Feeding & Nutrition

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?

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.

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.

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 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 so 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.

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.

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.

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.

Have the creators of the iconic Lady and the Tramp spaghetti scene taken artistic licence or does pasta really make a safe and delicious meal for our canine friends? Some of our favourite human foods are known to cause serious health issues for our pets, so it’s natural for owners to worry that spaghetti or noodles might belong to the same category of harmful foods. If you’re wondering whether dogs can have pasta or not as you dig into the delicious heap of spaghetti on your plate, here is what you need to know about this food and your dog’s nutritional needs so you can make the best decision for their health and wellbeing. Can dogs eat pasta? Dogs can have pasta, but there are a few important caveats. You should only offer them pasta that’s been cooked without sauces or salt. This is why the delicious heap of pasta on our plates is usually not the kind of treat dogs should have, especially if ingredients toxic to our pooches such as garlic or onions are part of the recipe. Plus, the pasta itself should not feature on your dog’s menu too often as it can lead to extra pounds for your pet. So, if you do decide to spoil your dog with this human food, make sure it’s only a small quantity once in a while. As always, it’s best to ask the vet’s opinion before adding any human food such as pasta, noodles or spaghetti to your dog’s diet. Is pasta good for dogs? Pasta isn’t necessarily bad for dogs in that it’s not toxic for them, however it’s also not a part of their normal balanced diet. Whether or not you should give your dog pasta will depend on how often they get to have their own Lady and the Tramp moment and if they have any health conditions. Dogs can have pasta if they’re not suffering from sensitivity to grains or wheat allergy. But keep in mind that they won’t get much nutritional value out of this food. After all, pasta is mainly carbohydrates, which in the right amounts give your pet some tail-wagging energy, but in large quantities can be detrimental to their weight and health. It’s also important to remember that dogs can easily get this energy (along with a lot of other important nutrition) from a good quality dog food. Therefore, your dog is okay to enjoy the occasional titbit of pasta, but it shouldn’t become a regular part of their main meal. Can dogs eat spaghetti?

Mushrooms are making their way into more meals in recent years, but can your dog enjoy a nibble on fungi too? Find out if dogs can eat mushrooms and which ones to avoid in our guide. Mushrooms bought from the shops are an incredibly versatile ingredient and as humans, we enjoy the fungi in a great number of meals. Whether it’s an earthy addition to a fry up or a hearty meat alternative in veggie dishes, mushrooms pop up in some of our favourite dishes. There are many varieties out there, some of these are poisonous. So you should only forage for wild mushrooms with expert guidance. You may have wondered “can dogs eat mushrooms? Especially when a straggler falls on the floor whilst cooking or a dog gives you puppy eyes as you tuck into dinner. At Purina, we’ve got all the information you need to know about if mushrooms are bad for dogs or not, and the low down on the varieties you should avoid. Can dogs eat mushrooms? Similar to humans, some mushrooms are fine for dogs to eat, while others can be toxic. Dogs can eat mushrooms bought from a supermarket or other shop, preferably organic, unseasoned and raw. But you should always avoid any wild mushrooms. As there’s such a vast variety of mushrooms and they’re so difficult to tell apart, you should treat any wild mushroom with caution as some are incredibly poisonous. If you suspect your dog has eaten one, contact your vet as soon as possible. If you spot wild mushrooms growing in your garden, you should remove them as soon as possible. Can dogs eat cooked mushrooms?

Sweet and exotic in flavour, it’s easy to see why mango is one of the most popular fruits. But can we share a bite with our four-legged friends? Find out if dogs can eat mango in this guide. There’s nothing better than tucking into a sweet, juicy mango. While you’re tucking into this tropical fruit, you may notice you’re being watched by your four-legged friend with their best begging face pleading for a share. But can dogs eat mango? Is it safe to share your sweet fruity treat with your dog? Find out if it’s safe and healthy for you to offer your dog a piece and if mango is good for dogs in this guide. Can dogs eat mango? Yes, dogs can eat mango! It’s sweet and tasty which means many dogs love it and the flesh is very soft and easy for them to eat too. However, it’s very sugary and should only be given in small amounts as an occasional treat. Can dogs eat mango skin? While mango skin is edible, it may be difficult for your dog to digest and may cause tummy upset. We only recommend feeding your dog mango without the skin. Can dogs eat mango stones? Any fruit stones – including mango stones – can be harmful to dogs. Before offering your dog any mango, always make sure you remove the stone. Not only is it a potential choking hazard and may cause an intestinal blockage, it also contains small amounts of cyanide, which is toxic. Can dogs eat dried mango? Dried mango is OK for dogs to eat, but it’s best to stick to fresh as when dried, mango contains much more sugar content. Plus, mangoes lose a lot of their nutritional benefits when dried, so fresh is always best.

We love our dogs and only want what’s best for them, so it’s hardly surprising that interest in homemade dog food is up. Find out all you need to know about homemade dog food and why it’s best to seek expert advice before starting your pet on a home-prepared diet. Our dogs are our best friends and part of the family, so it’s only natural that we wonder if we can have them join in on our family meals – food is the way to (most) dogs’ hearts after all! But it’s not as clear- cut as just cooking an extra portion of whatever you’re having – homemade dog food can be quite tricky to get right. You’ll need to ensure that what you’re cooking meets all of your pet’s nutritional requirements. This means we advise that you don’t switch to a home-prepared diet without consulting with a vet or pet nutritionist. If you’re thinking about preparing home-cooked dog food, keep reading to find out everything you need to know. Are homemade dog food recipes healthier? Usually not! According to the American Kennel Club many vets don’t believe that feeding homemade food is better than a diet of commercial dog food. There’s currently a lack of evidence to suggest there are any benefits of homemade dog food that dogs can’t already get from a complete and balanced dry or wet food. In fact, vets actually worry that homemade dog food can sometimes be detrimental to dogs’ health, particularly if these diets aren’t formulated properly or are created without the help of a registered nutritionist or veterinarian. What are the possible benefits of homemade dog food? • Allows you to have full control over your dog’s diet as you can choose what goes in. • Home-prepared diets can aid in the management of food intolerances, as you can avoid ingredients which have caused your dog dietary issues in the past. However, there are now so many commercially prepared dog foods available for managing allergies and intolerances that you’re unlikely to need to switch to home-prepared food purely for this reason.

Is your fruit bowl constantly watched by those prying canine eyes? If your dog is keen to try every fruit you bring home, it’s worth checking which ones are actually safe for them to eat, so you can avoid an emergency trip to the vet. Here are some of the safest options you can choose. Some are sweet, some are sour, but they’re all delicious, low in calories and packed with many of the vital nutrients our bodies rely on. Fruits are one of the best parts of a healthy diet for us humans, so it’s natural to want to share all of that goodness with our canine companions. But does the ‘five a day’ mantra apply to our dogs too? Dogs are omnivores, which means their diet should include both meat and plant-based foods. However, if you feed your canine companion a complete and balanced dog food, this should contain all the nutrients they need and they won’t require any extra fruit or veg to keep them healthy. Fruit can be a great way to treat your dog though, but it’s important to remember that the high sugar content means it’s more appropriate as an occasional treat than a daily indulgence. So, as long as you offer them in moderation, your dog can enjoy some of your favourite fruits too! If you’re wondering what fruits are safe for dogs to eat, here are a few ideas to help you decide what to add to your shopping list. Apples Remove the core and the seeds and you’ve got a great fruit snack ready for your dog to enjoy. Apples are high in vitamins A and C, and there’s a good amount of fibre in each serving, making it one of the best types of fruit to offer to your dog. Do bear in mind that apple seeds contain a tiny amount of cyanide which is toxic to your pet (and to humans, but the quantity is too small for us to worry about). Make sure you remove the seeds and cut the apple into small pieces your dog can easily handle. It’s important not to feed too large chunks, as they could be a choking hazard for your pet.