Feeding & Nutrition

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.

Strawberries make a delicious snack for us and not to mention they’re also incredibly healthy! But this has got many of us wondering, do these benefits extend to our four-legged friends too? Read our guide to find out if dogs can eat strawberries and if they’re as good for us as they are for them! The summertime is a wonderful season full of blue skies, green fields and of course it just so happens to be strawberry season too! To us humans, these delicious little berries are a superfood and we often find ourselves munching at them or loading them into a healthy smoothie. However, whilst we’re enjoying these juicy, sweet fruits, we’ll likely be watched by a big, soft pair of eyes pleading to allow them just one bite. The notorious ‘puppy dog eyes’ trick is one we’re all familiar with and one we all fall prey to, but can dogs eat strawberries? Are strawberries good for dogs? Keep reading to find out if you can let your pup join you in your next snack time. Can dogs eat strawberries? Yes, dogs can eat strawberries, but they do contain sugar so they should always be given in moderation. Be sure to only feed a small amount (just like you would with any snack) and follow the guideline that treats should make up no more than 10% of their daily calorie intake. Are strawberries good for dogs? No, fruits are high in sugar and can lead to a range of health problems in dogs including obesity, dental disease and diabetes.

With your tiny puppy now all grown up, it’s time to say “goodbye” to puppy formula and “hello” to adult dog food. This usually happens at about 12 months old for small breeds, and around 24 months for giant breeds. Just like people, every dog will have a different requirement when it comes to food intake. Factors such as life-stage, activity levels, breed, size and age can all affect the ideal portion size, and your dog’s needs will change during the course of their life. If you’re not sure how much food to feed your dog and what diet to pick, here are some handy tips from our Pet Care Team. What should you feed your dog? Dogs are omnivorous and need a wide range of nutrients to support optimum health. This includes the correct balance of proteins, fats and oils, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins. In the UK, pet food is governed by over 50 pieces of legislation, and a complete, commercial pet food must meet minimum quantities of specific nutrients to comply with these. This means that a high quality, complete pet food will contain the right balance of everything that your pet needs from their diet. How often to feed a dog? Our Pet Care team is often asked: “how often should I feed my dog?” Many adult dogs are fed twice a day – equivalently breakfast and dinner. However, a puppy should be fed more frequently throughout the day, with three to four (or more frequently when they are very young) meals recommended until at least six months of age. Some smaller breed dogs will also benefit from three smaller meals. Owners of larger breed dogs sometimes opt to feed one meal a day, however if your pet has a tendency to bolt their food, they may be better off with two smaller meals, rather than one big one. Bolting a lot of food at once can lead to gastrointestinal problems. If you’re not sure how often to feed your dog, speak to your veterinary practice.

Everything you need to know about setting up your puppy with healthy eating habits to last them well into the adulthood. Feeding your puppy Your puppy seems small now, but they have a lot of growing up to do in a short space of time! In just 12 months (up to 24 months for larger breeds) they'll become fully-fledged adults. In the meantime their bodies and brains have to develop incredibly quickly, and plenty of high quality puppy food helps them to get there. They definitely need it, as a healthy, energetic puppy can burn through up to twice as many calories as an adult dog! Feeding your puppy is also an important part of taking care of their health and happiness. Once they are old enough to eat solid food – usually when they are six to eight weeks old – it’s time to introduce a diet specially formulated to meet their needs. What to feed your puppy Specially-formulated puppy foods are the ideal diet for the newest member of your family. This is because they are complete and balanced, which means they contain everything your puppy needs to help them grow up healthily. There’s no need for extra supplements or pieces of human food – in fact, these might do more harm than good, no matter how insistently they show you their puppy-dog eyes! Here is what to look for in the best puppy food:

From sizzling bacon in the morning to lunch-time sausages and aromatic pork ribs for dinner, there are so many opportunities for dogs to get excited when pork is on the family menu. But should pork be added to your dog’s menu too? Here is what you need to know before you give in to those pleading eyes and hand over a piece of your pork chop dinner to your canine companion. Can dogs eat pork? Unfortunately, there is no straight answer to this question. Pork comes in a variety of forms – cooked or raw, bones or no bones – so there’s no simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer. It depends on the type of pork and how it’s cooked and served. Pork can take many different guises. It’s not just bacon and ham that dogs might be begging for, there’s also the pepperoni on a pizza slice or the smell coming from a hot dog van that can get tails wagging straight away.

We know it as the versatile ingredient in our cupboard and we can always trust rice to taste good no matter what flavours it sits next to. What’s more, rice also serves as an important source of vitamins and a good source of energy. With all these benefits packed in such tiny grains, who would blame our furry friends for taking an interest in this particular starchy food? But can dogs eat rice? And with so many varieties available, which type of rice is most suitable for canine needs? Keep reading to find out all about dogs, rice and whether the two should meet at dinner time or not. Can dogs eat rice? Yes, dogs can eat rice. In fact, you may have noticed rice featured as an ingredient in commercial dog foods. However, a rice meal on its own should not be a daily affair – rice should only be part of a varied diet that offers all the nutrients your dog needs. Dogs can eat rice in moderation as long as it’s simply cooked, without any seasoning or flavours, and as long as it’s included as part of your dog’s balanced diet. Can dogs eat white rice? Yes, dogs can eat white rice. Although lower in nutritional value than brown rice, white varieties of rice can be included in a dog’s diet. Since it’s fairly bland, vets often recommend white rice for dogs with an upset stomach. White rice has a bigger effect on blood sugar than brown rice though, which means that some people advise caution with white rice for dogs suffering from diabetes. If your dog is diabetic then it’s best to consult your vet as to the best diet to give. Can dogs eat brown rice? Yes, dogs can eat brown rice. What’s more, this type of rice packs a bigger nutritional punch than the white version because it retains the outer layer of the seed which contains many important nutrients. On the downside, brown rice may be harder for your dog to digest for the same reason. This means that many vets recommend white rice over brown for pups suffering from gastro-intestinal problems. Can dogs eat basmati rice? Yes, dogs can eat basmati rice. Just as for other types of rice, as long as you offer portions in moderation, cooked as simply as possible without any salt, dogs should be able to enjoy some basmati rice. Basmati rice comes in white and brown varieties, and vets sometimes recommend white basmati rice as a bland meal to take care of an upset stomach. Is rice good for dogs? Rice is packed with many essential nutrients, but there are a few differences between the different types of this grain. The whole grain version known as brown rice tends to win on nutritional value as it’s higher in vitamins and fibre than white rice. However, your dog should get all the nutrients they need from their complete and balanced dog food, so if you’re only feeding a small amount of rice alongside this food then you don’t need to worry about adding extra nutritional value.

Tomatoes are a staple for many of us. On a daily basis, this versatile ingredient forms the base of several meals from a pasta sauce to a healthy salad. You might also have noticed tomatoes listed as an ingredient in some dog foods, but can dogs eat tomatoes when they’re fresh? Are canned varieties good for them? At Purina, we care about giving your dog the best possible nutrition, so our pet experts have created this guide all about dogs and tomatoes. Keep reading to find out if tomatoes are good for dogs and when to avoid them entirely. Can dogs eat tomatoes? Yes and no. Dogs can absolutely eat ripe, red tomatoes, in moderation. However, tomatoes are in the nightshade family and natural chemicals called solanine and tomatine are found in young, green tomatoes, particularly in the stems and leaves of the plant. Both of these can be harmful in large quantities, and it is best to avoid feeding your pet anything other than the ripe fruits. If you grow tomatoes in the garden, your dog may try to nibble on green tomatoes or leaves, stems and vines, so it’s always a good idea to keep these fenced off or inside a greenhouse that they can’t access. Are tomatoes good for dogs? Tomatoes can make a good occasional, relatively healthy treat, but too much can cause stomach upsets. It’s important to note that tomatoes shouldn’t be added to your dog’s diet on a regular basis as your dog will already be getting all the nutrients they need from a complete and balanced diet. It’s fine to offer some pieces of tomato as a snack on occasion. If your dog has gastrointestinal issues like gastroenteritis, it’s better to avoid tomatoes altogether as they may aggravate a sensitive stomach. When are tomatoes bad for dogs? In some cases, when too much of the green parts of the tomato have been consumed, dogs may get tomatine poisoning, but this is very rare. Some of the symptoms your dog will display if they have this will include:

Tuna is better known as the ultimate cat treat, but dogs can also be attracted to the powerful smell of this popular pantry staple. So, if your dog is begging for a bite, here are a few things you should know before caving in to those puppy eyes. Can dogs eat tuna? Opinions differ when it comes to the question ‘can dogs eat tuna’. Tuna is safely used as an ingredient in many balanced dog foods, but when it comes to feeding extra tuna as a treat, there’s some conflicting advice out there. Some experts don’t hesitate to recommend this fish, while others advise against adding extra tuna to your dog’s menu. There are definitely reasons to be cautious with tuna, but when fed very occasionally in moderation, tuna is unlikely to cause health issues for your dog. Every dog is different, so if you want to feed a dog tuna it’s important to offer very small quantities at first, to see how your dog reacts. Is tuna good for dogs? Tuna is rich in protein, minerals and vitamins – all important nutrients for a dog’s health and wellbeing. It also contains Omega 3 fatty acids which are good for the health of the skin, coat and cardiovascular system. This means that tuna is useful in some dog foods as a source of various nutrients. When it comes to feeding extra tuna as a treat, there’s no need to give it for nutritional value. If you feed your dog a complete and balanced dog food, they should get all the nutrients they need from that. Why is tuna sometimes considered harmful to dogs?

Watermelon is a wonderfully refreshing treat for us humans, it’s the perfect snack for chopping into wedges, chilling in the fridge and enjoying throughout warmer summer days, but are our dogs allowed to enjoy the juicy, colourful fruit too? Read this guide to find out all about whether dogs can eat watermelon and if there are any nutritional benefits! Can dogs eat watermelon? Yes, dogs can eat watermelon! There are a few precautions you’ll need to take though, such as removing the large seeds as these can cause an intestinal blockage if too many are consumed, particularly if your dog is a smaller breed. Another thing to be aware of with watermelon is the rind, as this can cause gastrointestinal upset. Watermelon is also high in sugar, like many fruits, which means it should not be fed too regularly or it can contribute to the risk of obesity and diabetes. If you’re in doubt about your dog chomping on watermelon, always ask for your vet’s advice. Is watermelon good for dogs? If you’re wondering if watermelon is good for dogs, the answer isn’t simple! These deliciously juicy fruits are 92% water, so they’re great for a hydrating snack, particularly on warmer summer days. It’s much better than giving your dog an ice cream, which can cause stomach upsets from the milk.

Human foods are not always dog-friendly. A few bites of the wrong ingredient and our dear canine friends might soon be in a world of trouble. Whether it’s an upset stomach or a more severe toxic reaction, dogs can suffer serious consequences from eating food that’s best left to their owners. So it’s natural for owners to think twice before sharing their favourite treat with their pets. Apples are so often found in our households, whether in the shape of a pie or just lying loose under the apple tree in the garden, so it’s easy to see how a dog might manage to sneak plenty of mouthfuls of this fruit before their owner realises what has happened. But can dogs eat apples? And are they good for dogs? In this article we’ll look at some of the best ways to share this beloved fruit with your pet. Can dogs eat apples? Yes, dogs can eat apples in moderation. As long as you keep the seeds and apple core away from canine teeth, your pet should be able to enjoy this fruit as an occasional treat. However, due to the sugar content in apples (and other fruits as well), it’s best to ask your vet’s advice if your dog is on a special diet, overweight or suffering from diabetes. It’s also important to note that pieces of apple can be a choking hazard if they’re too big. When you’re feeding apple to your dog, make sure to cut it into small bite-sized pieces. And don’t forget to keep an eye on your pup when they’re trying their very first slice of apple. This way you’ll be able to notice any unusual reactions and, if they do happen, you’ll know to keep the fruit bowl out of their paws’ reach the next time. Are apples good for dogs? ‘An apple a day keeps the doctor away’... but does this famous saying apply to the vet as well? Well, apples do contain various nutrients that are beneficial not just for us, but for our dogs too. These include antioxidants, vitamins A and C, fibre and potassium. However, if you feed your dog a complete and balanced diet, they should gain all the nutrients they need from that and they shouldn’t require any extra top-up from fruit. Apples can be good for dogs for another reason as well though: since they have a crunchy texture, they may help to clean dogs’ teeth and freshen up their breath.

Avocado has taken the world by storm in the last few years. This versatile fruit is a hit that’s often added to salads, served straight on toast or combined with other ingredients to create a hearty guacamole. With avocado becoming more and more commonplace in our households, the question “can dogs eat avocado?” has cropped up more than once! If you’re wondering if your dog can join you in snacking on the nation’s favourite superfood, keep reading. Find out if avocado is good for dogs and more in our guide. Can dogs eat avocado? This is a bit of a tricky question, but the answer is that it’s best not to feed your dog avocado. We suggest erring on the side of caution because avocados contain Persin, a fungicidal toxin. It’s known to result in serious health issues and, in extreme cases, death in larger animals such as cows and horses. Dogs are more resistant to Persin than other animals, but it can still cause health issues when given in large amounts. Persin is mostly located in the leaves and bark of the avocado plant and in the pits and skin of the fruit, but it is also found in the flesh of the avocado in a less concentrated amount. With this in mind, all parts of an avocado can potentially be hazardous. The Persin content is also higher in un-ripened fruit. While Persin toxicity is unlikely in dogs, it’s still best to avoid the risk. And since avocado can also cause other issues such as stomach upsets, we suggest avoiding avocados entirely and offering your dog safer fruits that don’t come with these health risks. What happens if my dog eats avocado? Small amounts of avocado flesh are unlikely to cause problems. As regards toxicity, the flesh is the part that contains the lowest levels of Persin. However, larger amounts of avocado are riskier, and there is one published report of two dogs developing heart failure after eating a lot of avocados over a long period. If your dog does eat a large amount of avocado at once, it is more likely that they will develop vomiting or diarrhoea, as avocados are high in fat which can potentially cause a stomach upset. High-fat foods can also lead to pancreatitis in dogs, a very serious condition. Another concern is that the pit or stone of an avocado can be a choking hazard or potentially cause an obstruction in the gut, so ensure your dog can’t get their paws on this. If you grow avocado plants in your home or garden, make sure they’re out of paws’ reach. If your dog has eaten some avocado, keep an eye on them for any symptoms or changes. If you spot anything concerning, take your dog to the vet. What about dog foods that contain avocado? The only occasion where avocado is good for dogs is when it’s in a complete and balanced commercial dog food. These products will usually contain avocado oil or avocado meal, which is where the flesh is dried and ground. Neither of these ingredients contain a significant amount of Persin, and they are completely safe for your dog to eat at the levels used in the dog food. In fact, these avocado products can actually be a good source of vitamins A, B6, C and E, as well as fibre, which is excellent for digestive health, and fatty acids, which are important for coat and skin condition. Now you know the answer to “can dogs have avocado?”, and although your dog can’t enjoy a dip of guacamole or a slice of your avocado on toast, there are still loads of safe human foods your pup can enjoy! Check out our useful daily feeding guides for more information. Why not find out if your dog can eat cheese, next?

Bananas are a wonderfully healthy snack for us humans. They’re great to grab quickly on the go, add into a smoothie or serve as a fantastic dessert topping – and to top it off, they contain a great variety of healthy nutrients and they’re a good source of fibre. Knowing the nutritional value bananas bring to our diets, many pet parents have paused to ask the question “can dogs eat bananas?” We’ve created this guide to tell you everything you need to know about bananas for dogs so you can help your four-legged friend to snack responsibly. Can dogs eat bananas? Yes, dogs can eat bananas! Unlike other fruits, no part of the banana is toxic. However, dogs can find the peel hard to digest, so it’s best to avoid feeding this. Also, if your dog’s currently on a special diet or has certain health issues such as gastroenteritis or diabetes, bananas might not be the best idea. In these situations, it’s worth checking in with your vet prior to feeding to get custom advice about what’s best for your dog. Are bananas good for dogs? Just because bananas are fine for your dog to eat, this doesn’t mean that they’re the best food for dogs. Although bananas contain nutrients such as potassium, vitamin B6 and vitamin C, we only recommend giving banana in small servings, so these nutrients won’t make much difference overall. Additionally, your dog will get everything they need to thrive from their complete and balanced diet, so there’s no need to add banana as a supplement. Another thing to bear in mind is that bananas contain natural sugars and too much of these can cause weight gain which could lead to health issues such as obesity. Always follow the rule of 10% when offering treats to your dog and ensure that treats don’t make up more than 10% of their daily calorie intake. How should I feed my dog bananas? When giving your dog bananas, you should always peel them first. As mentioned previously, the peel isn’t actually toxic but it contains a very high amount of fibre which could cause diarrhoea. It’s also very hard for your dog to digest and it could even cause a blockage in their digestive system. The best way to feed your dog bananas is to cut the peeled fruit up into appropriate bite-sized chunks, and offer a small piece to try. You can also try mashing it up and stuffing it in a Kong dog toy as it makes a fun and tasty filling. Alternatively, if your dog’s not a fan of the texture of bananas, you can freeze the fruit in small cubes. This makes a wonderfully refreshing treat on warm summer days! Before introducing any new foods to your dog it’s always best to check with your vet as they will be able to recommend serving sizes and also give advice on whether or not it’s a good idea to feed the food in question to begin with. Now you know that dogs can have bananas! Want to find out more dog feeding tips and guides? Check out our article on can dogs have strawberries, next!