Feeding & Nutrition

Yes, dogs can eat yogurt, but only certain kinds of yogurt and in small quantities. The good news is yogurt contains calcium and protein – plus, it’s a tasty treat. Keep reading and find out the answer to the question, Is yogurt good for dogs? What is the Best Kind of Yogurt for Dogs?According to Purina Nutritionist Karina Carbo-Johnson, MS, “Plain or non-fat plain without any sweeteners or preservatives is the best kind of yogurt to give to your dog.” There are yogurts your dog can enjoy and may even be good for them. You need to check the ingredients first, though. Dogs should never eat any yogurt containing xylitol (also known as birch sugar or birch sap), a common sweetener in human foods. Even a small amount of xylitol-sweetened yogurt is toxic for dogs and may lead to liver failure because it accumulates in the liver tissue. It’s also best to stay away from yogurt flavored with fruits or any “mix-ins,” as these frequently have added sugar in the form of syrups and may also use artificial sweeteners. Also, dogs may have difficulty digesting the lactose in yogurt. After puppyhood, dogs’ ability to digest lactose usually decreases. As a result, ingesting too much lactose can result in gas, GI distress, diarrhea and vomiting. How Do I Know How Much Yogurt to Give My Dog?The right serving size for dogs varies based on the kind of yogurt and your dog’s: Size Weight Daily calorie intake Underlying health issues Activity level Neuter status When you know your dog’s daily nutritional needs, you can determine how much yogurt your dog can have. “Yogurt should be fed as a treat; therefore, yogurt should be no more than ten percent of your dog’s daily caloric intake,” Carbo-Johnson explains. Where Can I Find Nutritional Information About Yogurt?The amount of yogurt you can feed your dog will vary based on the type of yogurt. Check the label and pay attention to the calorie and fat content so you can measure the right serving size. You don’t want to let your dog have too much yogurt. “Adding a tablespoon for an average-sized dog is a fun way to incorporate new textures while limiting calories,” Carbo-Johnson suggests. Can Dogs Eat Greek Yogurt?Yes, Greek yogurt is great for dogs, provided it is xylitol-free. Your dog may even like the texture of Greek yogurt more. It’s thicker because the whey gets strained out. Other kinds of yogurt your dog can enjoy include: Plain Low-Fat Naturally flavored Frozen Are the Probiotics in Yogurt Good for Dogs?Probiotics are good for you and your dog. If you’re following the 10 percent rule, though, this amount of yogurt won’t be enough to get many probiotic benefits from its active cultures. Instead of feeding your dog more yogurt, talk with your veterinarian. They can recommend a specially formulated probiotic supplement or dog food that will better support their needs. When it comes to dog treat and food recommendations, hear from our pet experts at our Pet Expertise page.

Lemons are toxic to dogs and ingestion can result in several potential health issues. While dogs might eat small amounts of lemon without any serious adverse effects, both the high citric acid and sugar content can be problematic for them.The good news is your dog will likely be equally as enthusiastic about chomping down on a sour, bitter-tasting lemon slice as you are. Lemons have a flavor most dogs would usually try to avoid.So, while a dog who licks or attempts to eat a lemon may have a strong reaction to the taste that may seem comical, feeding your dog a lemon isn’t a joke. Why Do Dogs Have a Strong Reaction to Lemons? “Dogs do not like bitter taste and will generally have a negative reaction,” Purina nutritionist Karina Carbo-Johnson, MS explains. “Sour taste can also be detected, but it’s not always negative. Dogs have learned to avoid bitter tastes due to association of poisonous foods, leading to better survival rates.”Today, dogs don’t usually eat lemons, and for good reason. Citrus fruits contain essential oils and a chemical compound toxic to dogs. They’re found in the plants, tree parts, skin and pithy white parts of the lemon. Are Lemons Bad for Dogs? Yes, lemons are bad for dogs. Dogs tend to eat things they shouldn’t, including grapes, plants and even poop. In minimal quantities, lemons might be fine for a dog, assuming they would be willing to eat it. But lemons are loaded with compounds, essential oils and acids that are toxic to dogs. They’re also high in sugar. Lemon Components Toxic to Dogs Citric Acid: Citrus fruits, including oranges, grapefruits, certain berries and lemons have high levels of citric acid. While humans are fully capable of ingesting citric acid, dogs are different. Just a few pieces of these fruits can cause your dog to have an upset stomach. Larger amounts can give your dog more serious health issues like central nervous depression. Symptoms of central nervous depression can include drowsiness, confusion, loss of coordination and loss of consciousness.Limonene: This terpene is produced by all citrus fruits, including lemons, and gives citrus fruits their unique odor. Limonene is also toxic for dogs who ingest it. d-limonene contains insecticidal properties that, if ingested by a dog, can cause serious harm when it metabolizes in the liver. The consequences of d-limonene ingestion can include toxicity, poisoning, liver damage and even liver failure.Linalool: Found in all lime trees and responsible for the floral aroma of citrus fruits is linalool. This terpene is, like limonene, an insecticide and is often used as an ingredient in soaps and lotions. Both leaves and the lemon fruit itself have high concentrations of linalool and if your dog ingests them, it’s a cause for concern. Linalool can cause long-lasting and severe symptoms for dogs, including liver damage and liver failure.Psoralen: Present in citrus, including lemon and lime trees, psoralen is a plant compound that can cause phototoxicity or photosensitivity in dogs. The symptoms of psoralen can include skin and eye sensitivity to sunlight. Health Risks for Dogs Who Eat Lemons Lemon poisoning in dogs can lead to a wide range of possible health risks for dogs, including:Rash or skin irritationWeaknessDrowsinessNervous depressionConfusionDiarrheaLoss of coordinationCollapseExcessive droolingLow blood pressureTremorsVomitingPhotosensitivityIf you observe your dog displaying any of these symptoms, call your veterinarian immediately.Are Other Citrus Fruits Bad for Dogs?There are a few other citrus fruits that are also not good for your dog. Most of them happen to be tart or sour. Limes, just like lemons, are high in citric acid, so your dog should not eat them. Another fruit to keep out of reach is grapefruit.What Fruits Can Dogs Eat? There are a lot of fruits that are healthy for your dog and some that aren’t, so it’s best to do your research. Dogs can eat apples (once the seed and core are removed), blueberries, watermelon and more.These fruits are less acidic than citrus fruits and may have some benefits for dogs, too. It’s essential, however, to feed fruit as a treat and in moderation. The majority of your dog’s diet should come from a complete and balanced dog food.How Much Fruit Can Dogs Eat? How much fruit a dog can eat depends on the size of your dog and their nutritional needs. The 10 percent treat rule is a good guide. “We recommend feeding your dog no more than ten percent of their total calories for the day, whether it’s fruit or another treat,” advises Carbo-Johnson. That means a few pieces of fruit are enough.Discover more foods that you can feed your dog and others you shouldn’t by visiting our Pet Expertise page and hear from our pet experts.

With special celebrations such as Christmas, Ramadan, and birthdays, it's important to remember that some of our favourite foods can be harmful or even toxic to our furry friends. While it may be tempting to share the joy of the festivities with our dogs, certain foods can pose serious health risks. To ensure their safety and well-being, it's best to stay away from the following foods: Grapes and Raisins Grapes and raisins, often found in fruitcakes, desserts, or even as a snack, can cause kidney failure in dogs. The exact toxic substance in grapes and raisins is still unknown, but ingestion can lead to symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, decreased appetite, and increased thirst. It's best to keep these treats away from your furry friend and ensure they don't have access to any dishes or desserts containing grapes or raisins. If your dog accidentally consumes grapes or raisins, seek veterinary attention promptly. Chocolate Chocolate is a beloved treat during celebrations, but it contains theobromine, a substance that is toxic to dogs. Even small amounts can cause symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, increased heart rate, and in severe cases, seizures or even death. The darker the chocolate, the higher the concentration of theobromine, making it even more dangerous for dogs. It's crucial to keep all chocolate products securely out of your dog's reach and avoid sharing any chocolate treats with them. If you suspect your dog has ingested chocolate, contact your veterinarian immediately for guidance. Onions and Garlic Onions and garlic, commonly used in savory dishes, contain compounds that can damage a dog's red blood cells, leading to anemia. Symptoms may include weakness, pale gums, increased heart rate, and even collapse. It's important to avoid feeding your dog any foods seasoned with these ingredients and be cautious of any dishes that may contain onion or garlic powder. Keep all onion and garlic-containing foods securely out of your dog's reach. Nuts While nuts can be a tasty snack for humans, some varieties, such as macadamia nuts, can be toxic to dogs. Macadamia nuts can cause symptoms like weakness, tremors, vomiting, and an increased body temperature in dogs. Other nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, can also pose a choking hazard or cause gastrointestinal upset. It's best to avoid sharing any nuts with your furry friend and be cautious of any dishes or desserts that may contain nuts. During celebrations, it's crucial to consider your dog's health and safety and be mindful of the foods you offer them. Instead of sharing potentially harmful human foods, opt for dog-specific treats that are safe and enjoyable for them. There are many delicious and festive dog treats available that can add to the joy of the festivities without compromising your dog's well-being. You can also involve your dog in the celebration by giving them their own special treat or toy to enjoy. If you suspect your dog has ingested any harmful foods, contact your veterinarian immediately for guidance and assistance. They can provide appropriate advice, recommend any necessary treatment, and monitor your dog's condition to ensure their health and safety. By being proactive and cautious, you can ensure a joyful and hazard-free celebration for both you and your furry friend.

Bananas are wonderful 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 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!

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 during 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.

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.

Christmas is an exciting time for all the family, and that includes your dog too! Most owners want their four-legged friends 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. For more information read our article on 'Can Dogs Eat Bones?'. 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. 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.

Many owners know that dogs shouldn’t eat chocolate, but do you know why? An accidental chocolate button dropped on the floor can be gone in an instant - so be sure that you know what to do if your dog eats chocolate. We all like to indulge in a delicious bar of chocolate time after time, and we’re all about sharing the experiences and flavours we love with our canine friends. But there is such a thing as too much of a good thing, which is particularly true with chocolate. It may surprise you to learn that dogs eating chocolate can be fatal as it’s highly poisonous and if they eat even the smallest amount, you’ll need to seek veterinary help straight away. At Purina, we care about your dog’s health and want to make sure they’re happy and healthy, which is why we’ve created this guide to tell you all you need to know about chocolate poisoning in dogs and what to do if your dog eats chocolate. Can dogs eat chocolate? No, dogs can’t eat chocolate. Although not all canines are as susceptible to becoming ill from eating chocolate, it isn’t good for any dog. Feeding your dog some of your Easter egg as a treat will probably have the opposite effect that you intend, and can result in some hefty vet bills. Why is chocolate bad for dogs? Chocolate contains an ingredient called theobromine, which human beings can metabolise naturally, but dogs can’t. Due to this, ingesting any foodstuff containing it leads to a build-up of theobromine, which can become toxic. Are there certain types of chocolate which are worse than others? Some chocolate contains higher levels of theobromine than others. Dark and cooking chocolate and cocoa have the highest levels, whereas milk and white chocolate have the lowest. It only takes less than an ounce of dark chocolate to poison a 19kg dog, so if you suspect your dog’s ingested even the smallest amount, seek veterinary help right away. Unfortunately, there’s no way to determine the exact amount of chocolate that a dog has to consume to become at risk of serious illness, as every animal’s metabolic rate is different. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning in dogs If you suspect your dog of eating chocolate, keep a close eye on them for the next 24 hours, as this is when symptoms will most likely start to develop. Some of the signs of chocolate poisoning in dogs you can look out for are listed below:

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 of 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 are 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.

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.

Having puppies is both exciting and exhausting for you and your pet. Whilst it’s wonderful to welcome adorable bundles of fur into your home, it’s hard work for a new mum to grow, deliver and look after a mischievous litter! Therefore it’s more important than ever for you to make sure your dog is getting everything theyneeds from theirfood. Eating right will make sure that both mum and her puppies are happy and healthy. Although adult-formula food is great for everyday use, your dog will need an extra boost of nutrients when pregnant, especially if they'reexpecting a large litter. Mums-to-be can get the higher amount of energy and protein that dogs need from high-quality puppy food. Feeding your pregnant dog a puppy formula will help to support your pet during and after pregnancy. Your dog’s body condition (and any other medical requirements) can affect what nutritional demands your petwill have when expecting. You can find out more about your dog’s body condition with our body conditioning tool.

There are many common foods that dogs can’t eat and non-food substances, including plants, which are potentially poisonous. Some of these you’ll know, while others might come as a surprise. Many foods, medicines and plants which are safe for humans, can be toxic to our pets. In fact, some common household items can be life-threatening for dogs. We’ve put together this comprehensive guide so you can learn about poisonous foods for dogs, which plants to avoid and what chemicals to always keep out of reach of your four-legged friend. Some of the items on this list may surprise you! What foods can'tdogs eat? We all love to treat our pups to the occasional treat! While some human foods are fine in moderation, others should be avoided entirely. Harmful foods for dogs include: Certain fruits and vegetables Many fruits and vegetables are fine for dogs to eat in small quantities, butcan pose a choking hazard if they're notcut into small piecesand fed under supervision. However, the following foods should be avoided, and can be very toxic, even in small amounts: • Raisins. • Sultanas. • Grapes. • Onions. • Garlic. • Some kinds of wild mushrooms. Other plants that can cause toxicity in dogs when eaten in largequantitiesinclude: • Rhubarb (mainly leaves). • Potato leaves and stems. • Tomato leaves and stems. • Apple seeds, Cherry pits, Apricot pits, Peach pits, present a small risk only but can cause obstructions in the digestive system.