But how to decide which bed is right for your dog? Firstly, and most importantly, it needs to be the correct size for your pet. Watch how they like to sleep, some will curl up while others will love nothing more than stretching out and taking up as much room as possible. Take a rough measurement of the space your dog uses whilst resting this will give you a good idea of which size to consider. Also consider the bed’s position within your home, your dog may love his new extra large bed however you will not enjoy constantly tripping over it!

If your dog prefers to curl up then the traditional oval shaped basket style maybe suitable, with a high back it also keeps out draughts, choosing a slightly larger size will enable you to add a blanket if your dog prefers to sleep with one. For those which would rather stretch out then a duvet style bed would be more appropriate, the box duvet beds keep their depth right up to the edge allowing your dog to get the same level of comfort wherever he decides to lay his head. As these beds have no back part to them it is advisable to place them away from draughts preferably against a wall or in the corner of a room.

Another factor to consider when choosing a dog bed is the kind of wear it will receive. Some of the cream fur lined beds can be beautifully soft and luxurious but, although machine washable, may not be quite as durable if your dog likes nothing more than getting as muddy as he can before slumping into bed. If this is the case then it could be wise to choose one of the harder wearing waterproof dog beds that can simply be wiped clean with a damp cloth and ideal for active or working dogs.

Courtesy of http://www.dogsandpuppies.co.uk

Dogs can be vegetarians
Dogs can be quite happy on a vegetarian diet provided it’s correctly balanced and supplemented with the right vitamins and minerals. This is because certain essential fatty acids they would normally get from animal and fish products can be manufactured in their bodies from other nutrients. But generally a healthy diet should contain good quality meat or fish for protein, supplemented with vegetable proteins such as soya, grains or peas.

Fish Oil is good for your dog’s skin and coat condition
Dogs can tolerate both saturated and unsaturated fats and both should be present in your dogs diet. Small quantities of fish oil high in unsaturates are beneficial for skin and coat condition. For healthy skin and a glossy coat for your dog try Burgess Supadog.

Dogs can tolerate high levels of fat
Unlike their owners dogs can digest quite large quantities of fat in the diet and do not seem to experience the health problems this would cause humans. However, eating large quantities of high-energy foods, unless taking a lot of exercise, can cause obesity in dog and owner alike. It is important to keep your dog in a lean condition and light or lower energy diets, such as Supadog, are available to help with this.

Dogs need vitamins and minerals
Dogs need a careful balance of different vitamins and minerals and require food which includes zinc and copper supplements. A complete diet, such as Supadog, will include the necessary vitamins, minerals and amino acids in their correct ratio, either derived from the raw materials themselves or from an added supplement. Good manufacturers, like Supadog, use protected vitamins to prevent them being degraded by processing. Your dog should obtain all it needs from the food he eats, there should be no need to give your dog extra vitamins or minerals and over dosing vitamins can be harmful.

A little bit of fibre is good for your dog
Your dog will also benefit from some fibre in his diet as well. Although the diseases which fibre apparently protects man from are not generally recognised as severe problems in dogs the inclusion of fibre in the diet helps the passage of food through the gut and has a positive impact on gut bacteria and wellbeing. Sugar beet, pea fibre, chicory and whole grain cereals are all included in dog foods to provide different types and blends of fibre. Many manufactures also include fructooligosaccharides to aid gut health and maintain a healthy balance of “good bacteria”.

Dogs need plenty of water
Your dog also needs a supply of good clean water available to him throughout the day. Bowls should be kept clean, washed daily and regularly topped up so your dog can drink ad lib. This is particularly important when the weather is hot or when feeding dry food.

It’s important to find the right balanced diet for your dog
To help you find the right food for your pet have a look at our product range or simply fill in the details below and we can point you in the right direction. Alternatively you can call Burgess Pet Care free consumer care line on 0800 413 969 between 9am and 5pm, where our dedicated team of pet experts will help you make the right choice.

They never say ‘no’ – but don’t be fooled – they have an uncanny ability to play deaf when it suits! And why is it they will joyfully jump into the nearest stinky, muddy pond in one second flat, but, give them a bath in lovely clean water and they look at you as though you have just stolen their favourite toy?

They will be yours, faithful and true, every day of their life.

New food needs introducing gradually. Start by mixing 25% new food with 75% old food. Then slowly change the proportions over the next three days or so.
Feed your dog according to their size, age and level of activity.
Keep treats to a minimum to ensure your dog does not become overweight.
Dogs need routine so feed them at the same time and place every day to encourage a comfortable eating pattern.
Your dog must have plenty of fresh, clean water available at all times.