Feeding & Nutrition

Some dogs may experience sensitive digestion, and might need a food that can provide them with a nutritionally balanced diet, without giving them an upset stomach. Your dog deserves to have a healthy digestive system. When he is given all the nutrients he needs, along with a tasty meal, you’ll know about it! He’ll be thriving, energetic and bursting with life. For your dog to be healthy and living life to the full, a sensitive diet may be required. A healthy digestive system will absorb the nutrients from food and turn them into energy. This energy will help to enable your dog’s protective immune cells to create a barrier between him and any harmful microbes and toxins. All in all, a healthy digestive system will give your dog a happy and fulfilling life. HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOUR DOG HAS A SENSITIVE STOMACH? If your dog’s stools are consistently soft or poorly formed, your dog may have a sensitive stomach. Occasional diarrhoea and loose stools are normal for dogs, usually due to a microflora imbalance. However, if this is a frequent occurrence, a sensitive stomach could be the cause. This may be a sign of a food intolerance or an allergy. If you think this could be the case for your dog, get your vet to examine your dog. There are lots of different types of dog foods for dogs with sensitive stomachs which could be more suitable for your pet. For more information, consult your vet. For more information on caring for your dog’s sensitive digestion please contact our Purina Pet Care Advice Teamhere.

A balanced diet is essential for your dog’s long-term health. To ensure they get one, you need to be aware of the following. SIX OF THE BEST To help them lead an active, healthy life, your dog’s diet needs to have the right balance of the six major nutrient groups: • Proteins • Fats and oils • Minerals • Vitamins • Carbohydrates • Water Unless your dog is pregnant or nursing, or suffering from a particular condition, there is no reason to change their food from the early days of adulthood until the end of the sixth year when your dog reaches ’senior’ status. Dogs have different nutritional needs from humans. Whereas we are advised to eat fresh fruit and vegetables to provide vitamin C, the bacteria in a dog’s stomach produces enough vitamin C so they don’t need any more in their diet. Dogs are not true carnivores and can’t exist on meat alone. A high-quality commercially prepared dog food like PRO PLAN® has been carefully formulated to provide the proper balance of all the nutrients a dog requires, as well as tasting good. DOG NUTRITION IN A NUTSHELL Ideally, dogs need a combination of meat, cereals and vegetables to get the right nutritional balance. WHAT A DOG NEEDS Protein Proteins, made from amino acids, are the building blocks of the body. The proteins you feed your dog (like chicken, lamb or salmon) are responsible for releasing energy and forming muscle, skin, hair, antibodies, enzymes, haemoglobin and hormones. Fats Fats and oils provide the ‘fuel’ your dog needs to stay active – supplying more than twice as much energy as protein and carbohydrates. Fats and fatty acids are essential for good skin and coat condition and a healthy immune system. Fats are also important in improving the taste and digestibility of food. Carbohydrates Common carbohydrates like cereals and rice are an excellent energy source. Fibre also supports the digestive process. Minerals Minerals, such as calcium and phosphorous, are essential for strong bones and teeth, cell and tissue development, fluid balance and metabolic processes. Minerals must be carefully balanced; an excess of one can lead to a deficiency in another. Vitamins Vitamins are required in small amounts to help maintain growth, a healthy skin and coat, and to support the immune system. Too much of certain types can be harmful, while a deficiency in others can be equally damaging. Fat-soluble vitamins, (A, D, E and K) are stored in your dog’s fatty tissues, whereas water-soluble vitamins (B-complex and C) are excreted in the urine. Unlike humans, dogs do not require a dietary source of vitamin C. Water Water is essential for all living things and dogs are no exception. The amount of water dogs need depends on several factors, including air temperature, exercise levels and whether or not they are eating canned or dried food. Water regulates the body’s temperature, transporting nutrients around the body and removing waste. You should make sure your dog has access to clean, fresh drinking water at all times. WHAT NOT TO FEED YOUR DOG If you prepare some of your dog’s meals from scraps or specially purchased meat, take care. These diets are often too high in meat and not rich enough in other important nutrients and minerals, like calcium. On top of that, some common human foods such as rhubarb, soya, onions, grapes, spinach, beetroot and undercooked maize or kidney beans are poisonous to dogs. Chocolate can be extremely harmful, and should never be fed to your dog. As little as 60g of cooking chocolate can kill a medium-sized dog! For more information on a balanced diet for your dog please contact our Purina Pet Care Advice Teamhere.

Dogs love to chew. So as owners research appropriate ways to channel this behavior, they may wonder, "Are rawhide bones bad for dogs?" Some are. But you can find rawhides that are healthy for your dog. Keep reading to learn what to look for in rawhide for your dog. Do dogs need to chew? They do! Dogs have an instinct to chew on things. So, a chewed-up shoe or gnawed furniture leg isn't your dog acting out. He's satisfying his need to chew. Giving him a rawhide can be a good way to redirect his behavior (and keep your belongings safe). What is rawhide? Rawhide is the skin of animals such as cattle or pork that is removed, dried and prepared for your dog to eat. Rawhides come in different shapes, sizes and sometimes has added flavor. Why is some rawhide bad for dogs? Companies with subpar quality and safety standards can make rawhide that is bad for dogs. "There are chemicals used in the process of removing the hide. Good quality rawhides have been washed and cleaned,” explains Purina Senior Nutritionist Jan Dempsey. But not all companies remove those chemicals as part of their production process. Other ways rawhide can be harmful to dogs include: • Bacteria-if it is not manufactured responsibly • Choking-if eaten in large chunks or swallowed whole • Digestive upset-if your dog’s system is sensitive How can I be sure rawhide is good for my dog? There are a few things to check that indicate rawhide is good for your dog. • Check out the manufacturer • Look at size • Observe your dog chewing “If the rawhide is not good quality or from a recognizable company that has good quality control procedures, it could have contamination,” says Dempsey. The process that companies use to gather and prepare rawhide is key when determining if rawhide bones are right for your dog. Another way to make sure rawhide is good for your dog is to look at the size. “You want rawhide that is big enough to easily chew,” explains Dempsey. You know your dog’s habits, including how he chews and eats. Take that knowledge and think about what shape and size could be appropriate for your dog. Rawhides are meant to be eaten over time, which means they get smaller gradually. “You don’t want rawhide to be so small it can become a choking hazard or they haven’t chewed it enough and it becomes a blockage,” says Dempsey. Is rawhide safe for puppies? Puppies can try a rawhide. But wait till they are about 6 months old. Their mouths are not fully developed and a rawhide may be too hard for them.

Small dog food Small-breed dogs (<10kg) have higher ratios of surface area to body weight than larger breed dogs. They have a higher metabolic rate because of this ratio, therefore they have higher energy requirements. As a result, you should be feeding an energy-dense food containing more calories in a smaller volume than larger breed dogs. Some small breeds can also be picky eaters, so it is a good idea to feed thema highly palatable food. Energy density is a key factor in choosing the optimal dog food, but it also is important to consider the food’s nutrient content. Your dog’s nutritional health means receiving the proper proportion of required nutrients for their particular life stage. Protein, fat and carbohydrates are the key energy-producing nutrients, but dogs also need specific vitamins and minerals. Water should always be available, as it ensures appropriate hydration, helps regulate body temperature, and is fundamental at a cellular level for every process in the body. To compare nutrients in dog foods, you should always subtract the level of water already present in food. For example, dry food generally contains about 10 percent water, and wet food contains upward of 60 percent. The nutrients are contained in the dry ingredient portion of the food. Nutrient levels are expressed as a proportion of metabolizable energy, or energy that is ultimately available for the dog to use. Feeding a food that is appropriate for your dog’s life stage is imperative. Small-breed puppies are considered adult anywhere from 9 to 12 months old depending on the breed, while large and giant breeds may not fully mature until they are 18 months to 2 years old. Adult dogs should be fed to maintain ideal body condition. Variables that impact their energy requirement, and therefore their body condition, include age, gender, metabolism, reproductive status including neutering, activity level, and general environment. At around age 7, dogs start to enter into their senior years. This is marked by internal physiological changes that may not be apparent externally, such as a slowing down in the efficiency of the brain to metabolize glucose, the primary energy source. Senior dogs are also more at risk of both obesity and weight loss, so it is vital to maintain muscle mass while minimising fat gain. You canachieve this by feeding a diet with appropriate protein and fat levels. Choosing the right food for your small-breed dog is a revolving job. The right choice depends on his life stage, lifestyle and changing nutritional needs. Your ability to balance the energy density of your dog’s food to the energy needs of your dog will help promote a healthy life. It is important to follow the feeding guidelines relative to your dog’s individual needs and to perform a monthly body condition score. Feeding to Ideal Body Condition Please be mindful that feeding guidelines are suggested amounts based on their average energy requirements. Some dogs may need more or less food than suggested due to their individual status and activity level. Regularly examine your dog’s physique and monitor his body condition. That is the best way to determine how well your dog’s diet meets his activity level. If your dog has a full coat, you should get under the coat. This means putting your hands on the dog and feeling its ribs. You should be able to feel the ribs without excess fat. When you look down at a dog from above, his waist should be apparent behind the ribs in an hourglass shape. Finally, when viewed from the side, your dog should have a tummy tuck with a smooth, upward graduation from just behind the ribs to under the pelvis. The amount of food fed should be adjusted up or down to maintain the dog in an ideal body condition throughout your dog’s life.

You should feed puppy food until your puppy reaches maturity. Once he has reached maturity, you can switch toadult dog food. Not all breeds reach maturity at the same age, however, so this can make it harder to know when to switch. How Long to Feed Puppy Food Puppies need a complete and balancedpuppy fooduntil they reach maturity. Although dogs who are one year or older are often considered adults, this isn’t always the case. For dogs, adulthood depends more on breed size than their age. Because large and giant breeds take longer to mature, they need to eat puppy food longer than small- or medium-sized breeds. Here’s how long to feed puppy food based on breed sizes: • Toy and Small Breed Dogs:Manytoyandsmall breed dogsweigh less than 20 pounds at maturity and reach this size between 9 and 10 months of age. • Medium Dog Breeds:Medium-sized dogsweigh between 21 and 50 pounds at maturity. They tend to reach maturity around 12 months of age. • Large & Giant Breeds:Large breeds andgiant breedsweigh between 50 and 100 pounds, respectively, and can take 18 months to 2 full years to reach maturity. They need to eat puppy food longer than small- and medium-sized breeds. If you have a mixed breed dog or aren’t sure how big your dog will be at maturity, it’s best to consult with your veterinarian. They can tell you when to switch to an adult dog food and help make it a successful transition. “As puppies get older and reach maturity, it is important to monitor their food consumption. Leftovers in a bowl could signal that your puppy is getting full and needs less calories throughout the day. Start by offering less food per feeding and continue to monitor his body condition,”says Purina Nutritionist Karina Carbo-Johnson, MS. Why Adult Dog Food is Important Puppy food is nutrient rich and high in calories to support your puppy’s growth, development and high energy levels. Continuing to feed puppy food past the point of maturity could cause him to become overweight, which can lead to other health problems. Choose a complete and balanced adult dog food formula once your puppy reaches maturity to help him maintain his ideal body condition. When to Switch Puppy to Adult Food Once you know when your puppy will reach maturity, you can decide when to switch to adult food. If your puppy will be full grown at 12 months, you can start transitioning him to an adult formula around his first birthday. It can take 7 to 10 days to make the switch, so you’ll want to plan for that before you start. How to Transition Puppy to an Adult Dog Food When you stop feeding puppy food, you must change more than just the food he eats. The number of meals and portion sizes will shift, too. Most puppies eat three meals a day, but adult dogs can eat just two meals per day. The feeding guide on your dog’s food label will tell youhow much to feed your dogeach day and to split the amount into two meals. When it’s time to transition your puppy to an adult dog food, do so gradually. A gradual transition helps prevent stomach upset. Here’s a sample transitional feeding plan: • Days 1 to 2:Feed 3/4 of the normal amount of puppy food and add 1/4 adult dog food. • Days 3 to 4: Serve half puppy food and half adult dog food. • Days 5 to 7:Feed 1/4 puppy food and 3/4 adult dog food. • Days 8 to 10:Serve only adult dog food. If your dog resists eating the adult food or experiences an upset stomach, extend the transition time as needed. Consult with your veterinarian for more help if needed. For more information and tips on puppy and dog nutrition from ourexperts, visit our Pet Expertise page.

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. Could you share your favourite treat with your favourite pooch and not fear an impromptu visit to the vet later on? Keep reading to find out if dogs can eat peanuts and whether or not peanut butter is a good idea for your four-legged friend. Can dogs eat peanuts? Yes, in small amounts. Although peanuts are not toxic to dogs and your pet can enjoy their nutritional benefits when fed occasionally, peanuts can also be potentially unsafe for dogs in particular instances. For example, you should avoid salted or flavoured peanuts or any with a chocolate coating. The best peanuts to feed a dog are unsalted, dry-roasted or raw peanuts (without the shells), ideally offered sparingly as a small treat. It’s always a good idea to talk to your vet before feeding your dog any human foods. Asking for specialist advice for your particular dog can go a long way towards avoiding unusual reactions including potential allergies or gastrointestinal issues. How to feed peanuts to your dog As with any human food you intend to feed your dog, simple is best. Unsalted peanuts might not be your first choice, but for dogs, that’s exactly how snacks should be: free from any seasoning and flavourings. Make sure you remove the shells as these can be a choking hazard. You can also minimise the risk of choking by crushing the peanuts instead of offering them whole. Another good tip is to offer only a few peanuts every now and then. Even if your dog loves them, daily servings are not ideal and they can quickly nudge your dog’s calorie count over the limit.

You may be surprised to learn just how much onion we humans consume on a daily basis. Onion and onion powder are added into 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. Can dogs eat onions? No, dogs shouldn’t eat onions. These vegetables contain a compound called N-propyl disulphide which is highly toxic for dogs. This compound can cause the breakdown and eventual destruction of red blood cells and lead to anaemia. In extreme cases, onion poisoning can be fatal for dogs. How bad are onions for dogs? The toxic effect of onions depends on how much your dog eats and the size of your dog. According to The American Kennel Club, 100g of onion per 20kg of a dog’s weight can lead to toxic effects. This means that only a relatively small amount of onion can be deadly to a small dog. To be on the safe side, we recommend not giving any onion at all to any dog. All parts of the onion are bad for dogs, including the flesh and leaves, as well as the juices and powders that are created from this vegetable. So, if you grow onions in your garden, it’s a good idea to keep them fenced off away from opportunistic dogs. Can dogs eat cooked onions? No, dogs can’t eat cooked onions. Cooking and frying them doesn’t have an impact on how poisonous they are. Symptoms of onion toxicity If your dog’s eaten onions, they could show signs of illness within a day, but sometimes it takes several days for the signs of anaemia to become apparent. The following symptoms can develop: • Decreased appetite • Pale gums • Lethargy • Weakness • Collapse • Red tinge to urine • Vomiting and/or diarrhoea • Elevated heart rate • Panting If you notice your dog displaying any of the symptoms listed above, take them to the vet straight away for diagnosis and treatment. A speedy response can make the world of difference. How are dogs treated for onion toxicity? The treatment for onion toxicity depends on how much onion your dog has eaten and when they had it. If you discover that your dog has eaten onion and you manage to get them to the vet soon enough, the vet may be able to induce vomiting to get the onion out of your dog’s system before it can be digested. However, this only works as a preventative measure if you can take action quickly enough. If your dog develops symptoms of onion toxicity, they will need supportive treatment. In extreme cases where the dog is in a critical condition, a blood transfusion may be necessary. If your dog’s red blood cells have been severely affected, your vet will also provide ongoing care to help return them to their normal happy and healthy selves. Preventing onion toxicity Always keep onions out of reach of your dog as these vegetables can be extremely dangerous if ingested. Also, be sure to check the ingredients before offering any human foods to your dog as a lot of ready-made soups and sauces contain onions. Better yet, avoid human foods entirely and only feed your dog foods and treats specially created for dogs. Now you know that onions are bad for dogs, why not learn more about the foods your dog can enjoy and what to avoid? Read our guide on can dogs eat pineapple, next.

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? We’ve put together this guide to tell you all you need to know about whether dogs can have ice cream. Keep reading to find out more. Can dogs eat ice cream? It’s best to avoid giving your dog ice cream. While it’s not toxic or seriously harmful, dogs actually have a hard time digesting dairy as, after they’re weaned as puppies, they lose the enzyme needed to digest the lactose in milk. The odd lick is unlikely to prompt a visit to the vet, but it’s better to be safe than sorry and avoid ice cream entirely. Is ice cream good for dogs? Dogs have difficulty digesting milk and as such, feeding them dairy products such as ice cream can lead to diarrhoea and vomiting. Another factor to consider in the ‘can dogs have ice cream’ debate is that it’s often packed full of sugars and a single scoop will likely contain near to your dog’s daily recommend number of calories which can eventually lead to dental disease, diabetes or weight issues. Not to mention, there’s a wealth of ice cream flavours which are very hazardous to dogs such as chocolate and rum and raisin which are both highly toxic to dogs. Additionally, some of the ingredients added to ice cream, such as peanut butter, can contain xylitol which is also toxic. Sugar-free ice cream can also contain xylitol. What about vegan ice cream? While vegan ice cream won’t contain dairy, it may be made with certain nut-based milks which can be harmful for dogs and as with normal ice cream, there may be sugars, additives or ingredients in the mix which are also hazardous. Dog friendly ice cream alternatives To keep your four-legged friend safe, we recommend putting down the scoop and opting for a dog-friendly ice cream alternative instead. Here are some ideas: Frozen bananas One very popular option with pooch owners is to freeze bananas and then blend them. Do not feed whole frozen chunks as these can be a choking hazard.

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.

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. Can dogs eat garlic? No, dogs should not eat garlic as it is toxic. This is one of the reasons it is safest not to give your dog human food leftovers from your dinner, as many meals contain garlic in some form. Why is garlic bad for dogs? Garlic is poisonous to dogs due to a compound called thiosulfate. Thiosulfate is not toxic to humans, but in dogs it causes damage to their red blood cells which are responsible for carrying oxygen around the body. When the red blood cells are damaged, less oxygen will reach your dog’s tissues, so they may appear weak and lethargic. Dogs that consume too much garlic can also end up suffering from gastrointestinal issues, which is another reason to keep the garlic cloves out of their reach. What are the signs of garlic poisoning in dogs? If you suspect your dog has got their paws on some garlic you should contact your vet for advice. Here are some of the signs of garlic toxicity: • Lethargy • Abdominal pain • Vomiting • Diarrhoea • Drooling • Panting • Weakness However, keep in mind that the symptoms of garlic poisoning may take a while before they become obvious. If you think your dog has had too much garlic but they seem their usual self, it can take a few days before the symptoms appear, and it is better not to delay contacting the vet. Can dogs eat garlic bread? No, dogs should not eat garlic bread. Even the small amounts of garlic found in bread can be harmful for your pup. Plus, garlic bread can also too much oil, butter and salt for a pet. Find out more about when dogs can eat bread with our quick guide. If garlic is poisonous to dogs, why do some experts still recommend it? Unfortunately, there is often mixed messaging, especially online. If you’ve heard about the benefits of garlic for dogs, you may be wondering how can garlic be both beneficial and toxic at the same time. The answer is that the quantity of garlic your dog consumes may affect their risk of suffering the consequences of a toxic reaction. In theory, this means that a very small quantity of garlic may not harm your dog, and some people think the nutrients can be beneficial. However, it is very difficult to know what a ‘safe’ quantity of garlic is, and as this is likely to vary between individuals, it is not worth the risk. Your pet will also be gaining all of the vitamins and minerals they need from a complete, balanced pet food which does not require supplementing. Find out more about what a balanced diet means for dogs and, if in doubt, check out our list of harmful foods for dogs.

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. Can dogs eat eggs? Yes, dogs can eat eggs. Although it is not recommended to feed your dog eggs every day, they should not cause harm as the occasional treat. While eggs are full of nutrients, these are not necessary for your pet’s diet as they will get everything they need from a high quality, complete dog food. As with everything you feed your dog, moderation is key, so make sure you’re not overfeeding your pet. Eggs can be prepared in so many delicious ways: hardboiled, poached, scrambled. Unfortunately, we can’t ask our canine friend directly how they like their eggs, but we do know how healthy each method of cooking eggs is. From raw to boiled, here is what you need to know about feeding eggs to your pet. Can dogs eat raw eggs? Do not feed your dog raw eggs. One of the main risks of feeding raw eggs is potential Salmonella infection. These bacteria can live on the shell as well as inside the egg and while it’s relatively rare in the UK, it’s better not to risk this. Biotin deficiency is another potential consequence of feeding your dog raw egg whites on a long-term basis. Biotin is otherwise known as Vitamin B7 and plays a role in maintaining healthy skin, supporting cell growth and supporting your dog’s metabolism. A protein called avidin, found in raw eggs, can bind biotin and reduce your pet’s intake of this vitamin. The cooking process deactivates avidin, which is why cooked eggs do not cause biotin deficiencies. For these reasons, it is always better to feed your dog cooked rather than raw eggs. Can dogs eat scrambled eggs? Scrambled eggs are ok as an occasional treat, as long as you offer them plain scrambled eggs, without any added salt, pepper or butter. This means that you should avoid sharing your breakfast with your pet, as it’s likely to contain seasoning we humans enjoy, but that can be detrimental to your pet’s health.

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”? At Purina, we’ve got the answers you’re looking for. Keep reading to find out if dogs can have coconut, including the flesh, oil and even the milk! Can dogs eat coconut? Coconut flesh is not toxic to dogs, but it can cause problems if you feed too much. Coconut is relatively high in calories, so it can lead to unwanted weight gain. It’s also got a high fat content which can lead to stomach upsets and also increase the risk of pancreatitis, a serious condition. For this reason we only recommend feeding coconut in small quantities, and checking with your vet first. Your vet may advise against feeding coconut if your dog has certain health issues or is overweight. Can dogs eat coconut oil? Coconut oil is also non-toxic to dogs, but again it can lead to weight gain or digestive problems if you feed too much. Just as for coconut flesh, we recommend talking things through with your vet before feeding. Coconut oil is used in safe amounts in various commercial dog food diets and treats. Can dogs have coconut milk? Coconut milk is also non-toxic, but many products on the shelves will contain additional additives that you won’t find in the flesh of the coconut. This adds an extra element of concern on top of the risks of obesity and gastrointestinal problems if you feed more than a small amount. For these reasons, your vet may well advise avoiding coconut milk.