Canine nutritionist Laura Crotch-Harvey MSc BSc (Hons) at Burns Pet Nutrition spoke to Express.co.uk about which foods you should and shouldn't be feeding your pet.
“Dogs can eat many human foods, but we must be cautious because some human foods are poisonous to dogs,” said Laura.
Poisonous foods include anything containing onions, raisins and chocolate, and even foods high in fat that can “negatively impact your dog's health”.
Additional toxic foods include ice cream, candy, and some peanut butter, which may contain an artificial sweetener named xylitol.
Instead, some “great” options to share with your dog include vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, green beans, and cucumber.
“You can offer these vegetables cooked or raw,” Laura certified, but what about meats?
Laura said: “If you're adding extras like chicken, be mindful that you may need to reduce their daily food intake to account for this.”
The canine nutritionist explained: “One important aspect to consider is providing a complete diet, which ensures your dog receives all the necessary nutrients.
“At Burns we have a free nutrition advice helpline where we will take into account your dog's specific needs.”
This is because some dogs are high-energy while others are more leisurely paced, which means they are likely to have different nutritional needs.
As for dog food itself, Laura said: “There isn't one best food to feed dogs… there is no evidence to suggest that one type of food – whether wet, dry, or raw – is superior.”
The best pet food for your dog will depend on the individual dog, if it has any allergies, and its energy levels.
However, it's a good start to look for “high-quality ingredients” when looking at the packaging.
Laura added: “At Burns we have a free nutrition advice helpline where we will take into account your dog's specific needs.”
