has eaten grapes in the past and seemed unaffected, or you’ve heard stories about owners feeding one or two grapes to their dog as a treat, there are many reasons why you shouldn’t assume your dog is immune to grape poisoning. Firstly, scientists haven’t yet managed to completely understand why grapes are such a toxic food to dogs. Dosage is one of the main mysteries, as some dogs become unwell after a single grape whereas others have been known to eat several without issues. While the dose considered toxic can vary from dog to dog, it’s not a good idea to try and find out what that is for your dog. Even if your pet does not show obvious signs of poisoning at first, you shouldn’t assume the pet is immune. There can sometimes be a delay in symptoms developing, and by this point your pet could already have very severe health complications. This is why, if you’ve witnessed your dog eating grapes, it’s important to call your vet immediately and not wait for symptoms to show up. The quicker the intervention, the better the chances that your dog won’t suffer fatal consequences.

There’s nothing better than tucking into a soft serve ice cream at the seaside on a hot summer’s day. It’s the perfect treat for keeping cool and something that all the family can enjoy, but does that extend to your four-legged friend too? It’s highly likely your dog will be there are your feet, begging with their best puppy dog eyes – which raises the question, can dogs eat ice cream?

You may be surprised to learn just how much onion we humans consume on a daily basis. Onion and onion powder are added to a vast number of recipes from soups to sauces, and this versatile vegetable is known for bringing an unforgettable flavour to dishes. With onions included as an ingredient in so many things, it’s caused many a pet parent to pause and ask the question “can dogs eat onions or foods that contain them?” Find out if onions are bad for dogs and more in this guide.

You probably already know that chocolate and grapes should not be fed to dogs. But what about another great snack: peanuts? Peanuts are not only tasty, they’re also high in nutrients such as protein and vitamins B6 and E.

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.