Nutrition advice
What's on your
pup's plate?
Raw meat or kibble? Vegan or not? Do dogs really need meat?
If you’ve ever wondered what’s best for your pup, you’re not alone. Many dog owners tell me they’re unsure who to trust—especially when some vets seem tied to big-name brands.
That’s why I’m working on offering honest, tailored nutrition advice you can actually rely on. No sales pitches, just real guidance on what your dog truly needs, how to read labels, and how to separate science from marketing fluff.
While I get everything ready, feel free to check out the tips below—and sign up for my newsletter for smart, healthy dog advice delivered monthly!
Snack-sized tips
Is your pup always ready for mealtime like it’s the biggest event of the day? Here's some snack-sized wisdom to keep tails wagging, energy levels steady, and behaviours balanced.
Stick to consistent mealtimes
Most adult dogs do best with two meals a day—morning and evening—while growing puppies thrive on three to four smaller meals to power their boundless energy. For adult dogs, feel free to adjust feeding times to suit your schedule, but consistency is key. Serving meals at the same times daily helps prevent overeating, balances blood sugar, and keeps their digestion running like clockwork.
No chomping around playtime
We all know eating just before exercise is a no-go—but did you know feeding your pup immediately after playtime can be risky too? When dogs are active, blood flow prioritizes their muscles and heart—not digestion. If they eat too soon after vigorous exercise, their stomach is still recovering from physical stress, and this sudden shift can cause discomfort, vomiting, or even life-threatening bloat (GDV)
Suggested wait times:
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30–60 minutes after a walk
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Up to an hour after intense exercise
This gives your pup time to cool down, let blood flow return to the gut, and settle their tummy before mealtime—to support comfortable digestion.
5 Tips to help your pup slow down at mealtimes
1. Use a slow feeder bowl
Choose a bowl with ridges, mazes, or bumps that make your dog work a bit to get their food. It slows down those speedy snappers and turns mealtime into a fun little challenge. Bonus points if you hide treats in tricky spots for surprise rewards—keeps their brain busy and tummy happy!
2. Use kibble as training treats
Instead of doling out special treats, use your pup’s regular kibble during training. It spreads out their food intake, keeps their focus on you, and cuts down on bowl diving chaos. More learning, less gulping!
3. Give your pup plenty of time to eat
Don’t rush mealtimes—especially if you have multiple dogs. The fastest eater tends to push others aside, causing stress all round. Let each dog enjoy their own plate at their own pace. A calmer dinner table means happier pups.
4. Serve smaller meals more often
Split their daily allowance into smaller portions to help your dog feel fuller longer and slow down their eating. Plus, feeding multiple times a day lets you remind your pup who’s in charge—in a friendly way, of course!
5. Use food-dispensing toys
Turn mealtime into a game by filling toys with kibble or wet food. Freeze them for a longer-lasting challenge and watch your dog work for their supper. It’s entertainment and appetite control all in one.
The Pup Scoop
The dog's bollocks of dog care
(and then some)
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