What I Actually Feed My Dog (Without Going Skint)

Feed What Works For You

What you should feed your dog is as polarising as the arguments about training methods. I’ll cut to the chase — feed whatever your budget allows and don’t be bullied into anything else if it doesn’t work for you.

Be sensible though. Listen to your vet if they offer advice, but also do your own research. This is how I feed my own dog on a modest budget, with a bit of variety thrown in, without turning dinner into a full-time job.

No, I won’t be telling you to cook a steak for your dog or steam fresh veg. You can if you want — but this is the “not much time, not much money” version.

Kibble First, Raw Isn’t In My Budget

I feed Sam kibble, not raw. Why? Freezer space is tight and raw costs more than I can afford, given that I live in Bournemouth and costs are already high. Plain and simple.

To pick a decent food at a price I can live with, I use All About Dog Food.co.uk — it breaks down ingredients and gives a quality rating so you can compare without the marketing fluff.

Alongside that I follow Cam – The Dog Nutritionist and the Feed Real folks for ideas. (I mainly follow their Instagrams for quick tips.)
@feedrealmovement   @the_dog_nutritionist

Quick Disclaimer

I’m not a vet or a dog nutritionist. This is what I do with my own dog. Introduce new foods slowly, especially if your dog has a sensitive stomach. If you add higher-calorie bits, reduce the kibble for that meal (or skip it entirely) so you’re not overfeeding.

My Add-Ins (Simple, Cheap, Real Food)

I don’t run a strict timetable — I add one of these every other day or so, usually to Sam’s evening meal, and reduce the kibble to suit. Find a rhythm that works for you and your dog.

For reference, Sam is around 14 kg and very active. I’m always keeping an eye on her weight so I know how to adjust her meals.

Tinned Sardines / Mackerel (in spring water)

Sardines are usually the cheaper of the two, but I like the variety — even if it’s more tins of sardines than mackerel.
Sam gets one tin mixed into half her usual kibble on Friday night. This is actually the only thing I’m pretty consistent with.

Warning: Fishy Fridays = fishy breath. You’ve been warned.

Kefir

I buy the big Polish bottles so I can share it. I add 40–50 ml to a meal.
Some dogs don’t tolerate dairy — test tiny amounts first and back off if you see loose stools.

Apple Cider Vinegar (with “the mother”)

I add one capful and dilute it with about 150 ml water, then pour it over the meal. Start very diluted and small.

Fur-On Chews (rabbit ears/feet)

Fur can help “sweep” the gut for parasites and support digestion. This isn’t a substitute for proper parasite control though.

I personally avoid routine chemical wormers/flea treatments and instead run regular worm-egg counts (FWEC) using postal test kits on Sam’s stool. If you’re unsure what to do, speak to a trusted vet and use your test results to guide decisions.

Eggs

I crack one raw egg into the bowl, add the membrane and a pinch of crushed shell. Boiled or scrambled is fine too — just cool it first.

Avocado Scraps

Not a whole avo — I’m not made of money — just the scrapings from the inside of the skin and maybe a slice or two if I’m having a couple for breakfast.

Fruit & Veg (sparingly)

Bits of banana, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, apple, carrot, peas, sweet potato, pumpkin.
We often find blackberries on walks when they’re in season — perfect trail snacks.

Keep portions small: too much can mean too much fibre. If you’re noticing your dog’s poo isn’t looking all that firm, ease up on the fruit and/or veg.

Never give grapes, raisins, sultanas, onions, leeks, or xylitol/sugar-free products.

Leftovers

A bit of Sunday roast meat (not covered in salt or gravy) and a few veg scraps is a bangin’ treat.
Don’t give them a whole roast dinner — that’s mental.
And no cooked bones — they can splinter and cause serious problems.

Bone Broth / Stock

I make chicken, lamb, or beef stock after a roast. No added salt.
Portion and freeze it. Great for your soup/ ramens — and great defrosted over the dog’s dinner.

Natural Chews & Butcher Bits

Cow hooves, furry ears, trachea, offal, raw meaty bones.
Raw meaty bones and tough chews can really help keep dogs’ teeth clean and give them a proper chew outlet.

Always supervise.
I personally don’t let Sam have a whole hoof in one go. I tell her “finished” and she spits it out.
I take it away and usually give her some kibble as a trade. I’ve trained this carefully so there’s no conflict.

How I Think About It

If you feed good kibble and add a few real-food extras each week, you’re already doing better than most. Variety beats fads.

These bits are cheap, especially when you space them out. Done right, you can add variety and support gut health without blowing your budget.

Sam’s coat went from decent to mind-blowingly soft once I started this. Sure, it could be coincidence but I genuinely doubt it.

Final Word

I aim to add an extra every other day. I’m not strict; I’m conscious — that’s the point.

Do a bit of your own research, avoid getting rinsed by big-brand “complete” marketing (they’re almost aways full of cheap fillers) and dentastix-type treats. Keep it real & simple.

We don’t have our dogs for long. I’m doing the best I can for mine so we get as many good years as we possibly can.