Feeding & Nutrition

Pears are deliciously sweet and juicy fruits that are rich in antioxidants and minerals. As they’re so good for us humans, it may have caused you to stop and think “can dogs eat pears?” Keep reading to find out if your pup can join in the next time you’re enjoying this nutritious and delicious snack and if pears are good for dogs. Can dogs eat pears? The answer is yes- dogs can have pears! They’re fine for them to have as an occasional treat so you can save your pup a slice next time you’re tucking into the ripe green fruit. Just be aware that not all dogs like fruits, so don’t be surprised if your four-legged friend isn’t interested. And always make sure that you chop the pear into small, bitesize pieces and try giving your dog a small bit first to see how they react. Can dogs eat canned pears? No, dogs can’t eat canned pears as these are stored in juices which are very high in sugar and may irritate their digestive tract and give them a very upset stomach. Too many sugary foods can also lead to obesity and tooth decay, so it’s best to limit fruit consumption in general and stay away from canned fruits in particular. Are pears good for dogs? Pears are high in vitamin C and K as well as fibre, but as they’re also very high in sugar and we only recommend feeding a small amount, your dog won’t necessarily benefit from any of these things. But don’t worry, they’ll get everything they need to thrive from a complete and balanced diet.

Roasted, baked, fried, mashed – so many delicious ways to enjoy potatoes, and just as many questions in the minds of dog owners wondering which one of their potato dishes they can safely share with their pet. Unfortunately, there isn’t a simple yes or no answer to the question “can dogs eat potatoes?” Human foods don’t always make an easy transition into the canine world. After all, our dogs have different nutritional checkboxes to tick. And when it comes to quantities, what is an imperceptible amount of salt or sugar in a potato recipe can end up being many times over the maximum daily recommended amount for our pet. That’s why it’s important to understand if and how to offer dogs a piece of that delicious potato dish, so that both you and your pet can enjoy your meals safely and happily. Keep reading to find out more. Can dogs eat potatoes? The answer depends on how the potatoes are prepared. Dogs can eat potatoes as long as they are plainly cooked and offered in moderation. Roasted potatoes, prepared without spices or butter are the best way to let your pet have a taste of a delicious spud. But avoid giving your dog raw or boiled potatoes as they’re not safe for dogs to eat as they contain solanine. Always cook the potatoes before offering them to your pet. As with any human food, make sure you check with the vet before adding it to your dog’s diet. Pooches suffering from diabetes need to be particularly careful when it comes to potatoes. Too much and their blood sugar might become too high. So, if your dog has diabetes, it’s best to avoid potatoes altogether. Can dogs eat sweet potatoes? Yes, dogs can eat sweet potatoes as long as they are cooked and the skin is removed- as this can sometimes be difficult for your dog to digest. Although this root vegetable is packed with fibre and has many vitamins and minerals, it’s always best to offer it to your dog in moderation with their meal or as an occasional treat. The bulk of their diet should always be food specifically designed with the right balance of nutrients for a dog’s system. Other fruits or vegetables such as sweet potatoes are not typically necessary and if offered in large quantities, this can lead to health problems in the long run. You can find out more about dog nutrition for a balanced diet with our easy guide. Can dogs eat mashed potatoes? Yes, as long as the potatoes are roasted and not boiled and no salt, seasonings, milk or butter is added your pet can enjoy this all-time favourite dish. However, there isn’t much nutritional value your dog will be able to get from eating mashed potatoes. Therefore, it’s always best to stick to carefully-formulated dog food that takes into account the specific canine needs. Can dogs eat chips? This salty treat is often a staple in our human diet, but when it comes to canine digestion, the chips’ salt and fat content can wreak havoc on their digestive system. That’s why dogs shouldn’t eat chips or fries at all – instead choose from these healthier treats for your dog. Can dogs eat raw potatoes? Dogs should never eat raw potatoes as they contain a substance called solanine which is potentially toxic to dogs. However, the levels of solanine are reduced when the potatoes are cooked (so long as they aren’t boiled) which is why it’s always best to roast them before offering a bite to your pet. If you suspect your dog ate a piece (or more) of raw potato, watch out for symptoms of solanine intoxication which might include vomiting, diarrhoea or lethargy. Make sure you get in touch with your vet as soon as possible so you can get your dog the help they need as quickly as possible. Can dogs eat potato skin? Potato skins can be difficult for dogs to digest and can cause an upset stomach so if you’re feeding potatoes to your dog make sure you remove the skin first. If in doubt, always check with your vet before offering your dog potatoes or any other food that is prepared for us humans to enjoy. Next, check out our list of harmful foods and substances for dogs, so you can make sure you keep your pet away from these potentially dangerous ingredients.

During the warmer months, it’s common for many of us to grow sweet, juicy raspberries in the garden or buy them from the shop as a deliciously refreshing treat. They’re the perfect healthy snack and taste fantastic in many desserts, but it’s not just us humans that like to munch on the juicy red berries, our dogs can be quite partial to a taste as well! If your dog sneaks a few of these delicious fruits off your prized raspberry bush or keeps begging for a sample when you’re tucking into a punnet, you may be wondering “can dogs eat raspberries?” Find out all you need to know in this guide.

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 sit 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 on 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, provided you feed a complete and balanced diet of high-quality dog food.

Most dogs love nothing more thanmeal time! As soon as you open theirfavouritefood they’ll run in with their tails wagging, whether they’re eating dry kibble or wet food. Both wet and dry dog foods are nutritionally complete andbalanced, andwill provide your canine friend with everything they need for their health and happiness. But you might have wondered what the benefits are, and which your dog will prefer. • What is the difference between wet and dry dog food? • Which one is 'better'? • How can you choose between them? Read on to find out more, and help you decide whether your dog will prefer wet or dry dog food. Wetdogfood contains more water Wetdogfood, of course, contains more water than dry kibble. This means that each meal will appear slightly larger, meaning there’s ‘more’ for your dog to eat, and each meal will last longer too. This water is also a small source of hydration, which is helpful if your dog doesn’t drink as much as they should. Even so, if you serve wet food ensure they always have a bowl of clean fresh water on hand! Many types of wet food also come in portion sizes, such as individual cans or pouches, which makes serving your dog very easy.

To keep them healthy, happy and active for as long as possible, your dog's diet needs the right balance of six major nutrient groups: protein, fats/oils, vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates and water. Did you know that the nutritional requirements for dogs include 37 different essential nutrients through food alone?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

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.