FAQ: Food for dogs

Compare prices per kilogram and the cost of a daily portion, buy bigger packs if you can use them within about 4–6 weeks, and buy during genuine discounts. Weighing the food precisely also saves money, as the dog doesn't eat more than it needs.

Wet food multipacks are often cheaper per pack than single tins, and the different flavours help you find out which one your dog likes. Compare the price per kilogram and make sure every flavour in the pack suits your dog, especially if it is allergic to a protein.

Yes, small packs or samples let you check whether your dog likes a new food and digests it well before buying a big bag. The price per kilogram is higher, but you avoid an unnecessary large purchase.

Compare the current price with the product's price history: if the price was raised before the promotion, the discount may be illusory. Also check the price per kilogram, as the promotional pack may be smaller.

Shops apply different mark-ups, promotions, loyalty discounts and delivery terms, and prices change often. So it is worth comparing the same food across several shops and looking at the total including delivery.

Yes, products can be compared by price per kilogram, so you can see which pack or offer is really cheaper. You buy in the shop itself, which the link takes you to.

Foods for active dogs have more energy, protein and fat, so less is needed for the same amount of energy. Match the portion to the workload and watch the weight, and in quieter periods return to the usual food or a smaller portion.

The main meal is best given a few hours before exertion or afterwards, once the dog has cooled down and settled. During long work, small snacks and water during breaks help maintain energy.

Usually not: a complete food already contains all the vitamins and minerals needed, and extra amounts can lead to an excess. Supplements are only justified for a specific reason identified by a vet.

Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are sometimes recommended for skin, coat or joint problems. Many foods already contain them, so ask a vet before giving extra and follow the label.

A small amount of vegetable oil is sometimes added for the coat, but it adds a lot of calories and can cause diarrhoea. A complete food already has enough fat, so there is no need to add more without a reason.

Foods are sometimes recalled because of contamination, incorrect vitamin levels or other safety issues. Makers, shops and food safety authorities publish the information, so keep the pack, or at least the batch number, until the food is used up.

Eating cat food now and then won't hurt, but it isn't suitable as a regular diet: it is higher in protein and fat, so the dog may gain weight or get an upset stomach. If you have a cat, keep its bowl out of the dog's reach.

Drinking-quality tap water is usually fine for dogs. What matters is that the water is fresh and the bowl washed daily; there is no need to boil it or buy special water unless a vet advises otherwise.

Feed the dogs separately, in different places or rooms, and take the bowls away after 15–20 minutes. That way each dog gets its own food and the faster eater doesn't finish the other's portion.

Usually because it eats too fast or the kibble is too small for a large dog. A slow-feeder bowl, larger kibble or soaking the food helps; if the coughing keeps happening or the dog has trouble swallowing, see a vet.

A vet can estimate an adopted dog's age from its teeth and general condition. Until then, an adult food for its size suits a grown dog, and a growth food suits one that is clearly young.

Usually not, but in hot weather some dogs eat and move less, so the portion can be reduced slightly. In summer it is especially important that fresh water is always available and wet food isn't left standing in the bowl.

Some foods, such as fish-based ones, can affect the breath briefly, but persistent strong bad breath usually points to tartar or gum disease. In that case a dental check at the vet will help, not a change of food.

Eating a lot of dry food can make the stomach swell badly, which can be dangerous, especially for large breeds. Call a vet, tell them roughly how much the dog may have eaten, and watch for a swollen belly or unproductive retching.