Dog-Friendly Meals: What UK Dog Owners Are Feeding Their Pets

In the UK, it’s clear that dog owners view their pets as much-loved members of the family, with many searching for ways to safely share meals with their dogs. According to research conducted by TopDog, a wide variety of dog-friendly recipes are in high demand. The findings reveal the growing interest in preparing meals that cater to dogs’ needs, from birthday cakes to roast dinners.

Thousands of Brits search for advice on what foods are safe for their pets. Among the most popular search queries, “Can dogs eat bananas?” received 17,000 searches in June 2024, while “Can dogs eat pasta?” generated 5,400 searches. A broader search for “raw dog food” led the way with a significant 30,000 searches. These numbers show just how many dog owners are eager to find the right foods for their pets, whether it’s during a family dinner or a special occasion.

The research also highlights that many dog owners are keen to have their pets join in on social events, with questions like “Is BBQ food good for dogs?” and “How to make a dog Christmas dinner?” being frequently searched. However, while some human foods can be shared with dogs, others are toxic, including avocado, chocolate, onions, and garlic. To help owners treat their dogs safely, TopDog has compiled several dog-friendly recipes for birthdays, roast dinners, and even BBQs.

Dog-Friendly Recipes for Special Occasions

Dog-Friendly Birthday Cake

One of the most searched-for recipes is a dog-friendly birthday cake, perfect for celebrating a furry friend’s special day. Here’s a simple recipe that’s safe for dogs.

Ingredients:

• 1 egg
• ⅓ cup honey (optional)
• ¼ cup peanut butter
• ¼ cup cooking oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup whole wheat or white flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

Method: Preheat the oven to 175°C and grease a fluted tube pan. Combine the egg, honey, peanut butter, oil, and vanilla in a large bowl and mix well. Stir in the shredded carrots, then sift in the flour and baking soda. Blend everything together and pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean.

Dog-Friendly Roast Dinner

For dog owners who want to include their pet in a traditional roast dinner, certain foods are safe to share, but some should be avoided.

Safe foods:

• Lean meat such as turkey (without fat and bones)
• Pigs in blankets (for special occasions)
• Vegetables like green beans and carrots
• Potatoes (not cooked in oil)
• Low-salt or homemade gravy

Foods to avoid:

• Onions and garlic (commonly found in stuffing)
• Meat bones
• Yorkshire puddings (usually cooked in oil)
• Fatty meat cuts (only in small amounts)

Dog-Friendly BBQs and Curry Nights

BBQ Foods

BBQs are popular events where many dog owners wish to share their meals. Here’s what’s safe for dogs to enjoy from a BBQ:

Safe foods:

• Lean meat without fat and bones
• Salads (excluding avocado and onion)
• Potatoes (cooked without oil)
• A small amount of burger or hot dog bun
• Pasta (as long as there is no garlic)

Unsafe foods:

• Avocado
• Onions and garlic (found in seasoning or salads)
• Meat bones
• Foods that are too spicy

Dog-Friendly Curry Night

For dog owners who enjoy a curry night, there’s even a dog-friendly curry recipe that’s safe to make.

Ingredients:

• 1 small carrot
• 2 tbsp Greek yoghurt
• 80g red pepper
• 1.5 tsp turmeric
• 200g pork

Method: Blend the red pepper and carrot, then add the Greek yoghurt and turmeric to the mixture. Sear the pork pieces in a hot, non-stick pan for about two minutes, then add the blended sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 15 minutes until the pork is tender and the sauce has thickened.

Expert Advice: Ensuring Dogs’ Nutritional Needs

Although many dog owners enjoy preparing special meals for their pets, it is important to ensure that dogs receive all the nutrients they need. Ronan Fitzgerald, Veterinary Technical Advisor for Protexin Pet, warns that while it’s tempting to spoil dogs with human food, not all treats are beneficial.

“Treats such as biscuits and cookies are often high in calories and fat, contributing to obesity,” he explains. “We must also be mindful of the ingredients in these foods, as many are high in salt, sugar, or fat.”

Fitzgerald recommends that pet owners purchase treats specifically formulated for dogs, as these are balanced for their dietary needs. However, he acknowledges that homemade treats can be a safe option if the ingredients are carefully chosen. Recipes that have been tried and tested, and which consider the safety of each ingredient, are essential for keeping dogs healthy.