Dog Nutrition & Health

How long will my bag of dog food last?

Here at Gilbertson & Page we’re often asked how long a bag of dog food will last. Dog food kibbles have a long shelf life (up to a year for all our ranges) if stored in their original packaging in cool, dry conditions, however, we recommend that the pack is used up within four to…

Turmeric

Turmeric, is hotly debated as to whether it helps dogs with stiffness and arthritis or not. Whilst there is not enough scientific evidence in pets to confirm it either way, there is clear indications of benefits in humans alongside plenty of anecdotal evidence from owners on improvements in their dogs. We include it in our…

How to minimise the effects of fireworks at home for your dog

Firework displays may be a little reduced this year, some of the larger public firework displays may not go ahead due to Covid uncertainties and when it comes to private displays, supply issues abound, reports of 70% reduced stock are coming through from wholesalers, so limited availability is likely.  However, it’s still important to think…

Dogs and fitness part two

With a shortened season due to COVID last year and the Glorious 12th firmly behind us, those of us lucky enough to be involved in a partridge shoot may have started their first few days already. This means that you will have been steadily starting your dog’s fitness probably in July. That glint in the…

Dogs and fitness

Whether our dogs are picking up, beating, brushing, wild fowling or out on the moors after grouse, getting them ready for the shoot that you are on is an exciting start for both owner and dog. In early summer the spaniels have been hunting round the garden for quarry that’s not there, the retrievers have…

Why some dogs leave their food

Dogs love trying our food! There’s no doubt that human food is designed to be tasty, delicious and easily eaten but that doesn’t make those titbits healthy (or always safe) for our dogs to eat. With research and preparation, it is possible to make a healthy homemade diet from human food (and a few supplements…

Early Weaning

Early weaning – we’ve recently had some calls asking for advice on how to start weaning with our puppy food Dr. John Puppy. It’s an exciting new step in every pup’s development, and at last some more freedom for mum! But it’s important to take this gradually and at the pups’ pace. Here are some…

Oats in Dog Food

Oats are a great ingredient for dogs. Their biggest benefit is the rich levels of dietary fibre in oats which aids digestion and hunger management in hungrier dogs. The beta glucan part to the fibre can help to control blood sugar levels and improve digestibility of other nutrients as well. Oats are a good source…

Vegetables in Dog Food

Healthy, nutritious ingredients are what we all want in our dogs’ diet, and what could be healthier than vegetables? Well in fact, for dogs, some vegetables aren’t healthy at all, they can be poisonous or affect absorption of other nutrients so always check first before feeding any human foods to dogs (and avoid all members…

How much to feed Mum

We’ve had several enquires come in from owners whose dogs are expecting new pups or have just had them the past couple of weeks. Whilst it’s a very exciting time for both you and your dog, feeding the right amount becomes even more important to ensure everyone is getting enough food, both mum and the…

Greyhound Requirements

Greyhounds are the ultimate athletes, designed for speed and acceleration they can reach top speeds of 45 miles an hour in under six strides from a standing start. Yet as a contrast, they also make wonderful pets, typically gentle, laid-back, sofa-loving dogs, happy with a good walk every day and a garden for pottering.  Greyhounds…

Fibre

Poor digestion, sloppy poos, wind or anal gland problems are all common complaints that owners report with their dogs, and whilst some cases are due to food intolerances, nutrient excess or inactivity, often the dietary fibre level and quality in their diet can be the problem. Fibre isn’t thought of as an essential nutrient for…