In recent years, grain-free diets for dogs have gained popularity, and many pet owners are making the switch. However, the popularity comes with the responsibility of making informed decisions about your dog’s nutrition. I say so because dog food allergies aren’t as common as we think. A research study 2011 reported that only 5% to 15% of dogs exhibiting allergic symptoms are likely to have a food allergy. In contrast, a 2018 report by tails.com stated that the demand for grain-free dog food increased by a whopping 75% between 2016 and 2018. That doesn’t make sense, does it? How can the demand ..read more

I was going through one of our articles, Best Wet Dog Food in the UK, and noticed many comments from our readers. They mentioned how grain-free food is not good for dogs as it lacks “taurine.” It stood out because “lack of taurine” is a peculiar reason to reject grain-free kibble. For starters, grains never had taurine. Meat does. Your dog’s taurine consumption is independent of their grain intake (or lack thereof). As a dog owner myself, I decided to do some research. Apparently, there’s a LOT of misconception about grain-free food. Admittedly, there are a few valid arguments as well.  S ..read more

In another ‘episode’ of Ask the Jug Dog, we have an anatomical question related specifically to male dogs… “I have a 3-year-old Labrador who has had the snip (neutered) for around 2 years now but recently he’s started getting erections at random times. I thought neutered dogs couldn’t get it up anymore? Should I be worried?”. Joseph Holden, 34, Newcastle This is a common question we get at the Jug Dog. There are many assumptions out there about what neutering/castration/the snip actually does and what it doesn’t. Many people have their dog neutered to calm them down or to make sure they don’t ..read more

Regular dog baths are not just about keeping your doggo looking and smelling fresh (although that’s a nice bonus); they are essential for hygiene and health. Think about it – dirt, dust, and yes, even those puddles Jeff (my dog) loves so much can carry all sorts of nasties. Fret not; there’s a solution to everything, and I have come bearing gifts. Unlike us, dogs don’t need to be bathed almost every day. Short-haired dogs should only be bathed once a month unless your dog is dirty from being outside. And long-haired breeds don’t need more than two to three baths yearly. They’ll require regular ..read more

Recently, a growing trend among dog parents has been building an exclusive dog shower in your house.  Let’s face it: our dogs are more than just pets; they’re part of the family. And just like any family member, their well-being and comfort matter. One essential aspect of their care is maintaining proper hygiene. A pet shower is an ingenious addition for those who have experienced it. Dogs like it more than your bathtub. It’s safer for them and you. And it creates almost no mess compared to how we usually bathe our canine companions. Will you find this trending amenity in your new home? P ..read more

Cinnamon is a common household spice we all love putting in our food, especially in the UK. So, it makes sense that we want our dogs to enjoy the same bliss we do. That said, canine nutrition is extremely complicated from a newbie dog parent’s perspective. Of all the things, chocolate is a poison to dogs!  While the situation is more nuanced, here’s the short answer if you’re in a hurry: Cinnamon is a non-toxic spice that dogs can eat in moderate amounts. A dash of cinnamon here and there is generally considered safe and beneficial for their overall health. However, it shouldn’t be inhale ..read more

If you’re looking to find the crème de la crème of dog foods available in the UK, you’ve barked up the right tree! Trust me, I have been where you are right now. Picking the right kibble for our mutts is no small feat. You could always look at reviews on Amazon or listen to the cashier at the pet store, but those people seem biased. The trick to choosing the best dog food is keeping everything simple. Think about how you choose food for yourself. Do you care for extra features more than the fundamentals? It’s not just about fancy packaging or gourmet-sounding names. It’s about what’s inside th ..read more

As pet parents, it is our responsibility to care for our pooch’s health. And to do that, it’s important to be vigilant about what they eat. Just like human food, dog food can sometimes be subjected to recalls due to various safety concerns, making it crucial for us to stay informed and proactive. With various brands and types of dog food available in the market, it has become increasingly important to be aware of the products we choose and the potential recalls that might affect them. So, I compiled a list of major dog food products recalled in 2023. List of Dog Food Recalls in 2023 Company ..read more

With their alert expressions, curled tails, and fluffy double coats, Shiba Inu is one of the world’s most recognisable and endearing dog breeds. While they originated from Japan, their popularity has rapidly grown in the UK over the last few years. But there are still a lot of misconceptions about the breed out there. Despite popular belief, Shiba Inu dogs don’t bark a lot. They’re descendants of a hunting dog breed, so their “bark” is a sharp and clear alert. It’s done, Shiba Inu notices a suspicious activity. Unlike other breeds, Shibas don’t excessively bark in a whiney manner. While it’s n ..read more

There’s a popular saying among Shiba owners – “the Shiba Inu breed only sheds twice a year, but it goes on for six months at a time.” It’s incredibly funny until you’re the one cleaning the couch every day. Well, it’s still quite amusing since Shiba is a delightful companion to have as a dog. Originating from Japan, this compact breed has undoubtedly charmed its way into the hearts of dog lovers. However, with the lush, protective double coat comes a challenge: shedding. And not just a light, here-and-there kind. I am talking about a tufts-around-your-house-everyday scenario. Due to their thic ..read more