🍖 Dog Feeding Guide
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🍴 Understanding Dog Nutrition
Why Small Dogs Need More Frequent Meals
Small breed dogs have faster metabolisms than large breeds. Their smaller stomachs can't hold as much food, but they burn energy more quickly. This means they need to eat more frequently throughout the day to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
- Tiny breeds (under 10 lbs): 3-4 meals per day
- Small breeds (10-25 lbs): 2-3 meals per day
- Medium breeds (25-50 lbs): 2 meals per day
- Large breeds (50+ lbs): 2 meals per day
Metabolism & Energy Needs
A dog's metabolic rate is inversely proportional to their size. Small dogs have higher metabolic rates relative to their body weight, meaning they need more calories per pound than larger dogs.
- Toy breeds: Up to 40 calories per pound of body weight
- Small breeds: 30-35 calories per pound
- Medium breeds: 25-30 calories per pound
- Large breeds: 20-25 calories per pound
- Giant breeds: 18-22 calories per pound
Feeding Schedule Tips
Consistent meal times help regulate your dog's digestion and prevent behavioral issues related to hunger.
- Feed at the same times each day
- Leave food down for 15-20 minutes maximum
- Remove uneaten food to prevent overeating
- Provide fresh water at all times
- Avoid feeding immediately before or after exercise
Warning Signs
Monitor your dog for these signs that feeding amounts or schedules may need adjustment:
- Weight gain/loss: Adjust portions accordingly
- Constant begging: May need more frequent smaller meals
- Vomiting bile: Often indicates too long between meals
- Low energy: Could indicate insufficient calories
- Bloating: Especially in large breeds - feed smaller portions
Food Quality Matters
Higher quality foods are more nutrient-dense, meaning you may need to feed less volume. Always check the feeding guidelines on your specific food brand.
- Look for meat as the first ingredient
- Avoid excessive fillers (corn, wheat, soy)
- Consider life stage formulas (puppy, adult, senior)
- Premium foods often cost more but require smaller portions
Hydration is Critical
Dogs need approximately 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight daily. Small breeds may need more frequent access to water.
- Change water at least twice daily
- Clean water bowls daily
- Multiple water stations for larger homes
- Monitor water intake - changes can indicate health issues
⚠️ Foods You Should Never Feed Your Dog
Many common household foods are toxic to dogs. Even small amounts can cause serious illness or death. If you suspect your dog has eaten any of these foods, contact your vet immediately.
Chocolate ☠️ Potentially Fatal
Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which are toxic to dogs. Dogs metabolise theobromine much more slowly than humans.
- Most dangerous: Dark chocolate, cocoa powder, and cooking chocolate (highest theobromine content)
- Also harmful: Milk chocolate, chocolate baked goods, and hot chocolate
- Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhoea, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, seizures
- Take extra care at Christmas, Easter, and Halloween when chocolate is more accessible
Grapes, Raisins & Currants ☠️ Potentially Fatal
Grapes and their dried forms (raisins, sultanas, currants) can cause acute kidney failure in dogs. The toxic substance is believed to be tartaric acid.
- No safe amount: Even a small quantity can be fatal — some dogs are far more sensitive than others
- Hidden sources: Christmas pudding, mince pies, fruit cake, hot cross buns, cereal bars, trail mix
- Symptoms: Vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, reduced urination
- Act fast: Kidney damage can develop within 24–72 hours of ingestion
Xylitol (Artificial Sweetener) ☠️ Potentially Fatal
Xylitol causes a massive insulin release in dogs, leading to dangerously low blood sugar, and can cause liver failure. Cases are rising as xylitol appears in more products.
- Found in: Sugar-free gum, sweets, some peanut butters, toothpaste, diet foods, baked goods
- Extremely potent: Just 5 pieces of xylitol-containing gum could kill a 30kg dog
- Symptoms: Vomiting, weakness, loss of coordination, seizures, collapse
- Always check labels before giving your dog any human food, especially peanut butter
Onions, Garlic & Alliums ⚠️ Highly Dangerous
All members of the allium family — onions, garlic, leeks, shallots, and chives — contain thiosulphate, which damages red blood cells and causes haemolytic anaemia.
- Toxic in all forms: Raw, cooked, dried, and powdered are all dangerous
- Delayed symptoms: Signs of illness may not appear for several days after ingestion
- Symptoms: Lethargy, pale gums, weakness, rapid breathing, dark-coloured urine
- Watch out for: Gravy, stock cubes, baby food, pizza, curry, and ready meals often contain onion or garlic
Macadamia Nuts ⚠️ Highly Dangerous
Macadamia nuts contain an unknown toxin that affects dogs' muscles and nervous system. As few as six nuts can cause severe poisoning in a small dog.
- Symptoms appear within 3–12 hours: weakness, vomiting, tremors, fever, inability to walk
- High fat content can also trigger pancreatitis — a painful and potentially serious condition
- Extra dangerous when combined with chocolate (e.g. chocolate-covered macadamias)
- Other nuts: Walnuts and almonds can cause choking or digestive blockages
Alcohol ☠️ Potentially Fatal
Dogs are far more sensitive to alcohol than humans. Even small amounts can be rapidly absorbed and cause serious poisoning within 30 minutes.
- Sources: Beer, wine, spirits, hand sanitiser, antifreeze, rum-soaked cake, unbaked bread dough
- Symptoms: Vomiting, disorientation, breathing difficulty, tremors, coma
- Never leave alcoholic drinks unattended — some dogs are attracted to sweet cocktails and beer
- Body weight matters: The smaller the dog, the more dangerous even a tiny amount becomes
Caffeine (Coffee, Tea & Energy Drinks) ⚠️ Highly Dangerous
Like chocolate, coffee and tea contain methylxanthines. Dogs are far more sensitive to caffeine than humans, and large amounts can be fatal.
- Sources: Coffee grounds, tea bags, energy drinks, cola, caffeine supplements
- Coffee grounds are particularly dangerous — dispose of them where dogs cannot reach
- Symptoms: Restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, tremors, seizures
- Can damage the kidneys, liver, heart, lungs, and central nervous system
Cooked Bones ⚠️ Highly Dangerous
While raw bones can be appropriate under supervision, cooked bones become brittle and splinter into sharp fragments that can cause life-threatening injuries.
- Worst offenders: Cooked chicken, turkey, and pork bones splinter most easily
- Risks: Choking, teeth damage, throat or intestinal puncture, bowel obstruction
- Christmas danger: Turkey carcasses left within reach are a common cause of emergency vet visits
- Safe alternatives: Raw marrow bones (size-appropriate), dental chews, or rubber chew toys
Avocado ☛ Use Caution
Avocados contain persin, a toxin found in the leaves, skin, pit, and flesh. While dogs are more resistant than some animals, avocado still poses multiple risks.
- Persin can cause vomiting and diarrhoea in dogs
- High fat content can trigger pancreatitis, particularly in smaller breeds
- The large pit is a serious choking hazard and can cause intestinal blockage if swallowed
- Keep away from dogs entirely — the risks outweigh any nutritional benefit
Corn on the Cob ⚠️ Highly Dangerous
While sweetcorn kernels are safe, the cob itself is one of the most common causes of intestinal blockage in dogs — and blockages can be fatal without surgery.
- Dogs cannot digest the cob — it does not break down in the stomach or intestines
- Symptoms of blockage: Vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation, abdominal pain, lethargy
- Surgery is often required to remove the obstruction — delays can be life-threatening
- BBQ danger: Dispose of cobs securely, especially during summer barbecues
Raw Bread & Yeast Dough ⚠️ Highly Dangerous
Unbaked yeast dough continues to rise inside a dog's warm stomach, causing painful bloating. The fermentation process also produces alcohol, creating a double danger.
- Stomach bloat: Expanding dough can cause the stomach to twist (gastric torsion) — a life-threatening emergency
- Alcohol production: Yeast fermentation produces ethanol, leading to alcohol poisoning
- Symptoms: Swollen abdomen, retching, weakness, disorientation, collapse
- Also includes: Homemade pizza dough, bread dough, and salt dough (extremely high salt content)
Excessive Salt ☛ Use Caution
Large amounts of salt can cause sodium ion poisoning in dogs, and excessive water intake after salty food can lead to life-threatening bloat in large breeds.
- High-salt foods: Crisps, salted nuts, bacon, processed meats, stock cubes, soy sauce
- Hidden danger: Homemade play dough and salt dough ornaments are extremely high in salt
- Symptoms: Excessive thirst, vomiting, diarrhoea, tremors, elevated temperature, seizures
- Particularly risky for dogs with heart or kidney conditions
🚨 What To Do In An Emergency
If you suspect your dog has eaten something toxic, contact your vet immediately — do not wait for symptoms to appear. Note what was eaten, how much, and when. Do not try to make your dog vomit unless specifically instructed by a vet. For out-of-hours emergencies, call your nearest emergency veterinary clinic. In the UK, you can also call the Animal Poison Line on 01202 509 000 (charges apply).
✅ Safe Treats & Snacks Your Dog Can Enjoy
Apple slices (no seeds), blueberries, banana, watermelon (seedless), strawberries
Carrots, green beans, sweet potato (cooked), broccoli (small amounts), cucumber
Plain cooked chicken, turkey (no bones), salmon (cooked), eggs (cooked)
Plain rice, plain pasta, peanut butter (xylitol-free), pumpkin (plain, cooked)
Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily calorie intake. Always introduce new foods gradually.
Sources: ASPCA Poison Control, Blue Cross UK, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, PDSA, Kennel Club, Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS)