Feeding & Nutrition

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.

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!

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? Find out if bones are good for dogs in this article. Can dogs eat bones? If you’re looking for information about feeding bones to your dog, you’ve probably discovered that there’s lots of conflicting advice out there! This is because bones provide some benefits for dogs, but they also carry risks too. Since some of the risks are very serious, we don’t advise feeding bones to your dog. One of the biggest risks is that sharp splinters of bone might damage your dog’s digestive tract. This can lead to a range of problems, including: • Tongue or mouth injuries. • Damage to the throat or oesophagus. • Rectal bleeding. • Peritonitis (a bacterial infection of the abdomen caused by stomach or intestinal punctures). Sometimes these problems can be very obvious, but in other cases the signs can be quite subtle. If you notice that your dog is unwell or uncomfortable after they’ve got hold of a bone, it’s best to contact your vet as soon as possible. If your dog swallows a larger piece of bone, there’s also a risk that it may cause a blockage of the digestive tract. In this case your dog may be uncomfortable and off colour, and might develop vomiting or diarrhoea. Again, it’s important to contact your vet if any of these signs show up. As if digestive problems aren’t enough to worry about with bones, there’s also the risk of choking! If your dog chews off a piece of bone and it goes the wrong way, it could be a serious choking hazard. What’s more, some dogs can break their teeth by chewing on bones. And finally, since bones can’t be completely digested, your dog can develop constipation if they chew on bones too much. In light of all these risks, we don’t recommend feeding bones to your dog at all. So if you’ve been asking yourself ‘can dogs eat chicken bones?’, ‘can dogs eat lamb bones?’, or ‘can dogs eat pork bones?’, you now know the answer to your question! How about cooked versus raw bones for dogs? Cooked bones are particularly dangerous for dogs as they have been weakened by heating, so they can more easily break and splinter. So if your dog manages to get their paws on a cooked bone, it’s really important to watch them carefully afterwards for signs of illness. Raw bones are stronger, but they can still splinter so it’s not recommended to feed them to your canine companion. Plus, they come with their own risks as well! As the bones are raw, they’re more likely to be contaminated with bacteria such as Salmonella. This can lead to diarrhoea or vomiting for your pet, and it also means that your dog’s poo might contain higher levels of harmful bacteria that could potentially pass to humans. This means that it’s important to avoid feeding a raw bone to your dog as well. Aren’t bones good for dogs? It’s true that raw meaty bones do contain some nutrients, particularly in the soft tissues attached to the bone – the meat, cartilage and fat. However, if you feed your dog a complete and balanced dog food, they shouldn’t need any extra nutrients from bones. Another reason why people give bones to their canine companions is to support dental health. Having a good chew can be great for your dog’s teeth as it can crack off tartar and prevent plaque build-up. Chewing also stimulates saliva flow, releasing some antibacterial agents that can help improve oral hygiene. Luckily, there’s a whole range of chews you can give to your dog to keep their teeth nice and healthy, without having to deal with the risks that come with bones! For example, some dental chews have great cleaning action. So, now you know all about whether dogs can eat bones! Looking for more nutritional advice for your dog? Find out if dogs can eat cheese, next.

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. Can dogs eat carrots? Yes, dogs can eat carrots! In fact, carrots are often included in both wet and dry commercial dog foods. What’s more, dogs can eat raw carrots and often enjoy them as a treat, as they produce an extremely satisfying crunch! It’s fine to feed dogs cooked carrots too. Many dogs just love the taste of carrots. Are carrots good for dogs? It’s true that carrots do contain vitamins and minerals, but your dog should get everything they need from their complete and balanced diet, so there’s no need to worry about adding carrots to their food for the nutritional benefit. Carrots are good for dogs as a healthy treat, especially if you’re watching your dog’s waistline. Don’t feed too many though, as carrots are surprisingly high in natural sugars. Always follow the same rule as you would with feeding any other treat, and make sure that carrots and other snacks don’t make up more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake.

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. Can dogs eat celery? Yes, celery is generally considered to be a safe food for dogs. Although it’s not part of the usual dog food menu, celery can be fed in moderation as a snack if your dog seems particularly taken with this crunchy vegetable. Is celery good for dogs? Compared to other fruits and vegetables, celery is one of the better choices for a dog that has developed a taste for green stuff. It’s got a high water content and a low calorie count, plus it contains vitamins K, A and C, as well as iron, potassium and calcium. A vegetable that’s 95% water and contains beneficial nutrients can be added to the healthy dog treats list. Although its nutritional content may suggest that celery is good for dogs, remember that a complete and balanced dog food should already give your four-legged friend all the nutrition they need for a happy and healthy life. So there’s no need to worry about adding celery to your dog’s dinner from a nutritional perspective. Given its crunchy texture, celery may also help with cleaning your dog’s teeth and freshening up your pet’s breath. What are the risks of feeding celery to your dog? Although celery is considered to be safe for dogs, every pup is different. Some dogs will love munching on this green vegetable, while others won’t even care it exists. Similarly, certain dogs can eat it in moderation without any problems, while other pets will end up with an upset stomach. Make sure that if you’re feeding your dog celery for the first time, you only give a little bit and you look out for adverse reactions. Feeding celery to your dog can also pose choking risks. The vegetable is hard and fibrous and some dogs, especially smaller ones, might struggle to eat it if it’s offered in big chunks. This means it’s really important to cut the celery into small bite-sized pieces.

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.

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.

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.