Britain has always been a nation of dog lovers, but it seems that today’s pet-owners are taking their devotion to new levels. Pet birthdays are taking off – according to Moonpig, Google searches for “how to throw a pet party” soared by 75% in 2023.
And Pets At Home found that UK pet owners spend up to £1.1 billion on their animals at Christmas – with 43% of ‘grandpets’ receiving a gift from their owner’s parents. So how better to celebrate your pooch and its pals than with some doggie delights that take treats to the next level?
Nutritionist Justin Bland, the head of technical and new product development at baked dog treat brand Ruffingtons, says the key thing to remember when indulging your dog is to keep the portions small. “A guideline is that when you’re giving them treats you should be aiming for 10% of their daily calories,” he says.
Also, ensure you’re sticking to safe food, steering well clear of ingredients that are toxic to dogs. The list includes the sweetener xylitol, avocados, which contain a fungicidal toxin called persin; grapes and raisins; and chocolate, which contains the stimulant theobromine, which is dangerous for dogs.
“Fruit is a good option, anything that you can portion off, such as bananas or blueberries,” says Justin. But if you’d like to go all-out with a birthday bonanza, or the perfect pup party, here are some cakes guaranteed to make your canine howl with delight. All recipes should be served in small slices as a treat. Not suitable for dogs with special dietary requirements.
For more information about luxury baked dog treats visit ruffingtons.co.uk
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