Swapping eggs for tasty Carnilove treats and kibble, we encourage you to bring the hunt to your home or garden this Easter. Whether it’s hiding a treat behind a fallen branch for your dog or tossing a treat for your cat to pounce on, we think pets deserve an Easter treat whilst tapping into their natural instincts. Creating a hunt for your four-legged friend provides mental stimulation and it’s a great opportunity for all the family to get outside and play!

We’ve teamed up with @man_about_gardening Luke Newnes to give you some ideas for creating your own Easter hunt this year. Keep an eye out on our social channels @carnilove_uk for other members of the Carnilove pack as they get involved too.

To keep everyone safe, we recommend that the hunt should not take place after a chocolate Easter egg hunt unless you are 100% sure all of the chocolate has been removed! No chocolate should be used in the Easter hunt for cats and dogs – Carnilove treats and kibble provide a much safer and tastier option! The Foraging or ‘hunt’ location should be a safe zone away from any hazards i.e. toxic plants or roads.  Please keep in mind your pets’ own physical abilities.

Shop now and bring the wild hunt home this Easter!

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Categories: Cat Treats, Treats

Sardines enriched with Parsley Soft Cat Treats

£1.95

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Categories: Dog Treats, Semi Moist, Treats

Duck enriched with Rosemary Soft Dog Treats

£3.45

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Categories: Dog Food, True Fresh

True Fresh Fish Dog Food

£13.95 – £75.95

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Categories: Cat Food, True Fresh

True Fresh Chicken Cat Food

£4.65 – £15.95

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Whether you are welcoming a new dog into your home or researching a new diet for an existing canine buddy, choosing the best food for your dog can be a bit confusing. With hundreds of dog foods on the market, we are here to help you explore Carnilove and what makes a good grain-free dog food.

What is Grain-Free Dog Food?

A grain-free diet is one that doesn’t contain any grain ingredients. For example, rice, oats and wheat which are commonly used in grain-inclusive dog foods.

The earliest recorded cohabitation between humans and dogs was around 12,000 BC, as this cohabitation evolved so did the diet of these wild dogs, and it began to align more closely to that of humans. Departing further from the dog’s anatomical need for a meat rich diet.

Being carnivorous dogs would naturally consume a diet mostly of prey, plus some fruits and vegetables. Yet many earlier dog foods were made with high grain content as these ingredients were easy to source and cheap!

Carnilove complete dog foods are made with careful consideration for the natural origin of dogs. Like their canine ancestors, our pet dogs cannot use the excess energy contained in grains and it is stored in the body as fat, often leading to obesity and related illnesses.

It is now known that dogs have no nutritional requirement for carbohydrates. Carnilove returns to the food that wild dogs would naturally eat. Which is why they have no grains or potatoes in any of their recipes.

Benefits of Grain-Free Diets for Dogs

Grain-free diets have increased in popularity over the last decade with owners having a better understanding of their dog’s needs and choosing to feed them food that reflects their ancestor’s diet.

But with grains still featuring in many dog foods, this leads many owners to consider what are the benefits of choosing a grain-free diet? Especially as some appear to be more expensive!

A diet high in meat content using quality proteins and highly digestible ingredients is more nutrient dense, which means you may feed less and the bag will last longer saving you money in the long-term.

To calculate the ‘daily cost’ simply divide the size of the bag (in grams) by the daily feeding amount, for example:

A 12kg bag of Carnilove Duck & Pheasant Dog Food has an SRP of £62.95. The feeding amount per day for a 15kg dog is 160g.

To work out how many days the bag will last:

12000g (12kg bag size) ÷ 160g daily feed = 75 days

You can then use this figure to work out the ‘daily cost’:

£62.95 cost per bag ÷ 75 days = 84p daily cost to feed per day

Instead of comparing the cost per bag, try our ‘daily cost’ calculation to see how they really compare.

Common Ingredients in Grain-Free Dog Food

A diet without grains or fillers means there is plenty of room for carefully chosen ingredients like novel meats, fruits and vegetables that provide your dog with essential nutrients.

Carnilove dog foods have up to 80% animal ingredients and smaller amounts of vegetables, forest fruits and herbs.

Meat is full of nutrient-rich proteins, essential for muscle development and overall growth.  Animal fats and oils support healthy skin and the nervous system. Vegetables provide sources of fibre for healthy stools and fruits are full of antioxidants.

Carnilove grain-free and potato-free dog foods are made up of quality novel animal proteins like duck, pheasant, wild boar and reindeer. Each providing their own nutritional benefits.

Is Grain-Free Food Right for Every Dog?

We all want to ensure we are doing the best for our dogs, and choosing a diet to suit them is top of the list. Grain-free diets are considered closer to the ancestral diet of your dog, they can also be beneficial for some dogs with sensitive digestion or those with grain allergies.

So, this must be the best choice for your dog, right? Well, it’s true what they say not one size fits all. If you are in doubt if grain-free is the best choice for your dog, speak with your trusted veterinarian.

How to Choose a High-Quality Grain-Free Dog Food

While grain-free diets are considered premium foods this isn’t true for all grain-free foods. Some pet food manufacturers will simply swap grains for another low-quality ingredient that offers little nutritional value for your dog. We recommend paying careful attention to the ingredients list:

• Look for real, named meat and animal ingredients. Carnilove dog food is made with nutrient rich ingredients, a minimum of 60% animal ingredients like fresh turkey.
• Avoid unnecessary fillers like soy, potato, grains and wheat.
• Quality oils and fats like salmon oil and chicken fat provide beneficial nutrients to help maintain healthy skin, coat and brain function.
• Carnilove is made without any added chemicals, preservatives or colourants.
• Look for a diet that offers a variety of animal proteins
• A brand with plenty of choice. Carnilove has many options to choose from including dry, wet, freeze-dried toppers and a variety of treats.

The spring equinox marks the beginning of spring, when we all start to appreciate longer days and the delights of nature’s spring blossoms.

The celebration of Easter is also enjoyed by many families here in the UK. As a nation of pet lovers, it is not unusual to include our furry friends in everything we do. The Cats Protection reports one in four households’ own cat in the UK. But how can we keep our cats safe this Easter?

As many cat owners know, cats retain a lot of their characteristics of their wild ancestors. Taking joy in activities such as chasing and catching prey.

Like their ancestors, cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they must have meat and animal ingredients in their diet as they cannot obtain the nutrients they need to survive from plants alone.

Carnilove cat foods have been formulated to respect the natural origin of cats and using the latest technologies to produce irresistible recipes like Carnilove True Fresh Cat, made with only fresh meat, no meat meal.

No surprises so far right!? What may surprise some owners is the way cats experience taste, Feliway explored this in more detail, explaining cats cannot identify sweet sensations.

This is food for thought! Let’s take a closer look at what foods we should avoid sharing with our feline friends this Easter.

Why Some Human Foods Are Dangerous for Cats

So what foods are toxic for cats? Some human foods are dangerous for cats. Chocolate, raisins and artificial sweeteners such as xylitol can be found in many Easter treats. These can all pose serious health risks to our cats. Chocolate contains chemical compounds called theobromine which can be fatal when ingested. Nutmeg, which is often used in Hot Cross Buns and Simnel Cake contains a compound called myristicin that can be toxic even in small amounts.

Let’s keep those Easter treats strictly for our human family! For cats, it is better to choose a cat safe, meat based treats.

Symptoms of Food Poisoning in Cats

If your cat eats poisonous food, they will likely show some telling signs. The PDSA describes the typical symptoms of eating theobromine contained in chocolate are diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain, drinking and in serious cases fast breathing or seizures may occur.

What to Do If Your Cat Eats Toxic Food

So, what to do if your cat eats toxic food? Contact your vet immediately! It is best to act fast, don’t wait for the symptoms to show if you know they have ingested a toxic or poisonous food.

Safe Alternatives to Harmful Foods

It is still possible to safely include our cats this Easter. Small amounts of cooked unseasoned chicken or lamb meat (fat removed), carrot or boiled egg may offer a nutritious reward for your cat.

However, for cats with diet sensitivities sticking to their usual food made specifically for cats is the safest option. Carnilove Chicken & Lamb wet cat food provides a complete balanced food for adult cats.

How to Prevent Accidental Ingestion

A popular family activity is ‘Easter Egg Hunts’, which often involves hiding chocolate eggs for children to find. However, it is important that your cat doesn’t discover these before the children do! The shiny wrappers make attractive playthings for cats and a risk of ingestion.

To keep cats out of harm’s way, move them indoors or in a separate room. Create a fun-filled game just for your cat using Carnilove cat treats or kibble, hide their favourite reward around the room keeping them busy until it is safe for them to return to the rest of the home/garden. The hunt is on! With Carnilove.

Top Tip – Note the number of chocolate Easter Eggs hidden for the hunt to ensure they have all been collected.

Featuring Merlin the Whippet Puppy!

Written by Becki Gude, BA (Hons) PACT-KSA ABTC-ATI

Surrey Canine Corner

Why Socialisation Matters

Bringing a new puppy home is an exciting experience for the whole family! But it does come with a  big responsibility— socialising your pup in the best way possible to help them grow into a confident, well-adjusted dog. The world is full of unfamiliar sights, sounds and experiences, and good socialisation teaches your puppy how to navigate them without fear. A well-socialised pup is happier, more adaptable, and less likely to develop anxiety or behavioural issues. Studies also suggest that well socialised dogs are more optimistic! Whether it’s meeting new people, encountering other dogs, or adjusting to household noises, early exposure to different situations sets the stage for your puppy to grow into a well adjusted adult dog.

The Critical Period of Socialisation

Between three and sixteen weeks of age, puppies are like little sponges, absorbing everything around them. This is the prime window for socialisation, where positive experiences have a lasting impact. Most puppies go to their new homes at around 8 weeks old, so the first two months of their lives with you are critical to their development.

Puppies exposed to a variety of environments, people, and sounds in a controlled manner during this time tend to grow into confident adults. However, this does not mean that your puppy needs to meet every single dog and person on their walk, it’s the quality of the interactions that are important! On the other hand, a lack of exposure can lead to nervousness or fearfulness later on.

You can also get socialising your puppy before they have completed their course of vaccinations! Carrying your puppy around in your arms or in a sling to observe the world around them can be a game changer in the early days. Ensure they are kept off the ground and away from other dogs to avoid the risk of infectious diseases.

Introducing Your Puppy to New Experiences

If you want your puppy to be a part of your daily life, now is the time to introduce them to those experiences. Whether it’s joining you at the office, commuting by train, relaxing at your favourite café, or even going on weekend hikes, early exposure will help them feel comfortable and confident in these situations.

The key to socialisation is making new experiences fun and positive. Introduce your puppy to a variety of people—kids, seniors, people in hats or sunglasses—so they learn that humans come in all shapes and sizes. Let them walk on different surfaces like grass, pavement, or sand to get them used to new textures. Household sounds like the vacuum, doorbell, or hairdryer should be introduced gradually, with plenty of treats and reassurance. Taking short car rides, visiting pet-friendly stores, or sitting in a park to watch the world go by are great ways to expose your pup to different sights and sounds in a safe and controlled way.

Meeting Other Dogs for the First Time

One of the most common questions we get asked, is how to introduce your puppy to other dogs. This should positive experience for you and your puppy, not a stressful one! Choose a friendly, well-socialised dog for their first meeting and pick a neutral, quiet location like a park or a friend’s garden. Keep both dogs on loose leads and allow them to approach at their own pace. Look for relaxed body language, like wagging tails and play bows. If either dog seems tense or unsure, give them space and try again later. Short, positive interactions will help your puppy build confidence and learn good social skills with other dogs.

Using Positive Reinforcement

Confidence grows with encouragement, and puppies thrive on positive reinforcement. Reward calm and curious behaviour with treats, praise, or playtime to create happy associations with new experiences. If your puppy seems nervous, don’t force them into the situation—let them observe from a distance and approach when they feel ready. Rushing the process or putting too much pressure on them can lead to fear, while patience and rewards build trust and confidence over time.

Ongoing Socialisation

Socialisation isn’t just for puppies—it should continue throughout your dog’s life. Regular outings, whether to a dog-friendly café, a hiking trail, or a friend’s house, help reinforce social skills and prevent anxiety. The more varied and positive experiences your dog has, the more adaptable and well-rounded they’ll be.

Helping your puppy become a well-socialised, confident dog is one of the most rewarding parts of pet ownership. With patience, encouragement, and a little sense of adventure, your pup will learn to navigate the world with ease. So grab some treats, get out there, and enjoy the journey of raising a happy, well-adjusted companion!

Click here to download the Surrey Canine Corner free socialisation checklist to help you on your way to a well socialised pup!

From first thing in the morning when you are greeted by a wet nose to the excited tail wag when you return from work, you know that your dog is by your side, always. But why do dogs matter? What do they do for us without us knowing? We partner with a fantastic individual and a vital charity to investigate.

The Power of Getting Up and Out

It’s hard to describe the feeling of lacing up your hiking boots and heading out on an adventure with your furry friend but research shows there are many mental and physical health benefits to doing just that. It’s only in recent years that scientists have wanted to quantify and qualify this feeling, helping dog owners to articulate what it means to have your dog by your side.

Pets have evolved to become attuned to our emotions and behaviour. Have you ever noticed your pet cuddling in when you aren’t well and appreciating their affection even more? They can gauge your emotional state and will try to understand what you are thinking and feeling.

Research shows that 48% of dog owners adopted dogs to get more exercise and will average around 48 minutes of walking a day to help ensure they increase their pet’s quality of life. This has lots of health benefits according to the NHS, as walking briskly with your dog can help you to build stamina, burn excess calories and make your heart healthier too.

What Does Alfie Mean to Billy Billingham?

To celebrate that companionship and the value of having a dog by your side, we’ve teamed up with Mark ‘Billy’ Billingham, Chief Instructor on SAS: Who Dares Wins, and his Bulldog Alfie. Billy’s favourite part of the day is first thing in the morning, at the crack of dawn. There’s nothing he loves more than getting up and getting out. One of the best things? He’s got Alfie and he’s always by his side.

Alfie is a registered Service Dog and flies around the world supporting Billy and his wife Jules. Billy has seen the impact that the military can have on an individual and mentions how incredible he finds it, when Alfie just knows his moods. Alfie will always stick by him, whether out exploring nature or sat on the sofa for a cuddle.

What is an Assistance Dog and Why Do They Help?

You may have seen us talking to Becki Gude about training your own assistance dog in the past, but what is an assistance dog? Assistance Dogs UK describes them as; “Dogs that have been highly trained to carry out a range of tasks and alerts that support a disabled person or person with a long-term medical condition”. Examples include guide dogs for people that have visual impairments and assistance dogs that can provide support to people with a clinical diagnosis such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Meeting with BRAVEHOUND

We sent Billy and Alfie to meet with a charity Carnilove are proud to support – BRAVEHOUND. BRAVEHOUND supports former servicemen, women and their families through the provision of training and assistance dogs.

Billy met with Eddie and Leah, just two of the veterans the charity supports. Eddie and Leah shared their stories with us and how Hagrid and Gizmo support them. Eddie says that if it wasn’t for Hagrid, his three year old NewFoundland, he’d almost be housebound. He joined the army in 2000 and felt his mental health decline. They diagnosed him with complex PTSD and a complex depressive disorder. He was housebound, but Hagrid gave him the confidence to go outside and go for walks in the countryside. They now go everywhere together!

Leah says she was really low – Chihuahua, Lhasa Apso cross Gizmo is the only reason she is still here today. She doesn’t do anything unless he’s with her. He distracts her, takes her out of her own head and gives her access to a ‘normal’ life. Gizmo comes with her everywhere and is by her side, all the time. He helps her go out and explore, knowing that he’s right there.

Incredible Dogs Need Incredible Food

Billy Billingham says “The key to a healthy body and good wellness is nutrition” – and this is why he chooses Carnilove for Alfie. Carnilove is crafted with a deep respect for the longstanding history of pet and human companionship. The ingredients and ratios in Carnilove’s formulas are inspired by the pre-agricultural diets of dogs and cats, whilst using modern production methods and technologies. The wide spectrum of carefully selected wild-origin meats, such as reindeer, duck, pheasant, turkey, lamb, wild boar and salmon, corresponds to the composition of natural prey and ensures intake of important amino acids.

Some of Alfie and BRAVEHOUND’s favourites include:

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Categories: Dog Food, Wet Dog, Wet Dog Cans

Lamb & Wild Boar Wet Dog Food

£18.30

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Categories: Dog Food, True Fresh

True Fresh Beef Dog Food

£13.95 – £75.95

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Categories: Dog Treats, Meat Jerky, Treats

Turkey with Venison Fillet Meat Jerky Dog Treats

£4.25

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Categories: Dog Food, Dry Dog

Duck & Pheasant Dog Food

£11.45 – £62.95

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Categories: Dog Food, Dry Dog

CARNILOVE Salmon & Turkey (Large Breed Adult)

£11.45 – £65.95

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Categories: Crunchy, Dog Treats, Treats

Lamb with Cranberries Crunchy Dog Treats

£3.45

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Get to know one of our CARNILOVE ambassadors as they share their favourite moments and the food they choose for all their adventures.

Name of Owner: Lorna

Name of Pet: Bear

Age of Pet: 4 years old

Social Media: @bear.wgsd

Location: North Yorkshire

Favourite memory so far with your pet?

My favourite memory was taking Bear to the beach for the first time as a puppy. He never left our side, even though he was a bit scared of the water. Now he will follow us anywhere and has been the most wonderfully loyal boy ever since.

What are your pet’s favourite games?

Bear’s most favourite game is chasing his flirt pole – he will go and stand over it to try and entice you to play with him at any opportunity. His preferred opponent is his Granny (my mum) as he knows he will always win!!

What would be your pet’s perfect day?

Bear’s perfect day would start with a lie in – he is a top snoozer. Breakfast would obviously be Carnilove which he likes to eat off the grass in the garden!! He’d then love to go out for an adventure run with his friends where he would get plenty of opportunity to play chase, wrestle and cover himself in mud. Once home he’d enjoy a snooze outside with the breeze tickling his fur before teatime. He’d then finish off his day by taking his most treasured toy ‘piggy’ (which he likes to suck and make purring noises) upstairs to bed for an early night.

Bear loves his Carnilove Salmon recipe which is both grain and potato-free. With 70% wild-origin meats and 30% forest fruits, veggies and herbs, this recipe provides a nutritious and delicious complete meal for adult dogs.

Learn all about feeding kittens with this guide! Learn when to start, how to choose the right food and much more, all helping to ensure your kitten grows up healthy and happy.

When Do You Start Feeding Kittens?

Kittens should solely be feed from their mother until they are at least four weeks old. This is an important stage in the kittens feeding journey where they will take in colostrum and antibodies from their mother’s milk which will protect the kitten from disease.

At around four weeks, many breeders or rescue centers will begin to introduce kittens to kitten food. This process should happen very gradually over a period of weeks until they are feeding freely from a bowl. Most kittens are fully weaned at around 8-10 weeks.

Always make sure you talk to the breeder or rehoming centre to find out their feeding routine. When you bring your new kitten home, try to keep to the same food and frequency of feeding for at least two weeks to minimise sudden changes which may cause stomach upset.

What to Feed Kittens at Different Growth Stages

It is important to feed kittens with food rich in quality proteins, fats, vitamins and essential nutrients for healthy growth and optimal body development. Kitten-specific foods are specially formulated to provide the higher energy and nutrient content needed to support their rapid growth and development. CARNILOVE Kitten Food has been formulated with respect for the natural composition of the feline diet.

The CARNILOVE dry kitten food recipe is based on salmon and turkey, sources of essential amino acids, which in combination with forests fruits, vegetables, and herbs provide essential nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants every day for proper development of the skeleton, muscles, and natural immunity.

CARNILOVE Turkey & Salmon wet kitten food offers the texture of white muscle meat in a balanced holistic formula to satisfy your kittens instinctive love of meat. For those kittens that love gravy, CARNILOVE Rabbit rich in Marigold for kittens pouch offers a complete and balanced meal.

A good kitten food will support your kitten through their growth period until they reach adulthood. Carnilove recommends moving too an adult formula at 12 months old.

How Much Should You Feed a Kitten?

Young kittens have small stomachs and should be fed little and often. To start with your new feline family member will be fed at least four times per day, reducing down over a period of months to two meals per day at around 6 months old.

To calculate the daily feeding amount, it is best to look at the guidelines shown on the food packaging. For example a four month old kitten should receive 45g of Carnilove Salmon & Turkey Dry food divided into the required number of meals per day.

If you choose to also feed a complete wet food then the amount of dry food should be reduced in proportion.

It is a good idea to regularly weigh your kitten to ensure they are gaining weight at a steady pace. You should also keep an eye on their stools as this is a good digestive health indicator.

Wet Food vs. Dry Food: What’s Best for Kittens?

Cats can often be discerning connoisseurs of food with their own personal preferences. When considering what to feed your new kitten the format, wet or dry, is less important than the quality of the ingredients in the food. Ensuring the food you select is balanced, complete and rich in quality proteins, fats, vitamins and essential nutrients for healthy growth and optimal body development is key. Carnilove offers dry kibble, wet cans with white muscle meat texture or pouches of wild origin fillets in gravy to satisfy your kitten’s instinctive love of meat.

Is Milk Necessary for Kittens?

No! Mother’s milk is vital for newborns but is not necessary or beneficial for kittens once fully weaned. After weaning, stick to a complete kitten-appropriate food to support healthy growth and provide with fresh water at all times for hydration.

Common Mistakes to Avoid when Feeding Kittens

Overfeeding often results in excess gas and loose stools. It is important to feed a measured amount each day so you can easily adjust this slightly up or down as required by your cat.

Kittens can have sensitive stomachs too so owners are advised to stick to one food for kittens and avoid switching or changing foods where possible.

You should also take into account the amount of treats you are feeding your kitten throughout the day. Treats should not make up more than 10% of the kitten’s diet. Treats are not intended to be a complete diet for your kitten and therefore will not offer the balanced of nutrients that your kitten needs to grow healthy and strong. Ensuring the majority of their calories are taken from a complete and balanced food is important to support their wellbeing.

Feeding older dogs? Learn how often you should feed an older dog and the best food choices to keep them healthy. Essential senior dog feeding tips!

How Aging Affects a Dog’s Nutritional Needs

Just like when your puppy reached adulthood, as your dog reaches middle-age it is a good time to do some research on what feeding options are available to support your canine friend as they get older. The average life expectancy of a dog can vary greatly between breeds. Generally, smaller dogs tend to live longer. Middle age is exactly that – mid way through their expected lifespan. For a larger dog this might be 6 or for a smaller dog it may be 7 or 8. Whilst we might not consider dogs to be ‘senior’ at this age, it is a good time to start thinking about the best way to support your canine partner as they age.

As dogs get older, they tend to become less active. They are also more likely to suffer from medical conditions such as arthritis, which can affect their activity levels and possibly lead to weight gain.

Keeping your dog at an ideal weight has a variety of health benefits from making life easier for aging joints to reducing associated health issues such as diabetes or breathing issues.
If your dog’s current food is working well, there may be no need to change it just because your dog hits a certain age. It is best to view your own dog as an individual, monitor their weight and activity and feed accordingly.

However, if you find that your dog’s weight is starting to creep up, it may be a good idea to considering an alternative food like CARNILOVE True Fresh Senior & Healthy Weight. Formulated for senior or overweight adult dogs, the recipe has all the nutritional benefits of the CARNILOVE True Fresh range, including supporting lean muscle maintenance. Made exclusively with fresh meat and no meat meal, the recipe also includes beneficial herbs and veggies to give it excellent taste and great digestibility.

Just as with older people, it is important to keep an eye on your older dog’s overall health. Did you know the risk of dental disease rises as dogs age? Not only can problems with teeth be uncomfortable for your dog, it could also mean they struggle to eat well. Poor teeth can also lead to further medical complications too. If you notice any changes in your senior dog’s health, it is best to visit the vet for a check-up.

How Often Should You Feed an Older Dog?

Carnilove is crafted with a deep respect for the longstanding history of pet and human companionship. The ingredients and ratios in our formulas are inspired by the pre-agricultural diets of dogs and cats, whilst using modern production methods and technologies. The wide spectrum of carefully selected wild-origin meats, such as reindeer, duck, pheasant, turkey, lamb, wild boar and salmon, corresponds to the composition of natural prey and ensures intake of important amino acids.

It is important that senior dogs have the required daily intake of quality animal proteins. All the meat and animal ingredients in Carnilove are selected with the greatest possible emphasis on quality and come from regulated farms in Europe.

The majority of Carnilove recipes contain salmon oil, which is rich in omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acids support the nervous and cardiovascular systems and hair and skin quality. The salmon oil in Carnilove comes from Scottish salmon and contains high levels of DHA and EPA, both of which support mental capacities.

The inclusion of green lipped mussel and cartilage extract supports mobility and flexibility of joints and tendons too.

Dry vs. Wet Food for Senior Dogs

When speaking to owners about feeding older dogs, we are often asked ”what is better wet food or dry food?“. The answer is that it is down to the personal preference of either the owner or the dog! All Carnilove recipes are balanced and complete so you can be sure you are providing the nutrition your dog needs. The choice of whether to feed wet, dry or a combination of both is up to you.

Common Feeding Issues in Older Dogs & How to Solve Them

The most common issue many owners have when feeding older dogs is maintaining a healthy weight. If you have concerns that your dog is not a healthy weight, we would recommend that you consult your vet. They will be able to use a body score rating to evaluate your pet and suggest any changes to their diet.

Quite often as pets age, they become more prone to other health problems. Keeping on top of regular checkups with the vet and helping them maintain a healthy weight will support your pet as they get older.

If you would like to have a chat with one of our nutrition team about your pet’s specific dietary requirements, contact us here.

Struggling with a picky eater? Find the best dog food for fussy eaters and learn tips to encourage your dog to eat.

Why Are Some Dogs Picky Eaters?

This is a question we frequently get asked. When owners are at their wits end trying to get their dog to eat. For some dogs, this is a learnt behaviour which can be frustrating and upsetting for owners. However, sudden ‘picky’ eating or prolonged refusal to eat, may be related to an underlying health problem like bad teeth or digestive upset. It is always best to talk to your vet if your dog goes off their meals. They will be able to carry out a health check to rule out any illness.

Best Dog Food for Fussy Eaters: Top Choices

When we think about sharing a home with our dogs, it’s easy to start thinking of them like another member of our family. We certainly love them as much! But we mustn’t forget that even the smallest and fluffiest of breeds have an instinctive love of meat. Which is why Carnilove is formulated with respect for the natural origins of dogs. Each recipe corresponds to natural prey and ensures the intake of essential amino acids.

Dry vs. Wet Food for Picky Dogs

Which one is best? The answer is it is down to the personal preference of either the owner or the dog! All Carnilove foods are balanced and complete and will provide the nutrition your dog needs. The choice of whether to feed wet, dry or a combination of both is up to you. However, it is important to be consistent so choose a method of feeding that meets both your needs long-term.

How to Encourage a Picky Dog to Eat

Keep in mind that every dog is unique and what works for one dog may not work for another. Here are some tips that may help make meal times easier:

1. Choose a food with quality meat ingredients

Meat should be the main ingredient in your dog’s food. Remember, they may be cute, but they are carnivores that have a natural instinct to eat meat! Carnilove True Fresh is made with only fresh meat – no meat meal, all True Fresh Dog recipes have 60% fresh meat or fish resulting in extraordinary taste and great digestibility.

2.Taste

Taste is important. Consider trying alternative or novel animal proteins. Carnilove has a variety of complete recipes to choose from and includes wild-origin meats from novel sources such as Reindeer, Duck & Pheasant, Lamb & Wild Boar.

3. Kibble size or texture

These may play a role in your dog’s appetite. Smaller dogs may be more enthusiastic about mealtimes when fed a small bite kibble or senior dogs without teeth may do best on a wet food. Carnilove dry food may be served dry or moistened with lukewarm water.

4. Variety

Variety can reduce the likelihood of dogs becoming bored of having the same food every day. If you are feeding a complete dry food, you can consider using a tasty topper like Carnilove pouches, with 85% meat and organs in every flavour. Mixed thoroughly with the kibble to ensure your dog doesn’t start to favour one over the other. This can provide the variety they need without the stress of switching to an alternative diet.

5.Gentle encouragement

Gentle encouragement and providing a safe quiet place for your dog to eat their meals. This should be away from children, other pets and high-traffic areas. Some may prefer to eat alone without you watching over them. While others prefer calm, gentle praise while eating. It is important to take the time to learn what works well for them and this will help you build a lasting bond.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Feeding Fussy Dogs

1. Review feeding portions

This may seem obvious, but it is certainly worthwhile checking if you are feeding in line with the manufacturers feeding recommendations. If you are over feeding, this may be the reason why your dog isn’t finishing their meals.

2. Give it time

When your dog doesn’t eagerly accept their meal it can sometimes be easy or convenient to quickly opt for offering them an alternative food. Unfortunately, this may lead to more ‘fussy’ behaviour. It is better instead to focus on how you can encourage them to eat the food that has already been presented and feel better about mealtimes.

3. Follow a routine

Dogs thrive on routine! For most adult dogs Carnilove recommends feeding two meals a day. However, some smaller breeds may find it easier to manage three smaller meals. Either way, try to stick to set mealtimes, for example if you are feeding two meals these may be fed 8-12 hours apart. Following the manufacturers feeding guide, divide the food equally into the required number of meals. Present the food bowl at the allocated time and allow your dog 15-20 minutes to eat their food before removing the bowl. Any left-over food will need to be safely stored away and presented again at the next allocated mealtime. It is important that all household members remain consistent with the chosen routine for the best chance of success. Establishing a routine for mealtimes helps support their overall wellbeing.

4. Avoid snacking

It’s a good idea removing all other treats that includes human tit-bits. This will help them get used to a regular feeding routine and build their appetites for the next meal.

5. Feeding bowls

Bowls aren’t just about style. Some dogs may prefer a ceramic or plastic bowl over a metal bowl. Collars and tags can clang against metal bowls which may create a negative association with approaching the bowl. This is especially problematic with sound sensitive dogs. The size and depth of the bowl should also be factored into your choice based on size and breed of the dog.

Often patience and consistency are the most effective. If you are in any doubt or your dogs’ eating habits are out of character, it is recommended that you seek your vet’s advice.

Always make sure your dog has access to plenty of fresh water.

Get to know one of our CARNILOVE ambassadors as they share their favourite moments and the food they choose for all their adventures.

Name of Owner: Giulia

Name of Pet: Mia

Age of Pet: 5 years old

Social Media: @mia_thespringerspaniel

Location: Cambridgeshire, UK

Favourite memory so far with your pet?

One of my favourite memories with Mia was our first trip to the beach together. She was just over three months old, and it was one of her first real adventures after completing her vaccinations. Watching her run across the sand, chase the waves, and meet other dogs for the first time was pure joy. She was so full of excitement and energy, completely in her element. Seeing her so happy and free made the whole day truly unforgettable.

What are your pet’s favourite games?

Mia’s favourite activities include playing fetch with anything she can find. She also loves running through fields, bouncing with endless energy, almost like a spring in motion. She absolutely loves swimming – we spent 10 months in Sicily when Mia was still a puppy and we would go to the beach every single day.

What would be your pet’s perfect day?

Mia’s perfect day would start with a delicious Carnilove breakfast, followed by a cozy nap and some cuddles. After that, she’d love to go on an adventure—ideally a long walk or, even better, a swim in the sea, followed by a stroll along the coastline. Finally, she’d head back home, ready to snuggle up in bed with us, ending the day just as happily as it started!

Mia is fuelled by her Carnilove diet, rotating between recipes of Duck & Pheasant and Fresh Carp & Trout. Both recipes contain wild-origin meats, vegetables, and herbs that provide a nutritious and delicious balanced meal. They are also grain and potato-free, suitable for adult dogs.

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Categories: Dog Food, Dry Dog

Duck & Pheasant Dog Food

£11.45 – £62.95

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Categories: Dog Food, Fresh Dog

Fresh Carp & Trout Dog Food

£13.95 – £79.95

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