I myself grew up with a dog, where for a large part of my childhood I had a dog lying at the end of the bed or under the desk in the bedroom. The safety, the joy, the play, the companionship and the care are something I wish my children to grow up with, so now it is time to get our family a dog. Then comes the question of which dog suits me and my family. We will find the answer to that now.

My name is Morten, I am the founder and general manager of Lilbit, which develops Lildog. Starting a business takes a lot of time and requires long evenings away from home, which has meant that we have put off getting a dog. Now that our eldest son has turned 9, our eldest daughter has turned 6 and our youngest daughter will soon be 3, it fits perfectly with child number 4. So soon our newest family member will finally arrive, namely the dog Nano Cacao.

The first thing we had to decide on was which breed of dog to choose. Both myself and my eldest daughter have tendencies towards allergies, so we wanted a 

. We have both been tested by a doctor and are not allergic to dogs, but we still wanted a dog that sheds little and gives off fewer allergens. We think that such a dog suits us best.

It is often mixed breeds of poodles that are often referred to as "Hypoallergenic dogs", where we quickly looked into several mixed breeds. Initially, we did not want a mixed breed, because many designer dogs are bred with great suffering. It was therefore important to us that the breed we chose was well documented and had no disorders. In addition, we had a list of things we took into account.

 We are a relatively active family who enjoy traveling with the children. We live in an apartment at Lade in Trondheim, so there is not much space inside or outside where the dog can run freely. In addition, I work a lot, so the dog has to endure lying on the sofa for an afternoon. We therefore want a moderately active dog.

 Since we have children who are friends with many other children, our dog must be fond of people and children.

, as we will take our dog with us everywhere. Nano will also be in the office where both colleagues and customers bring their dogs.

. Finally, we wanted it to be easy to learn and smart, since I plan to take it to tests with the other dogs in the Lildog office. Then it goes much faster if the dog is obedient to learn what it is supposed to.

When I was little, I had to read dog training books before my parents got the dog. I remember that this made me extra excited, as I spent the evenings of the last few weeks reading about dogs and imagining what it would be like when the dog finally came home to us. This also gave me self-confidence and a good insight into what I could expect from the dog. Back then, I didn't show much about which dog was right for me, as it was my parents who chose the dog breed.

Today, many of the books have been replaced by YouTube, Instagram and Google, where the children have access to all information, pictures and puppy courses. In the time before we get Nano, the family has gathered in the excitement of getting a puppy in the house, where learning about dogs and upbringing has been nice and unifying for the whole family.

We spent a lot of time reflecting on how the puppy feels and wants to experience the world. We discuss all the amazing things the kids are learning about dogs on their channels, as well as what we learned at the puppy class.

The children must not raise Nano or be alone with him. They will still be a large part of the environment that helps shape the puppy now in its upbringing, so some rules come in handy. What is important to know about children and dogs

 Don't yell, get angry, push or yell loudly at Nano, as they would never do to a small baby. Please be kind and guide Nano away from what he shouldn't do and get an adult if needed. With such an attitude, they are helping to create a safe environment for Nano.

 The children must let Nano come to them. They can call him, but don't go up to him and start a game or feed him. If the children follow this rule, we prevent the children from disturbing the dog when he eats, sleeps or is in a situation/mood where he does not come when called.

 The children should not cuddle with Nano when he does things we don't like. We do not give cuddles if he jumps up and greets us, even though it is the time to cuddle with someone who is so happy to see us. Then we wait until he has stopped jumping, we can also feed him. Anything we don't want to be associated with something good should not contain a treat.

What do you need in terms of dog equipment?

We have bought dog equipment such as cages for the car and a puppy pen with a dog bed to keep in the living room. We have a blanket and some bite toys from the breeder with the smell the dog knows from before, which are placed in the cage and bed. We have also bought a dog harness, leash, food bowl, drinking bowl and a couple of bite toys, as well as some treats. We plan to start small with puppy training so that Nano recognizes his name and becomes dry, where positive reinforcement through treats becomes an important part of the upbringing.

We have also put up a fence at the back of the house, so that Nano has an area in the backyard where he can run around freely for the first time. This is also in preparation for taking Nano out in the evening and early in the morning after the last evening ride and before the morning ride. All in all, this didn't cost us very much, as we got most of what we needed at first from the breeder. A tip might be to buy a gate and fence at Christmas instead of at a pet store, then you only pay a fraction of the price.

Remove or replace houseplants that may be toxic to the dog.

Insert a gate in front of stairs and set up an obstacle in front of light pits outdoors so that the dog does not fall down.

Make toxic foods such as chocolate, coffee, grapes etc inaccessible to the dog.

Lock cabinets containing toxic chemicals and medicines.

Put away sharp objects and toys that the dog could injure itself on or swallow.

We are lucky enough that my wife can take a few weeks off completely after we have picked up the dog, so that we have plenty of time without work and other worries in the first few days with Nano. We plan to not receive any visitors for the first week so that Nano can become comfortable in his new surroundings before he meets many new unknown people. We see the first time as our maternity period, where it is just us and the newborn (puppy) for the first week. This will be our little maternity bubble.

For the entire first week, I will be in the home office with Nano, where the time will be used to create a secure bond between Nano and his closest family. After this week, I will gradually go back to the office, where I take the Nano with me on the days my wife works.

In addition to sharing experiences here at Lildog.com, we will share photos and videos of Nano Cacao and our life together with him on social media. This is so that others can experience a bit of the joy of having a dog, see what it's like to live with a Cockapoo and learn from our experiences.

You can follow Nano on social media here:

Morten Sæthre

Which dog suits me

Which dog suits me? This is what we thought about before we got a dog.

How dogs cope with being in solidarity varies between individual and breeds. While some dogs tolerate being alone at home for a few hours, other dogs may become impatient and anxious shortly after the owner's departure. The latter 

 be a sign that the dog suffers from separation anxiety.

As the name suggests, this is a form of anxiety occurring when the dog is separated from its caregivers. A dog with separation anxiety shows signs of restlessness when the owner is preparing to walk out the door. For example, the dog may follow the owner around the home while expressing strong dissatisfaction by howling or barking. The dog can get sad, scared and the unrest will often escalate when the owner has left home.

Dogs are extremely good at recognising patterns. It is not uncommon for the dog to understand when the owner is on the way out. For example, the dog may realise that you are about to leave when you grab your keys or put your shoes on.

How do you know if your dog suffers from separation anxiety in dogs?

Suppose your dog shows signs of separation anxiety. In that case, it is essential to address the issue as early as possible, both for your and the dog's sake.

A dog with separation anxiety will have several recognisable behavioural traits, and dog owners must learn to identify these signs.

Are you unsure if your dog suffers from separation anxiety? Then you may want to contact a professional, such as a veterinarian or behavioural expert, who can assess the situation for you and your dog. Signs of separation anxiety may be:

The dog follows you everywhere and lies down in places where it can watch your movements at all times.

The dog becomes restless as you prepare to leave. It can, for example, start pacing around while expressing excessive vocalisation.

The dog develops destructive behaviours. Either by destructing your inventory or by defecating indoors.

The dog will neither eat nor drink when alone.

The dog becomes overjoyed when you come home and struggle to calm down. PS: Remember that it is common for dogs to be happy when the owners come home, but a dog with separation anxiety will often spend a long time calming down.

Some of these signs may be normal behaviour for some dogs. If your dog typically behaves like this, it won't necessarily mean that it suffers from separation anxiety.

All dogs can be affected by separation anxiety. Still, some breeds are more predisposed, and some environments can increase the risk. For example, a relocated dog has a greater risk of developing separation anxiety than a dog that stays with the same owner all its life.

If you are the new owner of a relocated dog, you should pay extra attention to signs of separation anxiety.

You should also take some precautions. For example, you should not leave your dog for hours shortly after replacing it.

A dog needs both care and time to adjust to new environments. It is not uncommon for a dog to show signs of separation anxiety when moving to a new home, even if it is with the same owner.

Dogs that have experienced trauma, such as abuse, also have an increased risk of developing separation anxiety.

10 tips that can help make your dog feel safe in his own company

Having a dog with separation anxiety can be tiring for both the four-legged and the two-legged. It's never fun to know that your dog is not feeling well!

However, suppose the dog shows clear signs of separation anxiety. In that case, there are fortunately several things you as the owner can do to reduce the anxiety, and in many cases, get rid of it completely.

Here are some tips that can help make your dog safe when alone:

1: Define the area your dog has when he is alone

As a general rule, all dogs should have the ability to move freely to some extent. However, sometimes dogs can become more stressed if it has a large area to "look after".

If your dog is very unhappy when he is alone, you may want to limit the area the dog can move in.

For example, it may help to leave the dog in only one or two rooms instead of an entire house. Such a delimitation can help give the dog the feeling of security and peace.

However, the dog should not have too little space to frolic in either - being trapped in a cage for many hours every day, for example, may work against its purpose.

2: Walk the dog before it is left to itself

Make sure the dog gets a good walk before it is left alone. A long walk will wear out the dog and increase the chances that it is calm. As a minimum requirement, the dog must have had the opportunity to urinate and defecate before you leave it.

3: Gradually increase the 'home alone' training.

Owners can feel helpless when dealing with their dog's separation anxiety. When the dog feels stressed even before you have left, it can seem like an unattainable dream to think that the dog will one day find peace and cope with being by itself.

The truth is that for most dogs, the prognosis for getting rid of separation anxiety is good. However, it requires both proper training and plenty of patience from you as a dog owner. One of the most important things you can do is let the home-alone training take place gradually. For example, you can not just leave the dog for seven hours every day and expect the problem to resolve itself. Many owners have experienced that patience and timing in training are vital to teaching the dog to be at home alone.

4: Make sure the dog is busy with something when you leave home.

Often the dog's anxiety will transfer to the owner. That way the owner becomes anxious before the dog is left alone. In this way, the anxiety problem becomes an eternal circle.

The dog notices when the owner is distressed, which will stress the dog even more.

It is therefore essential that you remain calm and stable before you leave the dog.

Do not comfort the dog or give it an inappropriate amount of attention when you are about to leave. Behave normally and show the dog that it has nothing to worry about.

A useful trick is to give it a task or reward before you go out - this can for example, be to let the dog look for treats or give it a bone.

Leaving the dog busy with something when you leave can be a good tool to reduce separation anxiety.

However, some dogs are so stressed that they do not show interest in the treat until you have returned home. In such cases, you must use other methods first.

A useful trick can be to leave one of your clothes (preferably one you are not afraid of being damaged) that your dog can smell. The smell of you can be soothing for the dog.

5: Do not leave the dog alone for too long

In the beginning, you must keep the solidarity to a minimum. Start by taking some quick walks out, preferably just outside the house, where you leave the dog alone at home for a few minutes.

If the dog is calm when you enter, you can reward it with a treat.

If you notice that the dog is restless as it barks while you are away, wait with your return until the dog is quiet. In that way, the dog learns that you will return when it has found peace.

Some dog owners report that the sound from the TV or radio can have a calming effect on their dog. Research points in the direction that music, especially classical music, can have a calming effect on dogs.

Though there is no guarantee that this will work.

However, it is possible to train the dog to associate music with something positive, such as a treat or cuddle.

In other words: if you create a positive association, you can teach the dog to be calm when the music is on. It will then expect to be rewarded for being calm.

8: Do not show too much excitement when you get home

A trap that is easy to fall into is meeting the dog with excessive excitement when you return. It is tempting to reciprocate the joy and enthusiasm that the dog gives you when you enter the door. However, such behaviour can actually intensify the dog's separation anxiety.

You can greet the dog when you get home, but wait to give it lots of attention until it has calmed down.

You may be saddened that this point is mentioned, but it 

Even when the dog has been so stressed that it has damaged your inventory, it should not be punished.

Because it will only make the dog more anxious and scared. Remember that the dog's destructive behavior is not a sign of malice. It has no conscious intention to bother you. It does these things out of fear.

We have already mentioned it, but it must be repeated. The feeling of helplessness can erode patience, but always contain yourself. Getting rid of separation anxiety can be time-consuming. You often feel that the process is always a bit "two steps forward and one step back". Hold out! Suddenly one day, your dog will find peace in his own company. Then the work you have put in will be worth every single calorie.

Øyvind Skogmo Hansen

Separation anxiety in dogs.

10 tips to prevent and improve separation anxiety in dogs.

Separation anxiety in dogs

Is it okay to have a dog in a cage at night? Or to leave the dog in a cage when it is alone at home? Many people ask this. In this article, we will consider if its okay to leave a dog in a cage.

In 2020, a new law came into force in Sweden that prohibits dog owners from keeping their dog confined in a cage when you are at work.

The ban came with the Swedish Agricultural Agency's regulations and general advice (SJVFS 2020:8) on keeping dogs and cats in 2020.

Not as strict around dogs in cages here in Norway

Unfortunately, it is a fact, also in Norway and the rest of the world, that some dog-owners choose to put their dog in a cage at night or while their are away, for example at work. This means that some dogs are locked in cages for between 5-10 hours every single working day. This is not okay.

Today, there is no law that explicitly states that this is prohibited in Norway, although the Norwegian Food Safety Authority says that they do not accept that dogs are confined in dog cages for an entire working day.

- Adult dogs that are used to being alone at home should be allowed to roam freely when the owner is away, says advisor Maria Været Veggeland, animal welfare section at the Norwegian Food Safety Authority, to Aftenposten.

The Norwegian Food Safety Authority specifies that the dog must have enough space for natural movement and behaviour. But it says nothing that it is forbidden to place the dog in a closed cage for hours.

The following is stated on the Norwegian Food Safety Authority's website:

"The Norwegian Food Safety Authority defines that the dog with good clearance must have space to stand upright, turn around, lie in a natural position, stretch, change lying position and regulate body temperature by lying down on different surfaces (e.g. carpet and bare floor). There must also be space for a water bowl in the cage."

Notice the words "lay down on different surfaces". Most dog cages you buy in the store are not large enough for the dog to choose to lie down on another surface. Therefore, it is also not allowed to have your dog confined in such cages, the Norwegian Food Safety Authority believes.

This is something that the Norwegian Food Safety Authority also confirms when they write that "In practice, this means that cages are too small for many dog breeds."

Nevertheless, this is not an explicit ban on having the dog confined in a cage. It is not clearly stated in a law, even if the Norwegian Food Safety Authority interprets the law as meaning that this is not a law.

Some dog owners will argue that their dog actually likes being caged. But that does not make it any better to have the dog confined for a long time, writes the Norwegian Food Safety Authority.

If the dog likes to lie in its cage, it is welcome to lie there, but then the door must be open at all times.

Dog caged at night, is that ok?

Is it okay to have a dog alone at home in a cage? Or with a dog in a cage at night? What is legal and what is not?

Dog in a cage

Have you ever thought about how lucky we are to have the ability to communicate our desires, demands and meanings by using words? Dogs do not have this ability, which is why they have developed their own way of communicating.

Their way of communicating is essential. Without it, dogs cannot avoid conflicts within their pack. They need communication to hunt and when raising their young. At least, that is what dog trainer, Turid Rugaas, says.

Rugaas has devoted most of her life to dogs. She has travelled the world as a dog trainer, author and is the woman behind the renowned dog term ‘calming signals’.

Rugaas’s discoveries regarding calming signals in dogs have cleared the way of how the world now sees how dogs communicate. Keep in mind that Rugaas isn’t a scientist, and there is a lack of scientific evidence. However, her life-long experience as a dog trainer is just as valuable to the dog community.

According to Rugaas, calming signals is something dogs use when they attempt to deescalate a potential conflict. She refers to the signals as ‘a dog’s life insurance’ precisely because it can help save a dog’s life.

Sometimes the signals are obvious. However, there are also subtle signals that humans might not register as easily. After reading this article you might start to notice new things about your dog.

Why is it important that you learn about calming signals?

Generally, dogs have more than 30 different types of calming signals, Rugaas says. Maybe even more. By learning these signals, you can become a better dog owner, which will improve your dog’s quality of life. The key to a perfect dog/human relationship is mutual understanding.

Calming signals work well between dogs because they have practised this behaviour for millennials. It has become their language. It becomes more challenging for the dog when it tries to use the same communication tool to an oblivious human.

If no one understands the dog when sending these signals, or if someone misunderstands the signals for disobedience and punishes the dog for trying to communicate, it might lose its ability to signal other dogs.

The best way to learn about the dogs calming signals is to try to understand them.

Below is a list of examples that Rugaas refer to as "calming signals". 

- Licking (licks their snout or lips a lot)

- Lays down on their belly with their head in front of their legs

In what situations do dogs use calming signals?

Suppose your dog shows any of the abovementioned signs around other dogs. In that case, it can be because it is trying to deescalate a situation. Below is a few examples of when dogs might try to use calming signals:

- When someone is angry (For example, the owner)

- When someone directly approaches the dog

Most dogs behave according to Rugaas theory about calming signals. However, there are exceptions. If a dog has previously been punished for using calming signals, it might stop using them.

Suppose a dog tried to deescalate a situation by using calming signals but still got attacked by another dog. In that case, it might also stop using it as a way of communicating.

If the dog is too stressed, it might not think rationally and therefore will not try to deescalate anything.

What does science say about calming signals

When Turid Rugaas first referred to the phenomenon as ‘calming signals’, it was not made any scientific research on the subject. It is a term she has invented through her life-long experience with dogs.

Whether or not calming signals is a part of a language developed between dogs over time or is an intuitive response to stress has not been proven. However, in 2017, a study was conducted, and the results indicate that calming signals affect dogs.

The study needs further research, but it acknowledged the term ‘calming signals’ as something that plays a big part in how dogs communicate.

The study was done by the Department of Veterinary Sciences at the University of Pisa. The data collected was by studying the behaviour of 24 dogs. The dogs got paired together and filmed by the scientists.

In total, they observed 2130 calming signals. Over 109 instances of aggressive behaviour occurred during the study, in which 67% of the instances were followed by calming signals, between the dogs.

In 79% of those instances, the conflict got deescalated due to the communication between the dogs.

If anything, the basis of this study indicates that calming signals are indeed true.

There was one instance during the study where one of the dogs did not respond to calming signals. The aggressive behaviour continued despite various attempts to deescalate the situation by the other dog. But does this mean that this type of signalling isn’t universal for dogs? Not necessarily. The same often happens in the human world, where one part has no interest in conflict. Still, the other part wants to escalate the situation.

The scientists concluded that ‘the results indicate that calming signals can play a role in how dogs prevent aggressive behaviour’.

Calming signals

Dogs send out countless signals all the time with their body language. To understand the dog, and become a better dog owner, it is important to know what calming signals are.

Calming signals – what they are and why you need to know them 

Have you just bought a new pup or maybe obtained a rescue dog? Even if it is just a part of your future plans, it is good to know what essential dog equipment you will need.

We have made a list of things you should put at the top of your priorities.

This might sound like a ‘no-brainer’; however, you’d be surprised what people forget. Except for snuggles, affection, care and love, food is absolutely one of the most essential parts of a dog’s day. Whether old or young.

Pet shops and dog shops can help you find the right food for your dog. If you are getting a puppy, ask the breeder about a recommended type of food, as they will know what food suited the pups’ parents best throughout their lives. You’d be surprised by how requirements vary between the different breeds.

You should have two different bowls for food and water. We recommend getting a few extra bowls for when you’re travelling. Another safe card here is to buy a matt to keep underneath the bowl, so you don’t have to sweep the floor after every meal. Puppies are particularly messy eaters.

On many occasions, you will have to keep your dog on a leash. But should you choose a collar, a harness, or both?

It depends much on the dog’s size, breed and personal preference. Most dogs grow accustomed to the harness. It evenly distributes the applied pressure if the dog pulls the leash a lot.

A collar will put all the pressure around the dog’s neck. However, if you want the dog to pull you, then a harness is definitely an advantage.

A collar might reduce the dogs pulling as it will eventually struggle to breathe. It is also more practical in terms of taking it on and off.

A collar is practical in terms of a collar tag too. Leave a name and number on the collar, and it will increase the chances of getting your dog back if it runs off.

With that being said, you could also attach a collar tag to a harness.

The most significant advantage of a collar is that it will be more comfortable to wear inside. The harness might have to come on and off every time you bring the dog outside.

Most dog owners will agree that you can never have enough poopie bags. If you’re surprised by how much your puppy eats, then you’ll be surprised by how much it shits too. So the poopie bag quickly becomes a mandatory item when strolling around with your dog.

And please don’t be that person who never picks up his dog’s poop. You bought this dog, and with it came the responsibility of cleaning up after it. No one wants to see dog poop everywhere.

Dogs are family. Dogs are also adventurous little suicide machines. So please make sure they are seen at all times. Something as simple as a reflector-vest can save your dog’s life on several occasions. You’d be surprised how hard it is to see a little dog running around in the dark along the road.

Dogs need regular brushing, coaming, bathing and sometimes trimming. You will at least need a brush, dog shampoo, a towel, a nail clipper and perhaps a scissor. Dental care is also necessary, whether you brush their teeth or buy them dental sticks.

Your beloved dog definitely deserves a comfortable place to sleep. Dogs aren’t particularly picky, so just choose one that fits and that suits wherever you’re planning to keep it. Some dogs sleep in cages, others in a room.

If your dog moves around a lot during the night, then contemplate getting an extra blanket it can sleep on so it doesn’t have to sleep on the hard floor.

If you are transporting your dog via car, then you should definitely get a cage. A cage will likely save your dog’s life in a car accident.

If you use a cage inside your house, remember not to use it as a punishment if your dog acts naughty. Instead, the dog should associate the cage with a safe spot. The cage can then become a safe retreat whenever the dog wants a break.

Dogs have surprisingly fragile and sensitive paws. So if you are taking your dog for a walk in extreme heat or cold, then paw-socks will be necessary.

In heat, if you’re struggling to keep your hand on the asphalt or in the sand for more than 5 seconds, then your dog will struggle too.

In the cold, remember that even if your dog can handle extreme cold, it will get ice cubes stuck to its feet which will be unpleasant for the dog. Other dogs simply do not handle the cold well.

Many roads are also salted during the winter. This will dry out your dog’s paws and ruin the skin under their feet. This can lead to infections. Wear paw-socks when the environment calls for it, regardless of how much your dog hates the socks.

Most dogs do not need a coat for warmth or shelter, but the ones that do really need it.

Examples of dog breeds that easily get cold and need extra warmth are Italian Greyhound, Toy-poodle, Chihuahua, Bichon Havanais, Yorkshire terrier, and Basset hound.

Dog equipment

Get the most important dog equipment first.

This is what you need for dog equipment

Between 15-20 percent of the population is allergic to dogs. This causes challenges for people who want to get a dog and people who live around dog owners.

Many of those who dreamt of becoming dog owners had to give up on their dream due to allergies. However, a big part of those who dream, despite their allergic reactions, decide to get a dog either way.

Many of those who decide to get a dog get a so-called allergy-friendly breed. Rumors say those breeds are hypoallergenic and therefore provoke no reactions in people with allergies. Those rumors are not true, and in the worst-case scenario, a dog owner will have to give his dog away because of allergic reactions.

Many breeders still advertise the dogs they are selling as hypoallergic dogs. And if you search for allergy-friendly dogs on google, many of the results will claim that dogs can be allergy-friendly. However, if we were to follow scientific advice, there is no such thing as a hypoallergic dog breed.

It is not the fur that provokes reactions.

A common misconception about allergy-provoking dogs is that their fur awakens allergic reactions. In reality, it is the dogs, spit, urine skin cells, and different glands that provoke allergies. The same protein is called ‘can f1’ and is impossible to avoid altogether.

Some dog breeds get advertised as allergy-friendly because they shed extraordinary little or have little or no fur. However, many allergic people are not aware that the fur is irrelevant to their allergic reactions.

A study conducted in 2011 concluded that a household consisting of only allergy-friendly dogs accumulated just as much of the allergy-provoking protein as a household with ‘normal dogs.

Over 60 so-called allergy-friendly dogs were used in the study but had no desired effect on the result. The breeds used include labradoodle, Hairless dog, Portuguese waterdog, amongst more.

Spend time with a dog breed before buying one

Completely hypoallergic dogs are not a thing. However, some allergic owners still report that certain breeds are more suitable to live with. Therefore, it is not entirely impossible for allergic people to own a dog.

However, you must spend time with a few different breeds to experience the outcome before buying one.

Hypoallergenic dogs

Before dog food was typical to find on shop shelves, it was normal to feed the dog leftover food. Some people still do, and there is nothing wrong with that. However, many people are not aware of the things they should not feed their dog.

Knowing what is good for your dog's digestion system is important, but even more so, it is essential to know what can cause harm to your dog's digestion.

Not all dogs react the same way to all foods, and it is not uncommon for a dog to pass gas when something new is introduced to their diets. And even though some foods might be relatively safe to eat, it doesn't mean your dog will take advantage of the nutrients in them.

Dogs can safely eat bread without causing them too much harm. However, it should not be a big part of their diet, but it contains no nutritional value. On the contrary, in large doses, bread consumption can lead to overweight and diabetes, as it has many sugar and carbs. The gluten can also cause a bit of a distressed bowel, leading to some really smelly farts.

Carrots are safe and sound for a dog to eat. It even contains valuable nutrition, and it can be consumed both cooked and raw. Carrots are an excellent replacement for dog treats if you seek to trim some fat off your dog. The vegetable contains few calories, is rich in fibre, and has many valuable minerals and vitamins.

Blueberries are also a safe alternative for dogs. They contain a lot of valuable nutrition and can work as a replacement for dog treats. The berries are full of antioxidants, fibre, minerals, vitamins and is nothing but good for your dog. However, you should not feed your dog anything but blueberries. It still needs other foods.

If you want to provide your dog with a healthy reward, then oranges can be a good option. They contain a lot of valuable nutrition and only a few calories. However, keep in mind that too much orange could cause a bit of a 'fart-o-rama', as the acidity in the orange can upset a dog's stomach if it overeats.

Dogs can safely eat small amounts of pineapple. The fruits natural acidity could cause a distressed bowel if it overconsumed. With the right doses, the pineapple will provide valuable minerals, vitamins and fibre.

Your dog can safely consume strawberries. They contain loads of valuable nutrition. It is rich in antioxidants, fibre and vitamins.

Don't exaggerate your dog's celery consumption. However, in small doses, this can be a low calory reward snack rich in fibre, vitamins and minerals.

There is nothing wrong with providing your dog with bananas. The berry is rich in vitamins, minerals and is high in fibre.

Boiled potatoes can safely be consumed. Raw potatoes are poisonous to dogs. The raw potato contains solanine, which can be lethal to dogs.

Boiled potatoes are fine, but are high in carbs, so don't exaggerate.

Some cheese is fine; however, it is high in fats and lactose, leading to an overweight and fart-full dog. If your dog is lactose intolerant, then cheese is a big no-no.

Your dog can safely eat cooked eggs. Raw eggs can contain salmonella, so refrain from that.

What can dogs eat? Can dogs eat strawberry?

What can dogs eat

Expand your knowledge and become an even better dog owner. We offer articles about dog health, behaviour, training and a lot more.