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Dog Feeding Guide
Getting a new puppy or dog can come with moments of confusion. When it comes to mealtimes, there’s no rule book for what to feed your pup and what to avoid. Don’t worry, I know all about it. My dog, Louie, is raw fed because I believe in raw nutrition wholeheartedly.
When looking closer at brands promoting products for balanced diets, I found it so hard to find ones that I could actually trust would be good for my furry baby. So I’m here with my little business, Bell & Bone, to help and guide you towards decisions that you can feel good about for the sake of your dog.
How much should I feed my dog?
Figuring out how much food to feed your pup can be tricky. No one wants an overweight dog or, on the other hand, a dog with exposed ribs. Getting meal portions just right is something that you learn over time. It involves tailoring a diet to your dog as it develops through its different stages in life.
Feeding a puppy is different from feeding a dog. Puppies require diets high in (good) fats which should then be reduced once they grow older.
For a puppy on a raw diet, it’s recommended to feed them about 6-8% of their body weight, per day. Whereas for a dog on a raw diet, it’s recommended to feed them about 2-4% of their body weight, per day. As you can see, these numbers actually vary quite a bit. This will depend on the breed of your dog (some are more or less prone to weight gain), its level of activity and general look and feel. I think you can learn a lot just by looking at them and comparing their physical changes over time.
On a kibble or packet diet, I would recommend reading the suggested serving size on the back of the packaging for their guidance. However, I do recommend steering clear from kibble and keeping it natural instead.
What is the best food to feed my puppy?
The list of food that dogs can’t eat often feels longer than the list of food dogs can eat. But as long as you are aware of the list, it really isn’t that hard to follow.
The absolute, definite no-nos include:
- Chocolate
- Grapes
- Mushrooms
- Onions (and garlic unless it’s been specifically treated).
There is also a list of foods that pet owners are recommended to steer clear from. These include:
- Heavy starch (or grain/fillers): including wheat, corn, soy, cereal, white potatoes. I recommend keeping oat, rice, chickpea and lentil intake low although they may be found in some cheaper treats and kibble
- Fats, not from animals or seeds: including cheese, avocado and almonds for example. I would also keep peanut butter low although dogs do love it.
- Sugar and salt… well that’s just a no-brainer! Sugars, both white and brown, should be avoided at all costs. Limit fruits with high sugar content like stone fruits too.
- Liver treats: if your dog is on a complete diet, they should be receiving the right amount of liver daily. Overfeeding liver to your dog can be poisonous and cause detrimental effects on their health and wellbeing.
- Table scraps: training your dog to beg at the table isn’t very good table manners. Besides this, it is a really easy way for your dog to gain weight or worse, be fed something they shouldn’t eat by accident.
What is the best food to feed my dog?
The food you feed your dog can and should change as your dog matures. From 6 months old, puppies are technically considered dogs (even though they may still act and look like puppies). It’s important not to immediately do a hard change over on food but rather to gradually alter their diet. This includes how often you feed them (feed puppies 3 times a day and adult dogs twice a day), the percentage of food fed daily as compared to their body weight and the types of meats you feed them.
This can be complemented with dog treats that are natural and healthy. Bell & Bone’s Superfood range is a great high-fat option for puppies and puppy training purposes. The fat in these products come from coconut oil, flaxseed and chia seed. Our Freeze Dried Salmon and Freeze Dried Chicken treats are also perfect for puppies. Once your puppy becomes an adult, the Kangaroo Freeze Dried Treats are a perfect, lower fat option for training and rewards.
If your dog has loved eating fattier proteins like salmon, beef, duck and chicken then feel free to continue feeding them these. For leaner options, go for turkey, tuna, lamb etc.
As your dog grows older, their metabolism starts to slow down. I would recommend moving onto a leaner protein at that stage such as venison or kangaroo.
If you are feeding a raw food diet, follow the guide below.
- Meat = 70%
- Bone = 10%
- Offal = 5%
- Liver = 5%
- Fruit, vegetable & spice = 10%
One way to increase your dog’s bone intake is to let them chomp on one as a daily activity. Make sure they are raw, not cooked, and preferably not dehydrated. I recommend asking your butcher and make sure they’re not too fatty.
In order to help keep your dog’s teeth clean, I recommend Bell & Bone Dental Sticks. I have seen the changes and results in dogs’ breath and teeth after their owners have given them to their pup’s daily. Dental health couldn’t be more important to your dog’s overall health and wellbeing. We recommend giving 1 dental stick daily for optimal results from the age of 6 months old or once their puppy teeth fall out.
What foods can't dogs eat?
The list of food that dogs can’t eat often feels longer than the list of food dogs can eat. But as long as you are aware of the list, it really isn’t that hard to follow.
The absolute, definite no-nos include:
- Chocolate
- Grapes
- Mushrooms
- Onions (and garlic unless it’s been specifically treated).
There is also a list of foods that pet owners are recommended to steer clear from. These include:
- Heavy starch (or grain/fillers): including wheat, corn, soy, cereal, white potatoes. I recommend keeping oat, rice, chickpea and lentil intake low although they may be found in some cheaper treats and kibble
- Fats, not from animals or seeds: including cheese, avocado and almonds for example. I would also keep peanut butter low although dogs do love it.
- Sugar and salt… well that’s just a no-brainer! Sugars, both white and brown, should be avoided at all costs. Limit fruits with high sugar content like stone fruits too.
- Liver treats: if your dog is on a complete diet, they should be receiving the right amount of liver daily. Overfeeding liver to your dog can be poisonous and cause detrimental effects on their health and wellbeing.
- Table scraps: training your dog to beg at the table isn’t very good table manners. Besides this, it is a really easy way for your dog to gain weight or worse, be fed something they shouldn’t eat by accident.
Can dogs have coconut oil in their food?
A little bit of coconut oil per day has a list of health benefits for dogs and puppies. Known benefits of coconut oil for dogs include improved digestion, enhanced skin and coat health and joint support. Coconut is one of my favourite superfoods for dogs.
We recommend 1 cap or teaspoon per day with breakfast or dinner. Otherwise, our entire range of Bell & Bone treats contains coconut oil or coconut and are a perfect way to give your dog the health benefits of this incredible ingredient.
Dog Treats
At Bell & Bone, we love dog treats! I created our range of dog treats because for me, sharing that moment when you get to treat them for being the best dog in the world is so special. My Louie loves treats more than anything (he even knows what the bag looks and sounds like), so I just had to create a range that was healthy, nutritious and, most importantly, delicious. You can be sure that Bell & Bone dog treats use only high quality ingredients, without nasty grains and fillers, for the health and happiness of your dog.
Can dogs have treats?
Treating your dog or puppy is perfectly acceptable and, in fact, I encourage it! Not because I sell them... but because they help develop the bond between you and your dog. It’s a special moment, something they love and can be used as a training tool when required.
When treating your dog regularly, it’s critical that the snacks you’re giving them are healthy. That means no sugar or salt, no grains (or fillers) and no nasties. Healthy treats are a perfect, fun way to interact and bond with your dog. If you get hung up on the fat content and calorie count when deciding on a treat, my advice is to look at the ingredients list and the way it’s processed first. Healthy treats, coupled with a healthy diet and daily exercise, is a great way to manage your dog’s health and wellbeing.
How many treats should I feed my dog per day?
There is no perfect answer to how many treats you should feed your dog per day. This depends on your dog’s tendency to put on weight, what you feed them every day, how often they exercise, the types of treats you give them and their age and breed. Wow, that’s a long list.
The best answer is a few... and don’t overdo it. Choose healthy treats and monitor your dog’s weight and activity level. That’s what I recommend!
For Bell & Bone Dog Treats, use the information below as a guide:
Small Dogs
Superfood dog treats: 3-4 dog treats per day
Freeze Dried raw dog treats: 2-3 treats per day
Dental Sticks: 1 stick daily for dogs under 10kg
Medium Dogs
Superfood dog treats: 5-6 dog treats per day
Freeze Dried raw dog treats: up to 3 treats per day
Dental Sticks: 1 stick daily for dogs 10-25kg
Large Dogs
Superfood dog treats: 7-9 dog treats per day
Freeze Dried raw dog treats: up to 4 treats per day
Dental Sticks: 1 stick daily for dogs 25kg+
Why do you include superfood ingredients in your treats?
As part of a balanced raw diet, up to 10% of your dog’s daily intake should consist of a combination of fruit, vegetables, seeds and spices. We believe superfoods (ingredients with high nutritional content) have incredible benefits for dogs, just as they have for us.
Some of our favourites are below:
- Turmeric – a natural anti-inflammatory that helps relieve pain and prevent disease. Its properties can assist with joint support (helps with arthritis), pain management (soothing inflamed gums) and boosting immunity.
- Coconut and coconut oil – full of omega 3 fatty acids to assist with metabolic and digestive health, joint support and skin and coat health. This ingredient can be found in all Bell & Bone dog treats and dental sticks.
- Chia seeds – a natural antioxidant and good fat to help reduce the risk of disease, promote digestive health, assist with repairing cell damage and improve heart health.
- Flaxseed – rich in omega-3 fatty acids and high in fibre, it can help improve digestion, lower blood pressure and bad cholesterol and can help reduce the risk of cancer.
- Charcoal – a pure carbon that fights toxins and bacteria from the inside out. By improving gut health, this will also fight off bad breath, help whiten teeth, and can help improve mood and energy levels.
- Seaweed – a vitamin-rich plant proven to naturally reduce the build-up of plaque and tartar in your mouth, keeping your dogs breath fresh and teeth clean.
Do you have any questions or concerns? Feel free to contact me, I’m here for you every step of the way – Arianne:
info@bellandbone.com.auPuppy Treats
The first few months of puppy training is critically important for any happy human-dog relationship. Puppy training treats are a great way to encourage positive reinforcement training, rewarding your pup with something they love for doing a good job – seems simple right? Our puppy training treats are healthy, nutritious, bite sized and great value. Enjoy this special time with your pup, they grow up so fast!
Can you give puppies treats?
Yes, you can give your puppy treats. New puppies are typically so excited and motivated by food, so treating them is the best reward you can give them (obviously in moderation). They have typically just come from a litter with 6-8 siblings and for the first few weeks of their life they play survival of the fittest. Every meal is a competition to get to Mum first and ensure they beat their siblings to the front of the line to get fed.
How to introduce treats to your puppy?
Introducing food and treats slowly to your puppy is highly recommended. When they are a puppy, everything is new and you just don’t know if they will react well or poorly to particular types of food.
Puppies need a diet higher in fats than adult dogs, so proteins like chicken, beef, salmon and duck are great. Typically, salmon and duck are hypoallergenic meats so your pup shouldn’t get an upset stomach from these. Chicken and beef can be allergens for some dogs, so instead of avoiding these proteins, I recommend giving your dog small amounts of it early on to avoid building an intolerance to it.
Make sure you look for the natural treats without salts, sugars, grains and fillers. Just because something is labelled “puppy treats” or “milky treats” etc… doesn’t necessarily mean it is healthy and good for your new pup. Read the back of the packaging and feel free to reach out if you’re confused – I know how hard it can be.
So the strategy to introduce treats to your dog? Simple – try a few different proteins, go slow and keep your foods on rotation.
What treats should I feed my puppy?
Puppies should be treated when they have done something good – for example, when they have done a wee outside rather than on the carpet. So, because we all have the best dogs in the world (don’t I know it…!), we are clearly going to be treating them regularly. In saying this, we need to learn to moderate what we feed them. A great place to start? Small treats.
Our Superfood Range are the perfect puppy training treats. They are small and have over 100 treats in each bag. Because of this, they’re amazing value for puppy owners that want to train and treat their pups regularly without the guilt. These treats are Melbourne made, natural, grain and filler-free and are high in good fats like coconut oil, flaxseed and chia seed, making them the perfect puppy treat. They also come without the nasties like added salt and sugar.
You can find them here: https://bellandbone.com.au/collections/superfood-range
Puppies don’t need big strips of jerkies or bully sticks. Jerky and bully sticks don’t have half the amount of nutrition as freeze dried or air dried treats do, and at such a young age, we want to make sure we’re giving them nutrient dense food and treats. In saying this, always choose the Freeze Dried and Air Dried options when you can.
Our Freeze Dried Range are also great for puppy training as they are made from highly nutritious, raw, Australian proteins and are full of superfoods like coconut, kelp, kale and ginger. They are a little larger than the Superfood treats, however you can easily break them in half making them small enough for puppy training. You can find them here: https://bellandbone.com.au/collections/freeze-dried-range
Are there things I should avoid feeding my puppy?
For a full list of ingredients to avoid feeding your dog or puppy, please refer to the first tab, question: What foods can dogs not eat?
When should I treat my puppy?
Treating your puppy should be a special occasion. I believe that your puppy should work for their treats for a few reasons. Firstly, it’s a really quick and easy way to teach them to do the things you want them to do whether it be sitting or waiting before you cross a road. Secondly, your dog will begin to love impressing you. When you treat your dog for different tasks they perform, they associate their good work with your happiness... and theirs. It will make the whole experience of doing good so enjoyable.
Aside from special occasions, the other time to treat your puppy is during their training sessions with you. It is really important to train young puppies regularly. In fact, it’s also a good idea to continue this practice into your pup’s adulthood. Dedicated training time is great mental stimulation as the practice is far more intense than just being told to “sit” before food.
For puppies, try not to spend more than a few minutes at a time in training as they will find it hard to concentrate for any longer than that. As they get older this can be increased. Puppy treats are a great way to keep them focused during these sessions.
Is it ok to give my puppy treats daily?
I recommend including treats in your puppy’s daily diet… however with conditions. When you get a new puppy, it’s really important to get to know them and manage their diet based on their unique characteristics and lifestyle. For example, are they active or lazy? Do they have a slim or bigger build? Are they motivated by food? And so on…
As long as your dog is getting enough exercise, you’re only using treats for special occasions and you’re not over-feeding them during meal - and other - times… then healthy, natural, nutrient-rich treats are a perfect addition to your pup’s day.
What are the best puppy treats for sensitive stomachs?
It is common for puppies to react to different kinds of new foods. Unlike us, puppies can’t distinguish between what makes them feel well and what doesn’t, so it’s our job to figure it out for them.
If they have a sensitive stomach as a puppy, it is really important to watch them and take note of what you feed them and how they are reacting to that specific protein. If you can’t tell just from watching, I would try these treats:
Carob and Ginger Superfood Dog Treats for happy bellies: https://bellandbone.com.au/collections/superfood-range/products/superfood-dog-treats-carob-ginger
We love these treats for sensitive puppy tummies as carob is high in fibre to assist with digestion and ginger is a great anti-inflammatory assisting with nausea and bloat. They are light on tummies and include other incredible ingredients like coconut, chia seed, flaxseed and carrots.
Salmon, Carrot and Kale Freeze Dried Dog Treats: https://bellandbone.com.au/collections/freeze-dried-range/products/salmon-with-carrot-and-kale
Salmon is an easily digestible, hypoallergenic meat for dogs. I have found this to be a great option for puppies due to its higher fat content as well. Carrots also assist with digestion and are great for puppies.
What treats are safe for puppies?
All Bell & Bone Superfood and Freeze Dried Treats are perfect for puppies. You can find them here:
Superfood Dog Treats: https://bellandbone.com.au/collections/superfood-range
Freeze Dried Dog Treats: https://bellandbone.com.au/collections/freeze-dried-range
What are the best treats for puppy training?
Our Superfood Dog Treats are perfect for puppy training - https://bellandbone.com.au/collections/superfood-range. Why?
- They are healthy, natural & made in Melbourne
- They are grain, filler, salt and sugar free
- They are small and have over 100 treats in each bag so you can train your puppy all day long
Our Freeze Dried Treats are perfect for puppy training – https://bellandbone.com.au/collections/superfood-range. Why?
- They are raw, not cooked like jerky, and therefore are far more nutritious than many other treats
- They are healthy, natural, made in Melbourne, grain, filler, salt and sugar free
- They can be broken into smaller bits for regular puppy training and rewards
Freeze Dried Dog Treats
Are you looking to feed your dog a raw diet? We think that’s a great idea! Raw food is far more nutritious than jerkies, kibbles and dehydrated products – it’s a total no-brainer, right? Our Freeze Dried Treats are raw and full of nutrients your pup needs for a healthier diet. They can be enjoyed by all dogs and are the perfect size for larger dogs or can be broken in half for smaller dogs.
What are freeze-dried dog treats?
Freeze drying is the process of freezing something and removing the moisture content before bringing it back up to room temperature. In doing this, you are able to keep the product raw (as there is no cooking involved), fresh and shelf stable. Removing moisture will get rid of bacteria so you can rest assured that your dog is eating healthy and nutritious food.
Freeze Dried Dog Treats are certainly the healthiest way you can feed your dog treats. It is the most nutritious and the closest process to how a dog would eat in the wild.
You can check out our Freeze Dried Dog Treats here: https://bellandbone.com.au/collections/freeze-dried-range
Why are freeze dried dog treats better than jerky dog treats?
Freeze Dried Dog Treats are a far better treat than any dehydrated jerky, in my opinion. To make jerky treats you need to use heat to dry them out, often over a long process. This will cook the meat and therefore will destroy many of its natural nutrients.
Freeze drying requires no cooking at all and therefore the product is still raw, containing up to 99% of its nutrients. As dogs (and humans) get far more value from raw produce than cooked produce, it is far more beneficial to feed them freeze dried dog treats than jerky dog treats.
Aside from this, freeze dried products and generally much better value. Without the weight of moisture, each piece is really light so you end up getting many more fit into one bag. Compared that with jerky that still contains a lot of moisture and you can see how you’re often just paying extra for water weight.
Are freeze dried dog treats safe?
Freeze Dried Dog Treats are perfectly safe for puppies and adult dogs. In fact, they are highly nutritious (and delicious!). Freeze drying removes the moisture content from the frozen raw meat before bringing it back to room temperature. Without moisture, the bacteria can’t live, making it perfectly safe to give your dog these raw treats.
Do I need to keep my freeze dried treats in the fridge?
In short, no you don’t need to keep freeze dried treats in the fridge. I recommend keeping the bag sealed once opened and storing in a cool, dark, dry space. Because there is no moisture in the treats anymore, keeping them at room temperature is the perfect way to store.
Dental Sticks
Did you know that by age 3, 80% of dogs will have gum or dental disease!? When I heard that statistic, I knew I had to do something about it! So many “dental sticks” out there do basically nothing for your dogs teeth… can you believe they even call them dental sticks? Well, we are different. With healthy ingredients like superfoods that specifically target dental health and active ingredients proven to prevent and reduce plaque and tartar build-up… Bell & Bone is here to make a difference!
Are dental sticks good for dogs?
They sure are! Not only are they healthy, grain and filler-free, natural and delicious, but they have also been developed with a vet scientist to promote the dental wellbeing of your dog.
We use active ingredients that are scientifically proven to prevent and reduce the build-up of plaque and tartar in your dog’s mouth. These are Sodium Tripolyphosphate and Zinc Sulphate. They are perfectly safe for dogs and promote better dental health.
We also use a range of natural superfood ingredients that come with a range of dental benefits. For example, charcoal naturally whitens and freshens breath, seaweed reduces plaque and tartar, Manuka Honey has antibacterial properties, cinnamon and turmeric are natural anti-inflammatories that can assist with red and sore gums and, of course, we use Mint for freshness in all of our Bell & Bone Dental Stick range.
How often should I give my dog dental sticks?
There are 7 sticks included in a bag intended for daily consumption. It is ideal to give your dog 1 stick daily. Tip: Leaving your dog at home alone? Why not leave them with a dental stick to occupy themselves with whilst you’re out? This can assist with separation anxiety in dogs as they associate being left alone with a treat.
What are the active ingredients in your dental sticks? What are the benefits and are they safe for dogs?
Bell & Bone’s Dental Stick range was developed with the help of a vet scientist. Because of this, we have been able to include active ingredients that are scientifically proven to prevent and reduce the build-up of plaque and tartar in your dog’s mouth, when given daily! These ingredients are perfectly safe for dogs (and humans!), so you can have peace of mind.
These 2 ingredients are: Sodium Tripolyphosphate and Zinc Sulphate.
Sodium Tripolyphosphate is able to bind directly to the enamel, interacting with calcium in your dog’s mouth and preventing it being able to form crystals (or plaque). It also helps prevent stains on teeth and is easily digestable.
Zinc Sulphate inhibits the growth of bacteria by binding to the teeth to control plaque formation. In doing this, it assists in reducing the odour of bad breath. This works together with Sodium Tripolyphosphate for the best impact on your pup’s teeth and gums.
What size dental stick should I give my dog?
Bell & Bone Dental Sticks come in 3 different sizes. This is measured by the weight of your dog, as it will typically help us determine the size of their mouth. If your dog is an aggressive chewer and is on the edge of sizes, we recommend going up a size to get the most out of the dental chew.
Our size guide:
- Small: for dogs up to 10kg
- Medium: for dogs 10-25kg
- Large: for dogs over 25kg