The care your dog needs to live a wooftastic life
Welcome to the wonderful world of owning a dog
Here at Burgess, we’re not just mad about dogs, many of us are dog owners too. So we’ve got a special interest in making sure that every dog has as healthy and contented a life as possible. After all, having a dog brings owners huge rewards. The wagging welcome every single time you come home, the ‘let’s play’ nuzzle of a wet nose, the sheer joy of living that’s positively infectious - there is no other pet like them. Now you are looking for, or are an owner, you’ll want everything to be just right for your new best friend which is where this brief guide comes in. You’ll find all the basic health, nutrition and behavioural information you need to make your dog’s life (and your life with your dog) a happy one. But first things first: we recommend that you register your new dog with a vet for a general check up as soon as you get the chance. And, of course, if you are ever in doubt about any aspect of your dog’s health or wellbeing, consult your vet immediately.
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Getting a new dog The responsible choice Getting a new dog can be a wonderful and exciting experience but it’s important to make sure you are making the right decision for you, your family and most importantly the dog. There is a huge variety of dog breeds and cross breeds, all of which have different care needs. Some breeds require far more exercise than others, and some require much more space to live than others. You need to be sure that your family and lifestyle can properly accommodate the needs of the new family member. Research is essential to find out which breeds best suit the level of care and attention you can provide. Friends, rescue centres, reputable breeders and the internet can provide advice on the pros and cons of different dogs. In fact, the researching process can be a fun one where the whole family gets involved in choosing the new family member. Where to get your new little furry family friend In the UK the majority of dogs join their new loving family homes from rescue centres. Much of the time these lovable, loyal little souls are put into rescue because their first families did not research them properly and were not able to look after them. They are much deserving of forever loving homes to go to. Be aware though that many rescue dogs have gone through a lot of emotional distress and it takes time for them to overcome this. You can find out more about how to help them adjust in this care guide. Rescue centres do not usually request payment for the dog, but will charge a re-homing fee that goes towards the up-keep of the rescue centre and towards administration costs. You should always research the rescue centre beforehand to make sure that they are reputable and that all the dogs receive regular visits from a vet. All dogs should be checked over, vaccinated and ideally micro-chipped before they are released to you. Also, it’s a good idea to ask about the history of any dogs you are interested in so that you have a clear idea of why they are in the rescue centre. You can find a list of rescue centres in your area from the rescue locator on our website: www.burgesspetcare.co.uk/rescue
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You can also get a new dog from friends with unwanted litters and from breeders. If you are thinking about buying a dog from a breeder then research them thoroughly beforehand – you can contact the Kennel Club for breeder details. There are a number of disreputable breeders that are in the business just for the money and who do not put the welfare of the pet first. Never buy from an unlicensed breeding establishment. If you are unsure, ask to see the breeder’s licence. Avoid adverts offering lots of different breeds for sale and never buy a puppy sold straight from a car boot or at an open-air event like a market. Always insist on seeing the puppy with its mother where it was raised. A healthy, happy looking mother is usually a sign of a good level of care and welfare. Before you purchase your puppy research to see how much puppies of that breed usually sell for and then decide how much you are willing to spend. Breeders should provide you with information on the breeding lineage, but also information like hip score and eye tests. This information will be breed dependent so ask a local vet for more information.
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Things to consider before taking your dog home Vaccination & preventative treatment • All dogs need to be vaccinated against fatal diseases, wormed and given flea prevention treatment. Make sure you register with your local vet to either get your new dog vaccinated, or maintain their vaccinations and treatments. Micro-chipping • It’s advisable to micro-chip your dog. A small device is placed under the dog’s skin with a unique serial number. This number is then stored on a database with your contact details so that if your dog is ever lost and found, you can be informed. Insurance • We recommend insuring your dog. Vet bills can be expensive if your pet suffers an accident or injury. Hopefully your pet may never need to claim against their insurance, but at a minimum it will provide you with peace of mind that you can afford treatment for them if the worst happens. • There are a range of cover options from providers. Make sure that you research them well and purchase a cover that suits your needs and your budget. Some insurers will also cover some of the cost of ongoing vaccinations. It’s important to be aware that some breeds are more expensive to insure than others. Your vet can provide you with more information. Neutering • If you are not planning to breed from your pet then vets advise they be neutered. It can help with behaviour in adult dogs, lessen aggression, avoid some diseases in later life like cancer and of course can avoid unwanted pregnancies. Dogs and bitches are neutered at different times so it’s best to talk to your vet about this at your first visit.
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Exercise • Exercise is very important for dogs. Not just because they love ‘walkies’ but because it helps to maintain fitness, healthy muscles, weight, bones and general health. Make sure you know how much exercise to give your dog. As a guide they should have a minimum of two good 20 minute walks per day. • Be sure to ask your vet how much exercise your pet should have depending on its age as for example, too much can put stress on a puppy’s body.
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Taking your dog home All dogs, whether puppies or older animals, will need time to settle into your home and this can take several weeks. Older dogs and rescue dogs in particular, may have been through a lot of change and will be feeling very nervous and insecure. By following a few simple guidelines - and with a little time and a lot of patience - your new dog will soon become a loyal, friendly part of the family. Meeting the family Young children The rule here is the same as it is for every other dog: never leave a child alone with them. Other dogs If you already own other dogs, don’t let your new pet meet them for the first time on their home territory – your house. Do it somewhere neutral - on a walk is good. Cats Keep your dog on a lead when they first meet and then supervise their time spent together until they are friends. Space to be alone Try not to crowd your new dog or make too much fuss. Make sure there is quiet space for settling and adjusting to a new environment. And when your dog is asleep: leave them in peace. Separation anxiety Some dogs (especially rescue dogs) can be prone to separation anxiety. Overcoming it is a gradual process, so start leaving your dog alone for short periods of time less than five minutes. Then, slowly, increase the length of time so that your dog learns to accept being away from you. Try leaving the radio on as background noise, or giving them something to do such as a chew or a toy. Avoid making too much of a fuss when you return as this can heighten separation anxiety.
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Reward and punishment Always reward your dog for good behaviour - positive reinforcement is a far more effective way to teach your dog than punishment. Prevent bad behaviour by ignoring or diverting attention away from it. Any behaviour that results in a reaction is often likely to be repeated! Toilet training Even if your new dog is already toilet trained, there may still be accidents in the first few weeks while they adjust to their new home. Encourage your dog to go into the garden to toilet and always reward them with praise when they do so (although it is still a good idea to put paper on the floor in case of the odd accident). Don’t be angry if your dog leaves a mess overnight - just keep taking them back to the correct place to show them where to go to the toilet.
Did you know? Dog agility can be a great way to have fun with your dog, while increasing the bond and trust between you.
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Socialisation & behaviour What is socialisation? Socialisation is the process of your dog learning to interact with other dogs, animals, people and situations. It’s an important period of a dog’s behavioural development. It’s at this stage dogs learn about who and what they are, learn communication skills and learn behaviour from playing. This is also their ‘social referencing’ stage where they learn about their environment and the world in general. There are two main socialisation periods; the juvenile stage which lasts from about one month until about six months and then the adolescence stage which lasts up until about nine months. It’s during the juvenile stage that dogs are most receptive, meaning that they learn the most easily. In the adolescence stage your pet is going through chemical changes in their physiological make up and this can lead to reduced obedience. Socialisation should be continued through adulthood and for the rest of your pet’s life to help them be a well balanced individual. It will keep their confidence up and give them new things to learn, keeping their mind occupied and active. So why do dogs need to be socialised? Dogs have innate behaviours which have evolved as survival mechanisms in the wild. One of those behaviours is a predisposition to fear. Their natural response to fearful situations is ‘fight or flight’ – i.e. attack or run away. In the wild this response is a successful survival technique but is obviously not a healthy behaviour for a well adjusted family pet. Socialisation helps your dog to be more confident and not to be fearful as a first response. How does socialisation work? Fear can be triggered by the unknown – for example, any new person, dog or situation can represent something to be fearful of for an unsocialised dog. Socialisation for pets is therefore a great way for you to teach your pet not to fear new situations. In fact, the more socialised the pet, the more confident and the happier they are. A well socialised dog is also easier to train and is a faster learner.
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What’s the best way to socialise your pet? If your dog is a puppy or a young dog then it’s a great idea to take them to ‘puppy parties’. These are often organised by your local vet or dog school and are a great way for you and your pet to meet other puppies and their owners. Make sure your puppy is properly vaccinated before attending one. Socialisation happens every day when you and your dog have fun together experiencing new situations at home as well as when outside. It’s a good idea to let your dog socialise with lots of different dogs – breeds, shapes, sizes and ages. Also, think about introducing them to other people, children and animals. Try walks in town or a journey on the bus. In fact anything in your normal life that you would like your pet to not feel afraid of. Be careful not to do everything at once though. Start gradually and build up to different, bigger and more exciting experiences. Your pet will grow to love new experiences, places, pets and people rather than being fearful of them.
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Obedience training Why should dogs be obedient? A well adjusted happy dog does not necessarily mean an obedient dog! Just as we need to go to school to learn, dogs need to do the same. Obedience classes aren’t just for dog training; they are great owner training too! Most importantly they will give you confidence when you’re out and about that your dog is safe and under control. Remember, dogs love to learn and to use their brains. You may even find that a training session tires out a dog more than a walk! Are dogs naturally disobedient? Dogs are pack animals and their natural instinct is to try and assume leadership of the pack. It’s a natural survival instinct. The leader of the pack does what they like, when they like. This is not disobedience but pack rule. So it’s important that the pack leaders are you and your family and that your pet knows and accepts this but still feels they are part of the family pack. Being the pack leader does not mean the strongest or the loudest. Shouting will not equal leader – you need to earn that position and reinforce it on a regular basis. Controlling all situations and deciding their outcome tells your pet that you are in charge. A good way to think about it is your pet needs to ‘learn to earn’. Just as we have to say please and thank you our pets should have to do the same. For example, if they want to go outside into the garden, get them to sit, and wait before letting them outside. This way they learn that you are the decision maker, not them. If you apply this to every small act or request, then over time, you will control all the small and large decisions of their lives, as pack leader. Will a dog always listen to the pack leader? Listening and understanding are two different things. You and your pet need to learn to speak the same language, whether verbal or visual. This is where obedience classes come in; you’ll both learn and practice basic commands and responses. The more you practice the faster you will both learn. The commands and responses range from basic control commands through to more advanced ones that will help you enjoy time together as well as lead a mutually beneficial life.
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Don’t forget, the fun element of this as you progress can be teaching your dog tricks. Tricks are a fun way for you both to bond, but are also important for keeping your pet’s mind active. Ask your vet or research your local dog school to find out more about obedience classes in your area. Dog schools and clubs offer a range of classes to suit different levels of experience so that as you and your Supadog progress you can have new challenges to work on together. Many schools and clubs also offer dog agility classes and other fun but demanding activities for you to do with your dog.
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A general guide to dog nutrition A dog can hear the rustle of a crisp packet or the snap of a biscuit from a very, very long way away - and they’ll be at your feet looking at you with those big brown eyes in seconds. They love to eat, but they’re no good at all at deciding what’s best for them, and absolutely useless at knowing when to stop - so that’s your job. There’s no need to restrict their diet to dull, tasteless food. But you do need to choose carefully to make sure the tasty diet you give them has all the balanced nutrition they need. Like humans, dogs are omnivores, which means they can eat a variety of foods - including meat, fish, vegetables, cereal and eggs. However, dogs don’t need the constant variety in their diet that we prefer. In fact, chopping and changing foods can upset a dog’s stomach - but that doesn’t mean they aren’t choosy. They have over 200 million scent receptors in their noses (we have only 5 million) so it’s important that their food smells good and tastes good. If you wish to change to a new food, mix it with the old food first, gradually increasing the quantity of new food over seven days.
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Dogs have a short digestive system, so food must be easily and quickly digestible in order for them to absorb essential nutrients - if they produce a large amount of poo, that could mean a poor diet. A balanced diet Dogs need a diet with the correct nutritional balance. It must have the right quantities of: • Water - essential for life. • Protein - to build and maintain muscle condition. • Carbohydrates - to provide energy. They also contain fibre which helps with the passage of food. • Fats - to provide energy in a concentrated form. Omega 3 and Omega 6 are essential fatty acids which are beneficial for heart, brain, joints, skin and coat condition. • Vitamins and minerals - required to help develop and maintain a healthy immune system as well as ensure good development of bones and teeth.
These are the six key nutritional groups Fats: Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids help skin, coat and joint condition Carbohydrates contain fibre which helps with the passage of food
Proteins build and maintain muscle
Minerals are essential for bone and teeth development
Vitamins are needed for normal growth and nourishment
Water is essential for life
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Caring for your puppy A puppy should meet a wide variety of people and other dogs and experience as many different situations as possible. The most receptive period in a puppy’s behavioural development, when they learn the most easily, is between six and 14 weeks of age in the early stages of juvenile behavioural development. However, until your dog is fully vaccinated at 13 weeks, do not allow them to mix with dogs of unknown vaccination status, or be walked in areas that other dogs have fouled. • A couple of days before your puppy comes home, take a blanket to them and leave it overnight. That way there will be a familiar smell to bring home. • Get your puppy’s bowls, bed and bedding, feeding equipment and toys ready. Puppies will chew while they are teething so make sure they have plenty of toys! • Place your puppy’s bed in a safe, secure, warm and practical place e.g. on a washable floor in the kitchen. • At first a puppy may well whimper - but should settle happily after a few nights. Playing with your puppy before bedtime will encourage tiredness and sleep. Leaving the radio on will help them feel settled when you are not in the same room. Did you know? Puppies have milk teeth which fall out to make room for a new set of adult teeth just like humans!
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Nutrition for puppies Puppies shouldn’t leave their mothers before they are eight weeks old. This is important for social and behavioural reasons, but also because they obtain essential nutrients from their mother’s milk which are vital for healthy growth and a strong, healthy immune system. Once a puppy is ready to leave its mother and has been properly weaned new food should be introduced gradually in relation to the puppy’s size. Several small meals are better than a few large ones for puppies and they should always have plenty of fresh, clean water available to drink. Crunchy kibbles may be softened with a little warm water; but remember your puppy’s growing teeth will want to bite and chew. What to look for in a complete puppy food • A smaller kibble to make eating and digestion easier. • A high level of digestible proteins to assist growth and muscle development (around 28%). • Extra calcium for strong bones and teeth.
Puppy care checklist � Registered with local vet. worming and flea prevention treatments � Vupaccinations, to date. � Micro-chipped. � Insured. ocialisation – registered with local dog obedience � Sschool and puppy parties. � Considered types of toys to buy your puppy to play with. esearched the amount of exercise needed for the � Rbreed and age of dog. I nformation on puppy’s history from rescue centre, � friend or breeder. � A bed, bowls, lead, collar and tag. � Good quality puppy food. 16
Supadog Puppy
Chicken and Naked Oats We know that the needs of puppies are special. These little scamps need a great deal of care as their bodies and personalities develop. So we have created a specially delicious food to nurture all puppies and growing dogs.
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Ingredients Chicken Meal (min 26%), Naked Oats, Wheat, Herring Meal, Maize, Beet Pulp, Poultry Fat, Brewers Yeast, Dried Egg, Monocalcium Phosphate, Salt. Analysis Protein 28%, Oil & Fats 13%, Fibre 3%, Ash 8%, Vitamin A 18,000 iu/kg, Vitamin D³ 1,800 iu/kg, Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol acetate) 150mg/kg, Copper (as cupric sulphate) 13mg/kg.
Features and benefits: • 28% protein for young growing muscles. • Naked oats have no outer husk making them gentler on young tummies. • Naked oats provide slow release energy through the day. • Add warm water to make a tasty oaty porridge. • Smaller nuggets specially created for smaller mouths and teeth. • Fortified with calcium for your puppy’s growing bones and teeth. • Natural antioxidants to help developing immune systems. • Free from artificial flavours and colours. • No added preservatives.
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Caring for your adult dog All dogs are little emperors in the making: if they can have the world run their way, they will. But while there’s a natural inclination for owners to want their dogs to love them, it’s a mistake to encourage a pet’s affection by letting them have their own way. All dogs need clear rules and boundaries to live by, including rescue dogs. Don’t be tempted to make allowances for bad behaviour - this won’t help you or your dog. • Exercise and play with your dog regularly - it keeps them fit, helps bonding and prevents boredom. • Watch out for chewing! Dogs may chew objects around the home for a number of reasons including boredom, teething, attention seeking, diet or distress at being left alone. Make sure they have plenty of their own toys to chew. Old shoes are not a good idea unless you don’t mind sacrificing your best Guccis too - a dog will not appreciate the difference! • Take your dog for regular check-ups at the vet, for protection against distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis, leptospirosis, kennel cough and lung worm. • Grooming is an excellent way to bond with your dog and should be seen as a positive experience. Pay attention to areas such as the tummy and between the hind legs, which can be neglected. You can also check the skin for lumps and bumps and the eyes and ears for anything unusual. • Preventing worms and fleas are both essential for a healthy happy pet. Ask your vet for advice.
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Where possible teach them to be handled from as early an age as possible. This will get them comfortable with being handled when attempting to groom them. If your dog is uncomfortable with being groomed, start with short grooming sessions focussing on areas where they are happy to be touched and stroked (such as the head and the ears) and as your dog learns to trust you, you can extend the grooming. Regularly check your dog’s toenails, teeth, eyes and ears to make sure they are healthy. Toe nails will naturally wear down if your dog does a lot of walking on hard surfaces, but you may need to clip them to keep them at a good length. Your vet can show you how to do this the first time. Equally, checking their eyes and ears is important. Do a short check after each walk to spot ticks, seeds or brambles that can cause your dog discomfort. Ask your vet for more information on what to look out for.
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Nutrition for adult dogs A dog can be moved on from puppy food anywhere between the ages of eight and 24 months, depending on the size and breed of dog. A good quality complete dry food will ensure your dog gets all the nutrients, vitamins and minerals they need to be in tip-top condition. What to look for in a complete adult food • Complete dog foods can have varying amounts of protein in them (anything from 17% - 40%). Dogs need different levels of protein depending on their life stage and lifestyle. For example, a very active dog will need more protein for muscle repair. However, too much protein for a less active dog could cause hyperactivity and inefficient digestion. Bear this in mind when choosing a dog food and be careful how much you feed your dog, especially if the protein levels are on the higher side. • Quality of protein is often more important than the quantity. As a guide the following sources of protein are listed in order of digestibility. • Eggs (must never be given raw). • Fish. • White meat. • Red meat. • Soya. • Some foods have additional beneficial natural ingredients added for specific reasons. For example fructo-oligosacharide (FOS) is a unique fibre from the chicory plant. It provides food for good bacteria in the gut so that they grow in number and crowd out the bad bacteria, leaving a healthy digestive system. This is especially useful for senior dogs or those who are under stress.
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Adult dog care checklist � Registered with local vet. worming and flea prevention treatments � Vupaccinations, to date. � Researched regular health checks and grooming methods. � Micro-chipped. � Insured. ocialisation & obedience training – booked local dog � Sobedience school and activity clubs. � Considered types of toys to buy your dog to play with. esearched the amount of exercise needed for the � Rbreed and age of dog. � A bed, bowls, lead, collar and tag. � Good quality adult food. Did you know? European regulations state that ALL meat in manufactured pet food must be sourced from animals that are fit for human consumption.
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Supadog Adult
Rich in Beef
Supadog Adult Rich in Beef has tasty, moist, beefy chunks naturally rich in protein for good muscle development and maintenance. Plus we have basted the kibbles in meat juice for extra lip-licking deliciousness!
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Ingredients Wheat, Beef Meal (min 14%), Wheat Feed, Chicken Meal, Poultry Fat, Peas, Salt, Calcium Carbonate, Monocalcium Phosphate, Preservative Potassium Sorbate, Coloured with Sunset Yellow, Tartrazine, Ponceau 4R, Iron Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Patent Blue V. Analysis Protein 18%, Oils & Fats 7%, Fibre 3%, Ash 7%, Vitamin A 15,000 iu/kg, Vitamin D3 1,500 iu/kg, Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol acetate) 90 mg/kg, Copper (as cupric sulphate) 10 mg/kg.
Features and benefits: • Moist, beefy chunks basted in real meat juices. • Natural antioxidants to support the immune system. • Maize-free recipe as it can be a cause of intolerance in dogs. • Essential fatty acids help nourish the coat and maintain healthy eyes. • Crunchy cooked cereals for energy, vitality and healthy gums. • Delicious vegetables for extra goodness. • Added calcium for bones and teeth.
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Supadog Adult
Rich in Chicken
Supadog Adult Chicken has tasty, moist, chickeny chunks naturally rich in protein for good muscle development and maintenance. Plus we have basted the kibbles in meat juice for extra lip-licking deliciousness!
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Ingredients Wheat, Chicken Meal (14%), Wheat Feed, Poultry Fat, Peas, Salt, Calcium Carbonate, Monocalcium Phosphate, Preservative Potassium Sorbate, Coloured with Sunset Yellow, Tartrazine, Ponceau 4R, Iron Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Patent Blue V. Analysis Protein 18%, Oils & Fats 7%, Fibre 3%, Ash 5.5%, Vitamin A 15,000 iu/kg, Vitamin D3 1,500 iu/kg, Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol acetate) 90 mg/kg, Copper (as cupric sulphate) 10 mg/kg.
Features and benefits: • Moist, chickeny chunks basted in real meat juices. • Natural antioxidants to support the immune system. • Maize-free recipe as it can be a cause of intolerance in dogs. • Essential fatty acids help nourish the coat and maintain healthy eyes. • Crunchy cooked cereals for energy, vitality and healthy gums. • Delicious vegetables for extra goodness. • Added calcium for bones and teeth.
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Supadog Active
With Chicken and Beef Supadog Active with Chicken and Beef is high in protein for working and sporting dogs. The blend of seven individually-cooked, easyto-digest nuggets mixed with tasty, moist, beefy chunks creates a dual-textured, teeth-friendly food. Plus we have basted the kibbles in meat juice for extra lip-licking deliciousness!
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Ingredients Wheat, Beef Meal, Chicken Meal, Maize, Wheat Bran, Poultry Fat, Chicken Liver Digest, Monocalcium Phosphate, Salt, Calcium Carbonate, Yeast, Citrus Pulp, Seaweed, Coloured with Sunset Yellow, Tartrazine, Ponceau 4R, Iron Oxide, Patent Blue V. Analysis Protein 24%, Oil & Fats 10%, Fibre 2.5%, Ash 7.5%, Vitamin A 20,000 iu/kg, Vitamin D³ 2,000 iu/kg, Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol acetate) 80 mg/kg, Copper (as cupric sulphate) 10 mg/kg.
Features and benefits: • 24% protein for active dogs. • Moist, beefy chunks basted in real meat juices. • Natural bioflavonoids to help maintain gut health and vitality in ‘outdoorsy’ working, sporty and active dogs. • Natural antioxidants to support the immune system. • Crunchy cooked cereals for energy and vitality. • Delicious vegetables for extra goodness. • Added calcium for bones and teeth.
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Supadog Adult
Beef with Gravy
Supadog Adult rich in beef and gravy has an irresistible coating which makes a scrumptious gravy. Just add hot water and your dog will lap it up. Go on, release the Supadog Sensation!
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Ingredients Wheat, Beef Meal (min 14%), Wheat Feed, Chicken Meal, Poultry Fat, Hydrogenated Chicken Liver (Gravy min 2%), Peas, Salt, Calcium Carbonate, Monocalcium Phosphate, Preservative Potassium Sorbate, Coloured with Sunset Yellow, Tartrazine, Ponceau 4R, Iron Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Patent Blue V. Analysis Protein 18%, Oils & Fats 7%, Fibre 3%, Ash 7%, Vitamin A 15,000 iu/kg, Vitamin D3 1,500 iu/kg, Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol acetate) 90 mg/kg, Copper (as cupric sulphate) 10 mg/kg.
Features and benefits: • Simply add hot water to make a tasty, wooftastic gravy. • Moist beefy chunks basted in real meat juices. • Natural antioxidants to support the immune system. • Maize-free recipe as it can be a cause of intolerance in dogs. • Crunchy cooked cereals for energy & vitality. • Delicious vegetables for extra goodness. • Added calcium for bones and teeth.
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Supadog Adult
Chicken with Gravy Supadog Adult rich in chicken and gravy has an irresistible chicken coating which makes a scrumptious gravy. Just add hot water and your dog will lap it up. Go on, release the Supadog Sensation!
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Ingredients Wheat, Chicken Meal (14%), Wheat Feed, Poultry Fat, Hydrogenated Chicken Liver (Gravy min 2%), Peas, Salt, Calcium Carbonate, Monocalcium Phosphate, Preservative Potassium Sorbate, Coloured with Sunset Yellow, Tartrazine, Ponceau 4R, Iron Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Patent Blue V. Analysis Protein 18%, Oils & Fats 7%, Fibre 3%, Ash 5.5%, Vitamin A 15,000 iu/kg, Vitamin D3 1,500 iu/kg, Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol acetate) 90 mg/kg, Copper (as cupric sulphate) 10 mg/kg.
Features and benefits: • Simply add hot water to make a tasty, wooftastic gravy. • Moist, chickeny chunks basted in real meat juices. • Natural antioxidants to support the immune system. • Maize-free recipe as it can be a cause of intolerance in dogs. • Crunchy cooked cereals for energy & vitality. • Delicious vegetables for extra goodness. • Added calcium for bones and teeth.
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Supadog Adult
Beef Casserole
Supadog Adult Beef Casserole is here! At last, you can give your adult dog the best of both worlds. The convenience of a dry food but with real beef pieces and gravy makes this a truly irresistible ‘country casserole’ feast. Just add hot water and your dog will lap it up. Go on, release the Supadog Sensation!
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Ingredients Wheat, Maize, Real Dried Beef Pieces (min 12%), Peas, Wheat Feed, Chicken Meal, Poultry Fat, Beef Meal, Hydrogenated Chicken Liver (Gravy min 2%), Beet Pulp, Monocalcium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, Salt, Fish Oil, Chicory Pulp, Vitamins, Contains Tocopherol Extracts of Natural Origin (as natural antioxidants), Glucosamine 80mg/kg. Analysis Protein 22%, Oil & fats 11%, Fibre 3%, Ash 6%, Vitamin A 15,000 iu/kg, Vitamin D³ 1,500 iu/kg, Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol acetate) 80 mg/kg, Copper (as cupric sulphate) 12 mg/kg.
Features and benefits: • With real beef pieces. • Simply add hot water to make a tasty, supalicious gravy. • Natural antioxidants to support the immune system. • Beet pulp to aid healthy digestion. • Free from artificial flavours and colours. • No added preservatives.
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Nutrition for dogs with sensitive digestion Food intolerances Like people, some dogs can develop intolerances to certain foods. An intolerance is an adverse reaction to a particular food, ingredient or additive (although not to be confused with an allergic reaction which is immune system-related). Food intolerances commonly result in diarrhoea, vomiting or itchy skin. Sometimes these symptoms can be an indication of a more serious problem, so if your dog experiences a prolonged episode of vomiting or diarrhoea and seems weak, or if they are scratching excessively, you must consult your vet. However, if your dog remains bright and is keen to eat you can follow the advice below: • Don’t let your dog drink too much at once as this can lead to further vomiting and dehydration. • Give cooled, boiled water little and often. • Don’t feed until at least 12 hours after the last episode. • Offer small amounts of a white meat, such as boiled chicken or fish, with white rice. • If diarrhoea persists for more than two days then a vet should be consulted. • Providing there is no further vomiting, offer small amounts of food every two hours for the first day, then larger quantities over the next two days. After that start reintroducing the usual food. The most common causes of intolerances in dogs are from the protein found in beef, dairy products, wheat gluten, corn and soy. It is thought that exposure over an extensive period of time to the same protein could lead to the development of an intolerance. Historically, these ingredients have been widely used in dog foods which may explain why these foods are significant. Also be careful with treats and snacks. Fortunately, the food causing the intolerance can be identified and removed through the process of an elimination diet. Ask your vet for advice.
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What to look for in a complete food for sensitive dogs If you do have a dog prone to food intolerances you should look for a diet that is: • Hypoallergenic - which means it is free from ingredients such as wheat gluten, soya and beef which can be common causes of food intolerances. • Limited to a simple, single protein (e.g. lamb) and a single carbohydrate (e.g. rice) combination - this is recommended for sensitive tummies. • High in digestible fibre. This means fibre that provides the right amount of bulk for firm stools and maximum absorption of nutrients. For example beet pulp (what is left when all the sugar is removed from sugar beet) will help digestion and aid stool quality.
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Supadog Sensitive
British La mb and Rice Supadog Sensitive British Lamb and Rice is great for all adult dogs, but is particularly suited to dogs with sensitive digestion. The recipe is free from wheat gluten, maize, eggs, beef soya and dairy products. Rice is the main carbohydrate for energy and beet pulp aids healthy digestion. British lamb is the essential muscle building protein.
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Ingredients Lamb Meal (min 26%), Rice (min 26%), Beet Pulp, Poultry Fat, Salt, Vitamins. Contains Tocopherol extracts of natural origin (natural antioxidants). Analysis Protein 20%, Oils & Fats 10%, Fibre 2.5%, Ash 10%, Vitamin A 12,000 iu/kg, Vitamin D3 1,800 iu/kg, Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol acetate) 70 mg/kg, Copper (as cupric sulphate) 10 mg/kg.
Features and benefits: • Wheat gluten and maize-free recipe. • Single protein and single carbohydrate for sensitive tummies. • Natural antioxidants to support the immune system. • Beet pulp to aid healthy digestion. • Free from artificial flavours and colours. • No added preservatives.
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Nutrition for dogs who are overweight There’s nothing your dog will enjoy more than eating. And left to his own devices, he’ll consume far, far more than is good for him. It’s also very tempting, as an owner, to give your dog a tasty treat. But one treat can all too easily turn to one too many. Over-eating, lack of exercise and eating the wrong kind of food, can soon make a dog overweight. And since your pet can’t decide these things for himself - the only kind of food he really likes is ‘more food’ so it’s your responsibility to make sure he stays in shape. The risks that go with being obese are very serious: it can lead to heart disease, arthritis and diabetes - and could even shorten your dog’s life. Not to mention costly vet bills for you. So keep an eye on your pet’s weight and be ready, if things get out of hand, to step in with a little healthy doggy dieting.
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Is your dog too fat? You should check your dog’s weight regularly - but you don’t need to step on the scales to do it. You only need to take action if you can’t answer ‘yes’ to these key questions: Can you feel your dog’s ribs? Place your palms flat on both sides of his spine - you should able to feel the ribs easily. Does your dog have a visible waist with an abdominal tuck? Check for a waist by looking from the side and the top. Sliding your hand underneath your dog from the chest along the belly - you should come to an upward slope, and that is the abdominal tuck. Never starve your dog to lose weight – keep them on Supadog Light for all the essential nutrients and make sure they get plenty of exercise. But if you are still worried about the weight of your dog, don’t hesitate to consult your vet. For an easy guide to testing your pet’s weight, visit the Pet Food Manufacturer’s Association website at www.pfma.org.uk and click on the Pet Size O-meter. Ideal
Overweight
Obese
What to look for in a complete food for overweight dogs • A lower level of oil and fat to reduce fat intake and weight gain. • A reduced feeding rate that still delivers all the required nutrition for a fit healthy dog. • Supplements that will aid weight loss like l-carnitine which helps the body transform fat into energy.
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Supadog Light
Rich in Chicken
Supadog Light Rich in Chicken is 94% fat free. Calorie controlled, tasty complete dry food, with l-carnitine which aids weight loss and optimises healthy body condition. Rich in chicken with added natural glucosamine for healthy joints.
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Ingredients Maize, Wheat, Chicken Meal (14%), Naked Oats, Beef Meal, Wheat Feed, Beet Pulp, Yeast, Ligno-Cellulose, Herring Meal, Pea Fibre, Fish Oil, Poultry Fat, Glucosamine 400mg/kg, l-carnitine 300mg/kg, Yucca 250mg/kg. Analysis Protein 20%, Oil & Fats 6%, Fibre 6%, Ash 6%, Vitamin A 18,000 iu/kg, Vitamin D³ 1,800 iu/kg, Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol acetate) 300mg/kg, Copper (as cupric sulphate) 12mg/kg.
Features and benefits: • 94% Fat Free. • Contains l-carnitine which aids weight loss and optimises healthy body condition. • With added natural glucosamine for healthy joint mobility. • With added Yucca to help make poo a bit less smelly. • Rich in chicken for delicious taste. • Rich in Omega 3 fatty acids for healthy heart, brain, skin and eyes. • Natural antioxidants to support the immune system. • Beet pulp to aid healthy digestion. • Free from artificial flavours and colours. • No added preservatives.
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Caring for your older dog Most dogs move into their senior years from about the age of seven, although large breed dogs tend to age more quickly and small breed dogs tend to age later. Like people, dogs can become friendlier or grumpier as they age and if you are re-homing an older dog you should take this into account. • Your dog may become more anxious if they can’t see or hear as well as they used to. • They may feel vulnerable because they are getting a little slower at moving around. • Sleep patterns can change; some dogs may be more restless at night. • They may also be less able to remember things. • Keep an eye on your dog’s paws to ensure the claws don’t grow into the paw pads and that they remain in good condition. Although it’s normal for a dog’s behaviour to alter through age, don’t forget that changes in personality can also be a sign of pain or illness. So if in doubt consult your vet. Nutrition for senior dogs Your older dog may be prone to put on weight because the body’s metabolism will slow down with age and require less energy. So keep an eye on their food intake and watch the treats! They will naturally require less exercise however you should never stop walks altogether. Some other signs of ageing can be: • Joints which stiffen and become less mobile. • Muscle, bones and immune system becoming weaker. • Dry, cracked paw pads. • Skin is less elastic and the coat loses shine. • Weight loss. Your vet will be able to advise you on how best to deal with the above, and to ensure that your dog is as comfortable and healthy as possible in older age. However, a high quality food made with older dogs specifically in mind can also help to alleviate some of the above.
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What to look for in a complete food for senior dogs • The protein should be high quality to help make digestion even easier. • Food should also be higher in fibre to help weight control. • You should also look for beneficial ingredients that will assist the specific issues of old age such as stiff joints and coat quality. • Glucosamine is excellent for helping joint mobility.
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Supadog Mature
Rich in Chicken
Supadog Mature Rich in Chicken helps ease the effects of ageing, helping mobility, gum health and maintaining a healthy body. Plus we have basted the kibbles in meat juice for extra lip-licking deliciousness!
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Ingredients Wheat, Maize, Chicken Meal (14%), Peas, Wheat Feed, Herring Meal, Beet Pulp, Poultry Fat, Soya Hulls, Linseed, Brewers Yeast, Calcium Carbonate, Monocalcium Phosphate, Herbs (min 0.2%), Salt, (Prebiotic) Fructooligosaccharides 2000 mg/ kg, Glucosamine 400mg/ kg, Yucca Extract 250mg/ kg, (Prebiotic) Mannanoligosaccharides 2000 mg/kg. Analysis Protein 20%, Oil & Fats 7%, Fibre 5%, Ash 7%, Vitamin A 20,000 iu/kg, Vitamin D³ 2,000 iu/kg, Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol acetate) 200mg/kg, Copper (as cupric sulphate) 12mg/kg.
Features and benefits: • With added natural glucosamine and herbs optimises healthy joint mobility. • Contains two prebiotics to aid the body’s natural defences and remove bad bacteria from tummies. • With linseed, zinc and biotin for healthy coats, skin and fur. • With added yucca to help make poo a bit less smelly. • Natural antioxidants to support the immune system. • Beet pulp to aid healthy digestion. • Free from artificial flavours and colours. • No added preservatives.
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Our Forever Promise Burgess is a company of pet lovers and owners and we are passionate about all furry pets. We are committed to making the lives of pets better. Of course, we aim to do this through making great food that’s good for their health as well as being deliciously tasty. But we are equally committed to helping and supporting rescue centres as well as encouraging responsible pet ownership through education. This is our Forever Promise - it is who we are and what we believe. We are proud to support the work of the many rescue centres across the country because we know, as pet lovers and owners ourselves, what a massive positive contribution they make to the lives of thousands of pets, and ultimately their new owners.
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Great news for rescue centres After paying out for food and vet bills, many rescue centres simply don’t have the budget left over for advertising and publicity – which are critical to help them re-home the dogs in their care. The good news is that rescue centres can now create their own unique website by going to www.supadog.co.uk. It is very simple to do and there is a choice of pet images to create bespoke page templates. Best of all, centres can upload pictures of all their rescue dogs awaiting forever homes. In addition, all rescue centres can put themselves on the Burgess Rescue Locator. This is so that visitors to our website who are looking for their nearest rescue centre can simply type in their postcode, type of pet they are looking for and preferred travelling distance. All the rescue centres that meet those criteria will appear on Google Maps, complete with directions. Tell everyone you know who is looking for a new dog to visit the Burgess Rescue Locator as their first port of call. This way they are sure to find their nearest rescue centre –they might not even have known it was there! Don’t forget to tell your local rescue centres about the Burgess Rescue Locator too. Burgess Rescue Scheme Food tends to be one of the biggest costs for a rescue centre. This makes us here at Burgess perfectly placed to help through our delicious, tasty food. Rescue centres can buy food directly from our factory at discounted prices, and then when they re-home a dog, the new owner (you) can earn additional free food for the rescue centre by simply continuing to feed your new family member Supadog. All you have to do is collect five barcodes from the packaging and return them to us. In return, we will send your chosen rescue centre a sack of their favourite Supadog food absolutely free. The more new owners that collect our barcodes, the more free food they can earn for the rescue centre. It’s as simple as that!
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Supadog Greyhound & Lurcher
Rich in Chicken
Supadog Greyhound & Lurcher Rich in Chicken is specifically for the needs of these dogs as pets, the majority of which will have come from a rescue centre. We’ve added some extras to help them stay happy and healthy. Plus, for every sack purchased we donate 20p to a nominated Greyhound & Lurcher rescue.
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Ingredients Wheat, Chicken Meal (14%), Maize, Wheat Feed, Beet Pulp, Poultry fat, Yeast, Fish Oil, (Omega 3 and fatty acids 0.2%), Monocalcium Phosphate, Salt, Fructooligosaccharides, Glucosamine 400mg/kg, Yucca Extract. Analysis Protein 17%, Oils & Fats 8%, Fibre 3%, Ash 6.0%, Vitamin A 18,000 iu/kg, Vitamin D3 1,800 iu/kg, Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol acetate) 200 mg/kg, Copper (as cupric sulphate) 12 mg/kg.
Features and benefits: • Glucosamine to help stiff joints and great for overworked legs. • Omega 3 is beneficial in helping temperature regulation and promoting a glossy coat and healthy skin. • Prebiotics help digestive health. • Protein is deliberately at a slightly lower level as required by pet greyhounds and lurchers. Too much protein may cause anxiety and hyperactivity. • Carbohydrate is a balance of maize and locally sourced wheat for sustainable energy. • Free from artificial flavours and colours. • No added preservatives.
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Contact us Burgess Pet Care Victory Mill, Priestman’s Lane, Thornton-Le-Dale, Pickering, North Yorkshire, YO18 7RU Freephone 0800 413969 www.supadog.co.uk