Feeding & Nutrition

As humans, we eat a lot of bread on a daily basis, but can our dogs eat bread too? Find out all you need to know on whether bread is good for dogs and the types to avoid with our guide. Bread is a staple to the human diet, with most of us consuming it in some regard on a daily basis. Whether it’s toast for breakfast, sandwiches for lunch or a big slice of crusty bread to go alongside a stew or soup for dinner, it’s safe to say as a species we eat a lot of bread! As a nation of dog lovers, we love to share everything with our dogs and when they’re giving us their best puppy dog eyes as we tuck into our food, it begs the question: can dogs eat bread? We’ve put together this guide to tell you everything you need to know from is bread good for dogs to the types to avoid. Can dogs eat bread? Yes and no. Dogs can eat small amounts of plain white or brown bread, but it should be only given as the very occasional treat. There are some types which may be toxic to your pup and will contain added extras such as nuts – macadamia nuts are toxic and all nuts are high in fat, which isn’t good for dogs. Plus, breads with chocolate chips, raisins, onions, garlic and some dessert bread may also contain xylitol, so always be sure to double-check the ingredients first.

Pineapple is deliciously packed with nutrients, so it’s natural for owners to wonder if their dog should get a bite of it too. Find out if dogs can eat pineapple and how to feed it to our canine friends. This tropical fruit is a favourite in many households which means chances are our four-legged friends have already crossed paths with the pineapple fruit and its many different guises: fresh, dried, frozen and even grilled. But can dogs actually have pineapple? Is it safe to let our pet have a bite of this beloved fruit? Keep reading to find out. Can dogs eat pineapple? Dogs can eat pineapple, but in moderation. The fruit does not contain toxic or dangerous nutrients for dogs, but you should still monitor your pet for any unusual reactions, such as an upset stomach, especially the first time they eat pineapple. Keep in mind that fruits are high in sugar which might make existing health conditions worse. Always consult the vet before giving your dog new food. Is pineapple good for dogs? Pineapple is packed with various vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, magnesium and iron. However, dogs will get these nutrients and many more from their specially-formulated dog food. There is no nutritional need to add pineapple to your dog’s diet, but if you choose to do so keep in mind that this is a fruit that’s high in sugar, so only allow pineapple snacks for your dog in moderation. If you want to find out more about all the different nutrients your pet needs and how to feed your dog a balanced diet check out our in-depth article.

With your tiny puppy now all grown up, it’s time to say “goodbye” to puppy formula and “hello” to adult dog food. This usually happens at about 12 months old for small breeds, and around 24 months for giant breeds. Just like people, every dog will have a different requirement when it comes to food intake. Factors such as life stage, activity levels, breed, size and age can all affect the ideal portion size, and your dog’s needs will change during the course of their life. If you’re not sure how much food to feed your dog and what diet to pick, here are some handy tips from our Pet Care Team. How often to feed a dog? Our Pet Care team is often asked: “how often should I feed my dog?” Many adult dogs are fed twice a day – equivalently breakfast and dinner. However, a puppy should be fed more frequently throughout the day, with three to four (or more frequently when they are very young) meals recommended until at least six months of age. Some smaller breed dogs will also benefit from three smaller meals. Owners of larger breed dogs sometimes opt to feed one meal a day, however if your pet has a tendency to bolt their food, they may be better off with two smaller meals, rather than one big one. Bolting a lot of food at once can lead to gastrointestinal problems. If you’re not sure how often to feed your dog, speak to your veterinary practice.

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

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.

You may be surprised to learn just how much onion we humans consume on a daily basis. Onion and onion powder are added into a vast number of recipes from soups to sauces, and this versatile vegetable is known for bringing an unforgettable flavour to dishes. With onions included as an ingredient in so many things, it has caused many pet parents to pause and ask the question “can dogs eat onions or foods that contain them?” Find out if onions are bad for dogs and more in this guide. Can dogs eat onions? No, dogs shouldn’t eat onions. These vegetables contain a compound called N-propyl disulphide which is highly toxic for dogs. This compound can cause the breakdown and eventual destruction of red blood cells and lead to anaemia. In extreme cases, onion poisoning can be fatal for dogs. How bad are onions for dogs? The toxic effect of onions depends on how much your dog eats and the size of your dog. According to various studies,100g of onion per 20kg of a dog’s weight can lead to toxic effects. This means that only a relatively small amount of onion can be deadly to a small dog. To be on the safe side, we recommend not giving any onion at all to any dog. All parts of the onion are bad for dogs, including the flesh and leaves, as well as the juices and powders that are created from this vegetable. So, if you grow onions in your garden, it’s a good idea to keep them fenced off away from opportunistic dogs. Can dogs eat cooked onions? No, dogs can’t eat cooked onions. Cooking and frying them doesn’t have an impact on how poisonous they are. Symptoms of onion toxicity If your dog’s eaten onions, they could show signs of illness within a day, but sometimes it takes several days for the signs of anaemia to become apparent. The following symptoms can develop: • Decreased appetite • Pale gums • Lethargy • Weakness • Collapse • Red tinge to urine • Vomiting and/or diarrhoea • Elevated heart rate • Panting If you notice your dog displaying any of the symptoms listed above, take them to the vet straight away for diagnosis and treatment. A speedy response can make the world of difference. How are dogs treated for onion toxicity? The treatment for onion toxicity depends on how much onion your dog has eaten and when they had it. If you discover that your dog has eaten onion and you manage to get them to the vet soon enough, the vet may be able to induce vomiting to get the onion out of your dog’s system before it can be digested. However, this only works as a preventative measure if you can take action quickly enough. If your dog develops symptoms of onion toxicity, they will need supportive treatment. In extreme cases where the dog is in a critical condition, a blood transfusion may be necessary. If your dog’s red blood cells have been severely affected, your vet will also provide ongoing care to help return them to their normal happy and healthy selves. Preventing onion toxicity Always keep onions out of reach of your dog as these vegetables can be extremely dangerous if ingested. Also, be sure to check the ingredients before offering any human foods to your dog as a lot of ready-made soups and sauces contain onions. Better yet, avoid human foods entirely and only feed your dog foods and treats specially created for dogs. Now you know that onions are bad for dogs, why not learn more about the foods your dog can enjoy and what to avoid? Read our guide on can dogs eat pineapple, next.

Asking yourself ‘what do dogs eat’ for the picky eater who’s always turning their nose up when dinner is served? Or are you just looking to spoil your pooch with the most delicious canine meals ever? Here are some great food ideas for dogs. Does the way to a dog’s heart go through their stomach? If so, it’s sometimes difficult for owners to find the right path. Since we can’t ask our four-legged friends directly, we need another way to find out what dogs like to eat. Luckily, thanks to pet nutrition experts, we do have a good idea about the foods that a dog’s taste buds will love and their tummies will approve of. If you’re wondering what makes your pet’s tail wag in pure joy at dinner time, here is all you need to know about what their favourite meals are made of. Are dogs omnivores?

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.

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.

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.

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?

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?