FAQ: Food for dogs

Dogs are omnivores and in theory can get all their nutrients without meat, but such a diet is hard to balance. If you choose plant-based food, pick a complete product balanced by the maker and have your dog's health checked regularly by a vet.

There is no single answer for every dog: chicken is easily digested and widely used, lamb and fish are often chosen for dogs that don't tolerate common proteins, and fish is rich in omega-3. Choose based on how your dog digests the food and whether it has allergies.

Yes, fish is a valuable source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids that suits many dogs, including those allergic to other proteins. Some dogs like the smell of fish less, others more.

It is food whose main protein source is insects, most often black soldier fly larvae. It is considered more environmentally friendly and is often used as a novel protein for allergic dogs.

Pork can be a protein source in dog food, but raw pork isn't given to dogs because of the risk of parasites and infections. If you feed it at home, it must be cooked, lean and unseasoned.

Many adult dogs digest lactose poorly, so milk can cause diarrhoea or wind. A small amount of plain yoghurt or cottage cheese suits some dogs, but watch how your dog digests them.

A cooked egg is a good source of protein and fine as an occasional extra. Raw eggs are best avoided because of the salmonella risk, and count the egg's calories in the daily allowance.

Many are fine as small treats, for example carrots, apples without seeds, cucumber or blueberries. Don't give your dog grapes, raisins, onions, garlic or avocado.

A small amount of plain bread or cooked pasta won't harm a dog, but it adds nothing a complete food lacks and adds calories. Never give a dog raw yeast dough, as it is dangerous.

Fatty food such as fried skin, bacon or sauces can cause diarrhoea, vomiting and even pancreatitis. Such leftovers also add a lot of calories and encourage begging.

Macadamia nuts are poisonous to dogs, and other nuts are very fatty and can cause digestive upsets and choking. Peanut butter without xylitol or salt is fine in small amounts as an occasional treat.

Xylitol is a sweetener used in chewing gum, sweets and some nut butters. Even a small amount can cause a sudden drop in a dog's blood sugar and damage the liver, so if your dog eats some, contact a vet immediately.

No. The theobromine in chocolate is poisonous to dogs, and the darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is. If your dog eats chocolate, call a vet immediately and tell them how much and what kind it ate.

No, grapes and raisins can cause acute kidney injury in some dogs even in small amounts. Since there is no safe amount, contact a vet immediately if your dog eats any.

No, onions, garlic, leeks and chives in any form, raw, cooked or powdered, can damage a dog's red blood cells. Check the ingredients of human food such as soups and sauces carefully.

Salty and smoked foods such as sausages, ham or crisps are high in salt and fat, so they aren't suitable for dogs. A lot of salt can cause thirst and digestive upsets, and smoked products often contain onion or garlic too.

No, caffeine is toxic to dogs and can cause restlessness, heart rhythm problems or seizures. Keep coffee grounds, tea bags and energy drinks away from your dog too.

Not always: the price also reflects the brand, marketing and packaging. Compare the ingredients, energy value and daily cost, and above all how your dog does on the specific food: its weight, coat, stools and energy.

These classes have no official definition; they are mostly marketing terms used by makers or shops. Pricier foods more often contain more animal protein and fewer fillers, but every food is worth judging by its ingredients.

Not necessarily: both supermarkets and specialist shops sell food of varying quality. What matters is that the food is complete, suits the dog's age and size, and that the dog does well on it.