🐕Dogs buying guides

Food, harnesses, beds, toys: everything your best friend actually needs.

• Which senior dog food should you choose? The complete guideFood

  Protein, phosphorus, joints, palatability: how to choose senior dog food suited to an ageing dog, and how much it costs.

• Large breed dog food: steady growth and a sensitive stomachFood

  Calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, kibble size, bloat prevention: how to choose large breed dog food, from puppyhood to adulthood.

• Wet or dry dog food: which should you feed day to day?Food

  Hydration, palatability, budget, tartar: wet or dry dog food, the pros and cons of each option, and why mixed feeding is worth considering.

• Automatic dog feeder: which one should you choose?Food

  Capacity, scheduling, anti-jam mechanism, backup battery: how to choose an automatic dog feeder to match your daily routine.

• Lick mat for dogs: the anti-stress accessory worth adopting?Toys & enrichment

  Why licking soothes, which toppings to use, silicone or rigid plastic: how to choose a lick mat for your dog and use it safely.

• Kong-style stuffable dog toy: how do you pick the right one?Toys & enrichment

  Toughness levels, sizes, filling ideas, freezing: everything you need to choose a Kong-style stuffable toy and keep your dog busy the smart way.

• Dog puzzle toys: brain games worth playingToys & enrichment

  Difficulty levels, materials, mistakes to avoid: how to choose a dog puzzle toy and work your dog's nose without frustrating it.

• Puppy playpen: choosing a secure indoor penBedding & habitat

  Height, materials, floor space, house-training: how to choose a puppy playpen and use it without turning it into a prison.

• Orthopedic bed for an older dog: a real boost for its jointsBedding & habitat

  Memory foam, thickness, washable cover: how to choose an orthopedic bed for an ageing or arthritic dog, and what it costs.

• Dog ramp or stairs: reaching the car and the sofa without injuryTravel & safety

  Incline, non-slip surface, maximum load: how to choose a dog ramp or steps suited to the car, the bed or the sofa.

• Dog boots: protecting paw pads from road salt, snow and hot asphaltCare & grooming

  Sole, fit, exact sizing: how to choose dog boots and protect paw pads against de-icing salt, snow and scorching asphalt.

• Dog life jacket: essential for boating and swimming?Travel & safety

  Buoyancy, grab handle, size and adjustments: how to choose a dog life jacket for boating, paddleboarding or sporty swims.

• Small dog carrier bag: choosing the right one for trains, the metro and city lifeTravel & safety

  Approved dimensions, ventilation, comfort: how to choose a small dog carrier suited to trains, public transport and city journeys.

• Canicross and bikejoring gear: the essential kit for running with your dogAccessories

  Pulling harness, bungee line, running belt, bikejoring bar: which canicross gear to choose to run or ride with your dog safely.

• Tracking line for dogs: choosing the right one to start scent sportsAccessories

  Length, material, biothane or nylon: how to choose a tracking line for your dog and get started in mantrailing or search work.

• Dog whistle: the most reliable tool for training recall?Accessories

  Ultrasonic or audible whistle, fixed frequency, conditioning method: how to choose a dog whistle and build a rock-solid recall on walks.

• Dog walking accessories: the checklist for the perfectly equipped walkAccessories

  Poop bag dispenser, safety light, treat pouch, water bottle: the dog walking accessories that are genuinely useful, and their real cost.

• Dog safety gate: securing the stairs and rooms of the houseTravel & safety

  Pressure-mounted or screw-fitted, height, adjustable width: how to choose a dog safety gate to protect the stairs, kitchen or bedroom.

• Dog cooling mat: genuinely useful or a heatwave gimmick?Bedding & habitat

  Self-cooling gel, size, scratch resistance: how to choose a dog cooling mat and protect your companion during a heatwave.

• Camera for a dog home alone: watch and reassure from a distanceAccessories

  Night vision, two-way audio, treat launcher: how to choose a camera for a dog home alone and spot barking or separation anxiety.

• Kibble or a home-cooked diet for your dog: which should you choose?Food

  Nutritional balance, preparation time, monthly cost: kibble or a home-cooked diet, the honest comparison to help you choose the right way to feed your dog.

• Stainless steel or ceramic dog bowl: the full head-to-headAccessories

  Hygiene, stability, durability, price: stainless steel or ceramic bowl for your dog, this comparison details the strengths and weaknesses of each material.

• Retractable or standard leash: which one for your dog?Travel & safety

  Safety, leash training, comfort in town: retractable or standard leash, the comparison to choose the right lead for your dog and your walks.

• Plastic dog bed or cushion: which should you go for?Bedding & habitat

  Hygiene, comfort, destructive chewers, budget: plastic bed or cushion for your dog, the comparison to choose bedding suited to their profile and your home.

• Rope or rubber dog toy: which should you favour?Toys & enrichment

  Chewing, sturdiness, ingestion risks, price: rope or rubber toy, the comparison to give your dog a toy matched to their jaw and their play style.

• First puppy: the 7 equipment mistakes to avoidAccessories

  Oversized bed, unsuitable collar, dangerous toys, pointless purchases: the first-puppy equipment mistakes that cost dearly, and how to avoid them from adoption day.

• Choke collar for dogs: why it is a bad idea in disguiseTravel & safety

  Risks to the windpipe, contested effectiveness, modern alternatives: the choke collar for dogs is a bad idea in disguise, here are the solutions that actually work.

• Trimming your dog’s nails yourself: good or bad idea?Care & grooming

  Equipment, technique, risks of cutting too short, groomer prices: should you trim your dog’s nails yourself or delegate, and how to go about it without hurting them.

• Should you leave toys out for your dog all the time?Toys & enrichment

  Boredom, resource guarding, safety: should you leave your dog’s toys out permanently or practise rotation? The answer, plus a concrete method.

• Feeding a puppy: 8 common mistakes to avoidFood

  Abrupt food changes, cow’s milk, cooked bones, overfeeding, calcium: the most common puppy feeding mistakes and how to feed a young dog properly.

• How much does a puppy cost in the first year? The detailed budgetAccessories

  Equipment, food, vet care, identification: a puppy’s first-year budget line by line, from 1,200 to 2,800 euros depending on size and your choices.

• Cheap or premium kibble: what are you really paying for?Food

  Composition, digestibility, actual quantities, cost per day: cheap or premium kibble for your dog, the comparison that recalculates the true price of the bowl.

• Dog grooming budget: salon or at home, how much does it cost?Care & grooming

  Salon prices by size, cost of home equipment, frequency by coat type: a dog’s yearly grooming budget and smart ways to bring it down.

• Second-hand dog equipment: smart move or false bargain?Accessories

  Crate, playpen, coat, toys: which dog equipment to buy second-hand without risk, what to refuse outright, and how much you can save on used gear.

• What budget for your dog’s bed? Prices and lifespanBedding & habitat

  Basket, cushion, orthopaedic mattress: a dog’s bedding budget by size and age, realistic prices by range and the traps that make you pay twice.

• Dogs in flats: the essential equipment for a good lifeBedding & habitat

  Quiet sleeping spot, occupation, house-training, neighbours: apartment dog equipment room by room, with realistic budgets and the mistakes that spoil cohabitation.

• Preparing your dog for a baby’s arrival: equipment and methodTravel & safety

  Gates, refuge zone, new rules, safety: how to prepare your dog for a baby’s arrival during pregnancy, with the useful equipment and the mistakes to avoid.

• Moving house with your dog: equipment and stress-free organisationTravel & safety

  Safe transport, refuge room, familiar landmarks, updating identification: how to move house with your dog serenely, from moving day to the first weeks.

• Senior dogs: adapting everyday equipment and careCare & grooming

  Suitable bedding, non-slip floors, more frequent grooming, mobility aids: how to adapt a senior dog’s equipment to preserve its everyday comfort.

• Going on holiday with your dog: the complete equipment checklistTravel & safety

  Transport, documents, first-aid kit, everyday gear: the checklist for going on holiday with your dog, with budgets and the pitfalls of summer and winter alike.

• What food should you feed a puppy? The complete buying guideFood

  Protein levels, kibble size, food transitions: how to choose the right food for your puppy without getting it wrong.

• Grain-free dog food: genuine progress or clever marketing?Food

  Is grain-free really better for your dog? Let’s separate fact from fiction before you buy, with the criteria that actually matter.

• Harness or collar for your dog: which to choose, and when?Accessories

  Comfort, safety, control on walks: the pros and cons of harnesses and collars, so you can pick the right gear for your dog.

• Choosing a dog bed by size: the complete bedding guideBedding & habitat

  Dimensions, shapes, materials, cleaning: how to choose a basket or cushion truly suited to your dog’s build and sleeping habits.

• Dog travel crates for the car: standards and smart choicesTravel & safety

  Crash tests, materials, dimensions, boot installation: everything you need to choose a genuinely safe car travel crate for your dog.

• Dog toys for heavy chewers: which ones actually last?Toys & enrichment

  Rubber, nylon, ropes: which toys survive powerful jaws, and how to channel a dog that destroys everything in the house.

• Flea and tick treatments for dogs: spot-ons, collars or tablets?Care & grooming

  Fleas, ticks, mosquitoes: the pros, cons and prices of spot-ons, collars and tablets to protect your dog effectively against parasites.

• Which dog shampoo for which coat type?Care & grooming

  Short, long or wiry coat, sensitive skin: how to choose a shampoo suited to your dog, how often to bathe it and at what price.

• Slow-feeder bowls: which dogs need one and how to chooseToys & enrichment

  Does your dog inhale its ration in seconds? How slow-feeder bowls work, their benefits and the criteria for choosing the right one.

• Choosing a leash or long line for your dog: the comparisonAccessories

  Standard leash, retractable, multi-position or 5 to 15 metre long line: which gear for the city, the countryside and your dog’s training?

• Winter coats for dogs: genuinely useful or just a gimmick?Accessories

  Which dogs really need a coat in winter? Selection criteria, materials, sizing and budget to kit out your companion sensibly.

• GPS collars for dogs: how to choose the right trackerTravel & safety

  Subscription or not, battery life, accuracy, waterproofing: the criteria that matter when choosing a GPS collar so you never lose your dog again.

• Dog training treats: which to choose and whyFood

  Size, palatability, calorie content: how to choose effective training treats without throwing your dog’s ration off balance.

• Which dog brush for which coat type? The guideCare & grooming

  Slicker brush, deshedding tool, comb or grooming glove: the right brushing tool for every coat type, for healthy fur and less hair around the house.

• Outdoor dog houses: choosing the right one and siting it wellBedding & habitat

  Wood or plastic, dimensions, insulation, placement: the complete guide to choosing a comfortable, durable outdoor house for your dog.

• Dog car barriers: the guide to choosing the right oneTravel & safety

  Universal grille, vehicle-specific or boot net: how to keep your dog safely separated from the cabin and travel with peace of mind.