Dog food guide
Foods your dog can and can't eat
Find out more about the foods your dog can and can't eat
Our helpful food guide for your dog
Always curious and often greedy, dogs are prone to eating things that maybe they shouldn't! In this guide, we have highlighted just some of the more common and unusual foods, as well as non-food items that should and should not be eaten by your dog.
Fruits
Bananas - Yes, dogs can eat bananas (with the skin removed of course) but in moderation. Bananas can be a good treat for your dog, as they contain important nutrients such as Potassium, Fibre, Magnesium, Vitamin B6 and C. However, bananas also contain natural sugars, so should only be fed occasionally to your dog to help avoid weight gain.
Avocado - No, dogs should not be fed avocados, as the skin and flesh of the avocado contains Persin. Persin is a fungicidal toxin produced by avocados, which can cause serious health issues if consumed by dogs, including, vomiting, diarrhoea, behavioural changes and weakness.
Pineapple - Full of natural vitamins and minerals, including Thiamine (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin C, Potassium, and Fiber, pineapples are safe to feed to your dog (with the spikey skin and top removed). Pineapples should only be fed to your dog in small quantities, as they contain natural sugars which can cause weight gain if eaten too regularly.
Grapes -Considered highly toxic for dogs, fresh grapes (as well as dried raisins, currants and sultanas) should be avoided at all costs. Although it hasn't exactly been determined what in grapes is dangerous for dogs, these fruits can cause significant health issues including stomach discomfort, vomiting, diarrhoea, kidney failure and even death.
Vegetables
Tomatoes - Yes, tomatoes are safe for dogs to consume on occasion, but only if the tomato is ripe and ready to eat. A natural chemical called Solanine, can be found in un-ripe tomatoes and within the stem and leaves. If consumed by dogs in large amounts, Solanine can cause tomatine poisoning which can induce vomiting, abdominal pains and weakness.
Onions - Whether cooked or raw, onions should not be fed to your dog. It will generally depend on how much onion your dog has consumed and the size of your dog, which can determine how they will be affected. If your dog has consumed a large amount of onion, the toxin Allyl propyl disulfide could damage your dogs red blood cells and possibly lead to anaemia.
Broccoli - Only to be given as an occasional treat, dogs can eat raw or cooked broccoli (with no seasoning). However, broccoli contains natural isothiocyanates stored in the florets, which can cause gastric irritation in some dogs. Broccoli can also be a choking hazard, so make sure to feed small pieces to your dog.
Mushrooms - While dogs should be fine eating mushrooms that humans can, there are many varieties of wild mushrooms that are highly poisonous to dogs and humans. If you see your dog eating a mushroom in the wild, unless you can 100% be certain of the variety, keep a close eye on your dog in case it was poisonous.
Sweet and Savory
Chocolate - Can dogs eat chocolate? The answer is no! Theobromine is a natural chemical compound found in chocolate, which can be digested by humans. However, a build-up of Theobromine in dogs, can lead to serious health issues, including an increased heart rate, vomiting, diarrhoea, seizures, changes in behaviour and even death.
Bones - When it comes to bones, they should be considered with caution. Cooked chicken bones in particular are delicate and therefore can easily splinter, causing internal damage to your dogs organs. Cooked bones from any animal should never be fed to your dog. However, raw beef, lamb, chicken and turkey bones can be fed to your dog.
Xylitol - Xylitol is a naturally occurring sugar which is commonly used as a sweetener. Often found in chewable sweets and gum, it may seem harmless to dogs. So, what happens if my dog eats Xylitol? Xylitol can cause serious health issues in dogs, including the lowering of sugar levels, liver damage and even death.
Cheese - What kind of cheese can dogs eat? Dogs can eat MOST cheeses. However, blue cheeses, in particular Roquefort and Stilton and those that contain a natural substance called Roquefortine C, can cause illness in your dog if consumed. As cheeses are high in fats, they should only be given to your dog in tiny amounts as a rare treat.
Unusual things your dog might eat
Dirt - Why do dogs eat dirt? If you find that your dog is regularly eating dirt, then it could mean a number of things. Your dog might be lacking in essential vitamins and minerals or suffering from an irritable stomach. It could indicate that your dog is bored and lacking stimulation. Or it could also be a sign that your dog is stressed and anxious.
Grass - When dogs eat grass, it does not necessarily mean they are feeling ill. Yes, dogs will eat grass if they want to induce vomiting if they are feeling unwell, but it could indicate that they are lacking certain vitamins and minerals, are bored or simply enjoy the taste. If your dog is ignoring his food and just eating grass, then you must take them to the vet.
Horse manure - It is not uncommon to find dogs nibbling on horse or cow manure. However, it should not be consumed in large amounts, as horse and cattle worming treatments and parasite medications can be found in the manure. Some treatments contain the chemical Ivermectin, which if consumed in large amounts, can be fatal to dogs.
Stones - Some dogs will often pick up and play with stones, and some will even chew or eat them. If your dog is excessively eating stones, it could indicate your dog is either bored and lacking stimulation, that they are stressed or anxious, or are lacking in essential minerals. Stone eating should be taken seriously, as it can damage a dogs teeth and digestive system.
Insurance for dogs and puppies
Frequently asked questions about our pet insurance
Want to find out more about our pet cover?
Got a question about our cover for your pet? Or want to know more about cats and dogs in general? We’ve answered a few questions for you here!
- Dog insurance
- Cover
- Travel
- What is dog insurance?
Dog insurance is designed to protect you against the cost of vet treatments, should your dog fall ill or get injured. Some providers also cover you if your dog passes away, if they’re lost or stolen, or if they cause damage to a third party’s property.
- Is dog insurance worth it?
Dog insurance can cost less than you might think. And when you consider that the average dog insurance claim is around £793, it may be worth thinking about. If your dog were to develop an ongoing health condition, the amount of money you would need to pay in vet bills could rise considerably. The question you need to ask yourself is, if my dog gets ill or injured long-term, how will I find the money to pay for all the treatment they need?
- Do I need dog insurance?
Dog insurance isn’t compulsory. But it's worth remembering that owning a dog can be expensive. For example, the cost of vet bills has risen steadily over the past few years. If your dog were to become ill or suffer an injury, could you afford to pay for treatment? Pet insurers paid out over £750 million in vet bills in 2019, that’s the equivalent of £2 million every day. By choosing dog insurance, you can give yourself financial protection if something were to happen to your dog.
- What do I need to think about before buying dog insurance?
Before you decide to buy dog insurance, you need to weigh up the following factors:
Your dog's age
Some dog insurance providers won't cover your dog if it's older than eight years old, or younger than eight weeks old.
Pre-existing conditions
petGuard is unable to cover your dog if it has a pre-existing medical condition.
How many pets you have
Do you have more than one pet? If so, it's worth asking for a discount. At petGuard, you can add up to five pets on the same policy to receive our multi-pet discount!
- What is a pre-existing condition?
A pre-existing condition is any health condition that you're aware of, had investigated or treated, or seen symptoms of prior to the start of your puppy insurance. At petGuard, we're unable to provide cover for any pet with a pre-existing condition.
- When should I get pet insurance for my dog?
You never know what's around the corner. If your dog were to fall ill or get injured, could you cover the cost of the vet bill? If your dog is older and the illness or injury turned into a long-term condition, the costs could spiral. All things considered, you may want to get cover for your pet sooner rather than later. Just be aware that there are some restrictions around when you can get your pet insured. At petGuard We cannot cover dogs under eight weeks of age.
- When can I get pet insurance?
Insurance for your cat or dog can start as soon as possible! Our cover starts for cats and dogs aged eight weeks and over. We cannot cover claims arising within the first 14 days of your insurance starting and pre-existing illnesses and conditions are not covered.
- How long is a dog insurance policy valid for?
Standard dog insurance policies usually last for a 12-month period. After this time, you’ll need to renew the policy you have, if you want to keep the cover in place. If you choose to look elsewhere for your policy, then be aware that any long-term or pre-existing conditions will probably not be covered by a different pet insurance provider.
- Can I get dog insurance for a mixed breed dog?
Yes! Our dog insurance includes mixed breed dogs, as well as pedigree and cross breed dogs. If you’ve got a mixed breed pooch, then we can include them on your policy.
Unfortunately, we cannot cover (whether pedigree, cross breed or mixed breed) any of the following: Dogo Argentino, Fila Brazillero, Japanese Tosa, Pit Bull, Shar-Pei, Wolf or Wolf Hybrid dog and any animal registered under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 and/or the Dogs (Muzzling) regulations (Northern Ireland) 1991 or any amendments.
There are additional breeds that we cannot cover for our optional Third Party Liability cover, see “Are there any breeds of dog that you are unable to insure?”
- Do you cover BOAS in dog breeds such as French Bulldogs and Pugs?
BOAS (Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome) is a condition which is a progressive disorder that can impair the ability of certain breeds of short nose dog to exercise, play, eat and sleep.
We are able to consider claims provided that there are no pre-existing signs, symptoms or advice provided by a vet. In practice this usually means that the dog has to be insured with us from a very young age.
- Can I get insurance for working dogs?
Yes, we are able to cover working dogs. This would include a dog that is being used for shooting, hunting, or working with livestock. Also a dog that performs tasks to assist a human companion, including therapy dogs.
- Are there any breeds of dog that you are unable to insure?
Unfortunately, for all of our policies, we cannot provide any vet fees or liability cover for any animal registered under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 and/or the Dogs (Muzzling) regulations (Northern Ireland) 1991 or any amendments; or (whether pedigree, cross breed, mixed breed or known or classed as the names listed) an Abruzzese Mastiff, African Crested Dog, African Wild Dog, Alangu Mastiff, American Bulldog, American Bully, American Bully XL, American Indian Dog, American Mancon, American Mastiff, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Rottweiler, American Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Argentine Dogo, Argentinian Mastiff, Australian Dingo, Bandogge, Bandogge Mastiff, Blue Bull Terrier, Boerboel, Bole, Brazilian Mastiff, Bully, Bully Kutta, Canadian Inuit Dog, Canary Dog, Canary Mastiff, Cane Corso, Cão de Fila de São Miguel, Cão Fila, Chinese Shar Pei, Czechoslovakian Wolfdog, Dingo, Dogo Argentino, Dogue Brasileiro, East Siberian Laika, Fila Brasileiro, Gull Dong, Husky Wolf Hybrid, Inuit Dog American, Irish Staffordshire, Irish Staffordshire Blue Bull Terrier, Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Irish Wolfhound, Italian Mastiff, Japanese Mastiff, Japanese Tosa, Johnson American Bulldog, Korean Jindo, Korean Mastiff, Laika, Libyan Desert Dog, Neapolitan Mastiff, Northern Inuit Dog, Pakistani Bull Dog, Perro de Presa Canario, Pit Bull Mastiff, Pit Bull Terrier, Pocket Bully, Presa Canario, Racing Greyhound, Sarloos Wolfhound, Shar Pei, South African Boerboel, South African Mastiff, Tamaskan Dog, Tibetan Mastiff, Tosa, Tosa Inu, Utonagan Dog, Wolf Hybrid and Wolfdog.
- Can I get insurance for guard dogs?
No, we cannot cover pets that are used for guarding.
- Can I get insurance for crossbreed dogs?
Yes, we are able to cover a crossbreed dog.
- Can you insure an assistance dog?
Yes, we can provide vet fee cover if your insured dog is an assistance dog. In addition, we are able to offer our optional Third Party Liability cover as long as they have been trained, or are in the process of being trained, in strict accordance with the guidance of a member organisation of Assistance Dogs UK.
- Do you offer dog insurance for dogs with a pre-existing condition?
Unfortunately, we are unable to cover any costs resulting from a pre-existing medical condition or an illness first occurring or showing clinical signs prior to cover, or within the first 14 days of the start of cover for your pet.
- What are the key covers, features and exceptions of dog insurance?
Veterinary Fees
Choose between £3,000, £6,000 or £12,000 per year in vet fee cover (this excludes any claims within the first 14 days of purchasing cover and any pre-existing conditions).
Emergency Boarding
If you require hospital treatment, which means you’re unable to care for your dog, we can cover the cost of daily minding or boarding fees of up to £1,500, while you’re on the mend. Cover applies for hospital stays of more than four consecutive days.
Holiday Cancellation
If you have to cancel or cut short your holiday because your dog becomes ill or suffers an injury, we can pay out up to £5,000 towards the cost of a cancelled trip (exclusions apply to conditions and illnesses).
Pet Accessories
If your dog's cage or tracking device gets damaged or stolen, we can provide up to £500 to either repair or replace. Accessories or pet-related equipment must be owned from new and security requirements apply.
- Do you offer Third Party Liability cover for dogs?
Yes, you can add this benefit to your policy as an optional extra. We can provide up to £2million per event in Public Liability insurance, if your dog injures someone or damages someone's property and you are held liable. Cover for Third Party Liability only applies in the UK.
Terms and conditions apply. Click here to find out more
- Can I add extra cover to my dog insurance?
Of course! With petGuard, you can add our optional Third Party Liability cover for dogs if you wish.
Third Party Liability
We can cover up to £2million per event to protect you against claims made against you if your dog injures another person, or accidentally damages another person's property. Cover for Third Party Liability applies in the UK only.
Click here to find out more about our additional cover dog cover.
- How long can I claim for each condition?
Provided that you have chosen our Accident and Illness cover we will refresh your veterinary fees benefit each year allowing you to claim for ongoing conditions on your pet insurance for as long as we are able to offer a renewal and you renew without a gap in cover.
- Is dental treatment covered?
Yes. Depending on the type of cover you select we are able to cover treatment provided that it is related to an injury or illness.
- Do you insure pets used for breeding?
No, we cannot provide cover for pets that are used for breeding. There are special policies for their specific risks, and we suggest you speak to your vet or local insurance broker for help finding suitable cover.
- Do you provide cover for chronic and ongoing veterinary conditions?
We offer a choice of three annual benefit levels. You can insure up to the chosen limit each year and provided that we are able to offer renewal and you renew without a gap in cover the benefit will be reinstated for the next period of insurance. This means that you can claim for chronic or ongoing conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, heart or skin conditions whilst the policy remains in force.
- Do you only cover UK residents?
Yes. You must be a UK resident and domiciled in the UK.
- Is there an excess on this policy?
Yes there is an excess you will need to pay in respect of each illness or injury for which you wish to claim each year. These are as follows:
Veterinary Fees
For each illness or injury arising during each period of insurance your excess will be:
- For pets under eight years of age at time of treatment: The first £150.
- For pets older than eight years of age at time of treatment: The first £150 plus 20% of the remaining cost of treatment.
Holiday Cancellation - The first £75 of the claim
Accidental Damage to Third Party Property - The first £75 of the claim
Accidental Damage to Pet Accessories - The first £50 of the claim
Emergency Expenses - The first £50 of the claim
Third Party Liability - The first £250 of property damage claim
- What information do you need to start my cover?
We need some details about you and the pet you wish to insure together with either bank account or debit/credit card details for payment of the premium.
- How do you calculate premiums?
We look at a number of factors including the age and breed of the pet, the risk of chronic or recurring conditions associated with certain breeds, the area the pet lives in and any claims history.
- How can I pay for my policy?
You can choose to pay in full by credit or debit card. Alternatively, you can take advantage of our interest free monthly payment option and simply spread the payments out, without any additional cost.
- Can you pay my vet directly?
This is something we are able to do provided that your vet is happy with this arrangement.
- Can I travel with my cat or dog on a plane?
Most airlines will allow you to take a cat or dog on the plane, either in the cabin or down below in cargo. Before booking your flight, check with the airline that they can in fact, fly your pet. You may have to book in advance, with some airlines charging additional fees for traveling pets.
Your pet will need pet travel documents before they can fly, as this will need to be presented to the airline when checking in your pet. Depending on where your pet is flying from and where they are flying to, they will need to have certain vaccinations and treatments for illnesses such as rabies or tapeworm. You will most likely need to proof of the vaccinations and treatment from your vet.
- How should I prepare my cat or dog for traveling abroad?
If you're traveling abroad, or simply going away for a few days in the UK, it’s still a good idea to prep your pet for the journey. Such preparation measures could help reduce the stress levels in your pet, help you understand how best your pet travels, and help make the journey that little bit easier for both you and your pet.
- Before taking your pet on any long car journey, take them on short drives close to home, while slowly increasing the amount of time spent in the car. This will not only help them get used to being confined in a car, but it could help them overcome travel sickness if they suffer from it.
- Avoid feeding your cat or dog right before traveling, as the motion of the car, train or plane could upset their stomach. Make sure they have plenty of water, so they are well hydrated.
- Before any long journey, consider the health of your pet. Are they fit and healthy enough to travel? Make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations and treatments and be sure to check if they need any additional ones, as this could be a requirement of certain countries or airlines.
- To help ensure your pet is comfortable while traveling, make sure they have plenty of water, (food but depending how well they travel on a full stomach), toys to keep them occupied, and a comfortable place to sleep and rest. Most importantly, they need to be secured while traveling, whether it be in a crate that is large enough for them to sit in, stand and move around in, or strapped in using a proper pet seat belt for the car.
- What are the other alternatives to taking your pet on holiday?
If you don't want to take your cat or dog on holiday with you, then why not consider the following instead:
- Leave your pet with a friend or family member
- Have a qualified pet-sitter come around to your home, to feed, walk and check-up on your pet
- Take your pet to a reputable kennel or cattery
Your policy document explorer
Your policy documents
The documents below apply to all pet insurance policies purchased from 1st May 2024 onwards.
Existing customers: If you purchased your policy before the date shown above, you can log into your account where you can view, amend, and renew your documents here. If you have not already signed up for an account, then you can register here.
For all policies with renewal dates after 13th May 2024, please find your policy documents below: