Shopping for Your Dog this Christmas- What to Look For and Avoid
Our dogs are family members so of course they need a Christmas present. However, with so many doggy products on the market it can be hard to know what’s best for our furry family members…

Dog Chews
Most pet shops have a selection of colourful shaped, fun-looking chews. However it’s important to be really careful which treats and chews we give to our dogs.
Make sure chews are NOT rawhide. This is a highly processed meat product made with lots of chemicals, with little to no nutritional value and can cause blockages in our dog’s digestive system.
Instead, look for a natural dog chew with the ingredients clearly labelled. Lamb Braids or Tripe Sticks are great alternatives to rawhide.

Dog Treats
When purchasing treats for your dog, make sure you understand the ingredients. Lots of treats are packed full of unhealthy fillers and questionable ingredients such as ‘animal derivatives’- this is very vague and doesn’t even specify which animal it’s coming from!
Instead, look for clearly labelled treats with ingredients you recognise. JR Training Treats or JR Pate are great options as you know exactly what you’re giving your precious pooch.
Jumpers and Clothing
Before purchasing any jumpers/jackets/clothing for your dog, ask who this clothing is for- is it really for the benefit of your dog or is it for you?
If your dog enjoys wearing jumpers, then go ahead! However, if your dog doesn’t like wearing clothing, maybe reconsider your purchase.
References
All About Dog Food: Is Rawhide Bad for Dogs? | Why Rawhide is Bad for Dogs - All About Dog Food
PDSA: Q&A: Does my dog need to wear a coat on winter walks? - PDSA
PDSA: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/your-dogs-diet




