Diet

What do dogs eat?

The good news is that most dogs are not fussy eaters! If it were left to them most dogs would happily eat just about anything. But it’s up to you to ensure they’re getting the right types of food that will keep them healthy and happy.

Your vet can recommend a suitable diet for your dog based on their age, health and general dietary requirements. Typically it’s good to provide your dog with a mix of both dry and wet food, along with some fresh foods. Did you know dogs like carrots?

Mix it up

As with any good diet, variety is key. There are many different types of dog food on the market today. Your choice in what to give your pooch can be based on many different factors such as their age, general health and how active they are.

Speak to your vet and do some research around what your dog’s dietary needs are and if you’re stuck, there are a range of nutritionists available who specialise in doggy diets!

Give a dog a bone

A raw meaty bone once or twice a week will not only delight your dog, but is also excellent for keeping their teeth and gums in top condition.

Always make sure the bone is large enough that it can’t be swallowed whole and never feed your dog bones that have been cooked – they can splinter and cause internal damage.

How often?

How often you feed your dog depends on a few factors including age, breed, size and how active it is. As a general rule dogs should be fed at least twice a day.

However, as your dog ages, or if you notice any changes in its weight or approach to food, check in with your vet to make sure you’re still on the right track with your feeding schedule.

If your dog is pregnant ask your vet about the changes you’ll need to make to her diet.

General feeding tips

As a general rule:

• Feed your dog at similar times each day.
• Serve food in a clean, unbreakable bowl and remove any uneaten portions after half an hour.
• Place the bowl on a non-stick mat to stop it moving around as your dog tucks in.
• Always have plenty of fresh drinking water near your dog’s food.

Puppies and older dogs

Depending on the life stage they're at, dogs can have different dietary needs. See our puppy health or older dogs sections for more information.