Dog Food Help Centre
Everything you need to know about feeding your dog naturally
Whether you’re choosing the right food for a new puppy, looking for the best grain free diet for an adult dog, or simply want to understand more about the ingredients in your dog’s food, you’ve come to the right place.
At Broadleaf Grain Free, we believe that informed owners make healthier, happier dogs. That’s why we’ve created this Help Centre – a growing library of answers to the questions we’re asked most often by our customers.
From understanding grain free nutrition and choosing the right recipe, to feeding guidelines, natural treats, storage advice and delivery information, you’ll find practical, straightforward answers throughout this guide.
And if you can’t find what you’re looking for, our friendly team is always happy to help.
Explore the Help Centre
Find answers quickly by choosing a topic below.
🌿 Grain Free & Ingredients
Learn about our ingredients, grain free diets and what goes into every recipe.
🦴 Natural Treats & Chews
Healthy natural chews, storage, safety and choosing the right treat.
Grain Free & Ingredients
Choosing the right food for your dog starts with understanding what’s in the bowl. From grain free recipes and high-quality protein sources to natural botanicals and functional ingredients, every component plays a role in supporting your dog’s health and wellbeing.
At Broadleaf Grain Free, we believe pet owners should feel confident about what they’re feeding their dogs. That’s why we’ve created this guide to answer some of the most common questions about our ingredients, how our recipes are made, and why we’ve chosen the ingredients we use.
Whether you’re new to grain free feeding, comparing different foods, or simply want to know more about what’s inside your dog’s favourite meal, you’ll find straightforward answers below.
“We believe great nutrition starts with great ingredients — carefully selected, responsibly sourced, and naturally delicious.”
Many dog owners choose a grain free diet because it focuses on high-quality animal protein alongside carefully selected fruits, vegetables and botanicals, rather than cereals or grains.
For many dogs, this can mean improved digestion, healthy skin and coat condition, consistent energy levels and smaller, firmer stools. Grain free diets can also be a great option for dogs with grain sensitivities or those that simply thrive on a more natural diet.
At Broadleaf, we believe every dog deserves wholesome nutrition made with quality ingredients that help them live a happy, healthy life.
Not at all.
Grain free doesn’t mean carbohydrate free. Instead of using grains such as wheat or maize, our recipes use carefully selected ingredients like sweet potato and other vegetables to provide a healthy source of energy.
These ingredients are highly digestible and provide slow-release energy to help keep your dog active throughout the day.
Dogs naturally thrive on diets rich in quality animal protein.
That’s why many of our recipes contain up to 80% premium animal ingredients, including freshly prepared meat and responsibly sourced fish.
High-quality protein helps support:
- Healthy muscles
- Strong bones
- Healthy skin and a glossy coat
- Energy levels
- Overall wellbeing
We believe quality ingredients make all the difference.
Freshly prepared meat and fish are gently cooked soon after being sourced to help retain their natural flavour and nutritional value.
This process produces a highly digestible source of protein that’s naturally rich in vitamins and minerals, helping your dog get more from every meal.
It’s one of the reasons our premium recipes are so nutritious and delicious.
Every dog is different, but many owners choose Broadleaf because our grain free recipes are made using carefully selected, highly digestible ingredients.
By avoiding unnecessary fillers and focusing on quality meat, fish, vegetables and botanicals, many dogs with sensitive digestion thrive on our recipes.
If your dog has specific dietary requirements or allergies, we’re always happy to help you choose the most suitable recipe.
For most healthy dogs, a high-quality grain free diet can provide complete, balanced nutrition when it meets recognised nutritional standards.
Some dogs simply do very well on grain free food, while others may have no problem eating recipes that contain grains. The most important thing is choosing a nutritionally complete diet made with high-quality ingredients that suits your dog’s age, lifestyle and individual needs.
If you’re unsure which food is right for your dog, we’d be happy to offer advice and help you find the most suitable recipe.
💚 Julie’s Tip
When changing your dog’s food, always introduce the new recipe gradually over 7–10 days. Mixing increasing amounts of the new food with the old helps reduce the chance of an upset tummy and gives your dog’s digestive system time to adjust.
Nutrition & Feeding
Feeding your dog isn’t just about filling a bowl. The right food, the correct portion size and a consistent routine all play an important role in supporting your dog’s health throughout every stage of life.
Whether you’ve just welcomed a new puppy, you’re feeding an energetic adult, or caring for a senior companion, these answers will help you get the very best from your dog’s daily meals.
“Good nutrition isn’t about feeding more. It’s about feeding the right food, in the right amount, every single day.”
Every dog is different. The right amount depends on their age, breed, size, activity level and whether they need to gain, lose or maintain weight.
All Broadleaf Grain Free recipes include a feeding guide on the packaging to help you find the correct daily amount.
If you’re unsure, start with the recommended serving and adjust gradually while monitoring your dog’s body condition.
Puppies need smaller meals spread throughout the day as they grow.
As a general guide:
- Puppies (8-16 weeks): 4 meals per day
- Puppies (4-6 months): 3 meals per day
- Puppies over 6 months: 2 meals per day
- Adult dogs: usually 2 meals per day
- Some senior dogs may benefit from smaller, more frequent meals if recommended by your vet.
Keeping meal times consistent helps support healthy digestion and establishes a good routine.
It’s always best to introduce a new food gradually over 7-10 days.
Start by mixing a small amount of the new food with your dog’s current food and slowly increase the proportion each day until you’ve fully transitioned.
A gradual change helps minimise digestive upset and allows your dog’s stomach to adjust naturally.
Using a measuring cup or kitchen scales helps ensure your dog receives the correct daily amount every time.
Guessing portions often leads to overfeeding, which is one of the most common causes of obesity in dogs.
Remember that treats also contribute towards your dog’s daily calorie intake.
Not necessarily.
Some dogs naturally have bigger appetites than others, while boredom can sometimes be mistaken for hunger.
Before increasing food, consider:
- Is your dog maintaining a healthy weight?
- Are they getting enough exercise?
- Are they receiving lots of treats during the day?
- Are they mentally stimulated?
If your dog suddenly becomes unusually hungry or loses weight despite eating normally, it’s worth speaking to your vet.
Many owners choose to mix dry kibble with wet food or fresh ingredients.
If you do, make sure you reduce the amount of dry food accordingly so you’re not accidentally overfeeding.
Avoid adding foods that are toxic to dogs, including onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, chocolate and foods containing xylitol.
Fresh drinking water should always be available.
💚 Julie’s Tip
“One of the biggest mistakes I see is owners focusing on the amount of food rather than the quality of nutrition. Feed a complete, balanced food, measure each meal properly, stick to a consistent routine, and keep an eye on your dog’s body condition rather than simply how much they’re eating. Small changes can make a huge difference to their long-term health.”
Puppies
Bringing home a new puppy is one of life’s most exciting moments, and giving them the right nutrition from the very beginning helps lay the foundations for a happy, healthy life.
From choosing the right food to knowing how much to feed and when to make the switch to adult food, there’s a lot to learn. We’ve answered some of the questions we’re asked most often to help you feel confident you’re giving your puppy the very best start.
“Healthy puppies become healthy dogs. Good nutrition during those first months can make a difference for years to come.”
Most puppies begin eating solid food from around 3–4 weeks of age as they are gradually weaned from their mother’s milk. By around 8 weeks, they should be fully weaned and able to eat complete dry puppy food.
If you’re bringing home a puppy at eight weeks or older, they should already be comfortably eating dry food. If needed, you can soften the kibble with a little warm water during the first few days while they settle into their new home.
Young puppies have small stomachs but lots of energy, so they benefit from several smaller meals throughout the day.
As a general guide:
- 8–12 weeks: 4 meals per day
- 3–6 months: 3 meals per day
- 6–12 months: 2 meals per day
Keeping meal times consistent helps establish a healthy routine and supports digestion.
Yes. Grain free food is perfectly suitable for puppies provided it is a complete, balanced diet formulated for growing dogs.
High-quality animal protein provides the essential amino acids puppies need to support healthy muscle development, while carefully selected vegetables, vitamins and minerals help provide everything they need for healthy growth.
This depends largely on your dog’s breed and expected adult size.
Smaller breeds often reach adulthood around 10–12 months, while larger breeds may continue growing until 15–18 months.
Changing gradually over 7–10 days helps avoid digestive upset. If you’re unsure when the time is right, we’d always be happy to offer advice.
Growing puppies often seem permanently hungry!
Rather than increasing portion sizes too quickly, use the feeding guide on the packaging as your starting point and monitor your puppy’s body condition.
Your puppy should have plenty of energy and steady growth without becoming overweight. If you’re unsure whether you’re feeding the correct amount, we’re always happy to help.
Absolutely—but treats should make up only a small part of your puppy’s daily diet.
Choose natural treats that are appropriate for your puppy’s age and size, and remember to include any treats when considering their daily food intake.
Treats are a brilliant way to reward good behaviour during training while strengthening the bond between you and your puppy.
💚 Julie’s Tip
“One of the biggest mistakes new owners make is changing food too quickly. Whenever you’re introducing a new food, take your time. Mix increasing amounts of the new food with the old over around a week. Your puppy’s digestive system will thank you for it.”
Natural Treats & Chews
Natural treats can be so much more than just a tasty snack. Used correctly, they can support training, provide mental stimulation, satisfy your dog’s natural chewing instincts and strengthen the bond between you and your pet.
At Broadleaf Grain Free, we believe treats should be just as natural as the food in your dog’s bowl. That’s why we carefully select high-quality, natural chews and treats that dogs love and owners can feel good about giving.
“The best treats don’t just reward good behaviour—they enrich your dog’s day.”
Natural treats are generally made using simple ingredients with minimal processing, allowing them to retain more of their natural goodness.
Many owners prefer natural treats because they contain fewer unnecessary additives, colours and artificial preservatives while still providing a delicious reward that dogs genuinely enjoy.
Treats should always be fed in moderation.
As a general guide, treats should make up no more than around 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. The majority of their nutrition should always come from a complete, balanced diet.
If you’re using treats regularly for training, simply reduce meal portions slightly to maintain a healthy weight.
Every dog is different.
Some dogs enjoy longer-lasting chews such as Buffalo Braids or Olive Wood Chews, while others prefer softer natural treats or training rewards.
Think about your dog’s size, age, chewing strength and personal preference. If you’re unsure, we’re always happy to recommend something suitable.
Chewing is a completely natural behaviour for dogs.
Longer-lasting natural chews can help reduce plaque build-up by encouraging mechanical cleaning of the teeth while also keeping dogs mentally occupied.
They aren’t a replacement for good dental care, but they can certainly form part of a healthy oral care routine.
Yes—but it’s important to choose treats that are appropriate for their age, size and chewing ability.
Softer natural treats are often ideal for younger puppies, particularly during training. Larger, harder chews should only be introduced once your puppy is old enough and should always be given under supervision.
Absolutely.
Although natural chews are designed to be enjoyed safely, it’s always sensible to supervise your dog, particularly when introducing a new treat or chew.
Fresh drinking water should always be available, and any small leftover pieces should be removed once they become small enough to present a choking risk.
💚 Julie’s Tip
“One of my favourite ways to use natural treats is as part of enrichment rather than simply handing them over. Hide a few treats around the garden or inside a snuffle mat and let your dog use their incredible sense of smell. It’s brilliant mental stimulation and they absolutely love the challenge.”
Wilderness 80
Nature has always provided the perfect blueprint for canine nutrition.
Our Wilderness 80 range has been developed to bring your dog closer to the diet nature intended, with exceptional levels of premium animal ingredients, carefully selected vegetables, botanicals and functional nutrition in every bowl.
With three delicious recipes to choose from, Wilderness 80 delivers complete, balanced nutrition for dogs of every age — from energetic puppies to active adults and senior companions.
Whether you’re looking to improve digestion, support healthy skin and coat, or simply feed a more natural diet, Wilderness 80 has been carefully formulated to help your dog thrive.
“The closer a dog’s diet is to nature, the more opportunity they have to thrive.”
Yes.
Wilderness 80 has been formulated as an All Life Stages food, making it suitable for puppies, adults and senior dogs across all breeds.
Whether you own a small terrier or a large working breed, simply feed the correct quantity for your dog’s weight, age and activity level.
The 80% refers to the total animal ingredients used within each recipe.
That includes freshly prepared meat or fish together with carefully selected dried animal proteins, creating an exceptionally high-quality protein source that closely reflects a dog’s natural diet.
The remaining ingredients include vegetables, herbs, botanicals and carefully selected functional ingredients to provide complete and balanced nutrition.
All three recipes provide the same high nutritional standard.
The best choice simply depends on your dog’s preferences or any protein sensitivities.
- Chicken, Turkey, White Fish & Scottish Salmon – an excellent all-round recipe rich in lean protein and Omega-3.
- Duck, Pork, Turkey & Angus Beef – a richer, highly palatable option packed with flavour.
- Salmon, Herring, Haddock & Trout – ideal for dogs that enjoy fish and for owners looking to maximise naturally occurring Omega-3 oils.
Many owners also enjoy rotating recipes occasionally to provide variety.
We recommend introducing any new food gradually over 7–10 days.
Start by mixing a small amount of Wilderness 80 with your dog’s current food, increasing the proportion every couple of days until the transition is complete.
This helps your dog’s digestive system adapt comfortably.
Dogs are primarily carnivores, but they also benefit from carefully selected plant ingredients.
Our recipes include vegetables, herbs and botanicals that provide natural vitamins, minerals, fibre and antioxidants to support digestion, immune function and overall wellbeing.
Every ingredient has been included for a nutritional purpose.
💚 Julie’s Tip
“One of the biggest improvements customers tell us about after switching to Wilderness 80 isn’t just how much their dogs love the food — it’s the improvement in coat condition, firmer stools and consistent energy levels. Give your dog a few weeks to adjust and you’ll often begin to notice the difference.”
Health & Wellbeing
Every dog deserves the chance to live a long, happy and active life. While good nutrition plays a vital role, your dog’s overall wellbeing is influenced by many factors including exercise, weight, dental care, hydration, enrichment and regular health checks.
This section answers some of the most common questions dog owners ask about keeping their dogs healthy throughout every stage of life. Whether you’re caring for an energetic youngster or a slower-moving senior, small daily habits can make a big difference.
“Healthy dogs aren’t built overnight—they’re cared for every day through good nutrition, regular exercise and lots of love.”
You should be able to feel your dog’s ribs without pressing too hard, while still seeing a defined waist when viewed from above. Carrying excess weight can place additional strain on joints, reduce energy levels and increase the risk of health problems later in life.
If you’re unsure, speak to your vet or regularly monitor your dog’s weight and body condition.
Exercise requirements vary depending on breed, age and health. Young, active breeds often need much more daily exercise than older or smaller dogs.
Alongside walks, don’t forget mental stimulation too. Puzzle toys, scent games and natural chews help keep your dog’s mind active as well as their body.
Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the best ways to protect your dog’s joints. Good quality nutrition, regular low-impact exercise and ingredients rich in natural Omega-3 fatty acids may also help support mobility and overall joint health.
As dogs age, avoiding unnecessary weight gain becomes increasingly important.
Poor dental hygiene can lead to plaque build-up, bad breath and discomfort. Offering appropriate natural chews alongside regular dental care can help encourage chewing, which naturally supports cleaner teeth and healthier gums.
Always supervise your dog when giving any chew.
Fresh, clean drinking water should always be available. Hydration is essential for digestion, circulation, temperature regulation and overall health.
Dogs may drink more during warmer weather, after exercise or when eating dry food. If you notice a sudden change in drinking habits, it’s always worth seeking veterinary advice.
It’s normal for activity levels to change slightly with age, weather or routine. However, if your dog suddenly becomes lethargic, loses interest in food, struggles to exercise or behaves differently for more than a day or two, it’s advisable to consult your vet.
Early attention can often prevent small problems becoming larger ones.
💚 Julie’s Tip
“The best health check you can give your dog is simply paying attention every day. Changes in appetite, drinking, energy or behaviour are often the first signs that something isn’t quite right. You know your dog better than anyone, so trust your instincts.”
Orders & Delivery
Ordering from Broadleaf Grain Free is simple, secure and designed to get your dog’s food to you as quickly as possible.
Whether you’re ordering a large bag of grain free food, natural treats or a sample pack, we’ve answered the most common questions about delivery times, couriers, shipping costs and Click & Collect below.
“We know running out of dog food isn’t an option. That’s why we work hard to dispatch orders quickly and keep you updated every step of the way.”
Yes. All Broadleaf Grain Free dog food is delivered free of charge throughout England, Wales and Scotland.
Natural treats are sent separately using Royal Mail Tracked 48 for a flat delivery charge of £4.25.
Most orders arrive within 1–2 working days from the date your order is placed.
Please allow additional time during weekends, Bank Holidays, severe weather or exceptionally busy periods, as these can occasionally affect courier delivery times.
To avoid running low, we always recommend ordering while you still have at least five days’ worth of food remaining.
Orders are dispatched using trusted delivery partners depending on the size of your order.
- 10kg bags and larger are delivered by DPD.
- Food under 10kg is sent using Royal Mail Tracked 48.
- Natural treats are sent via Royal Mail Tracked 48.
- Sample packs are sent by Royal Mail.
This ensures your order is delivered using the most appropriate service.
If your order is being delivered by DPD, we recommend downloading the DPD App.
The app allows you to:
- Track your parcel in real time.
- Receive delivery updates.
- Leave accurate delivery instructions.
- Choose a safe place or alternative delivery option where available.
When placing your order, please include your mobile phone number so the courier can contact you if needed.
Yes.
Many customers choose to have their orders delivered to their workplace if someone is available to accept the parcel during the day. Simply enter your work address when placing your order.
Yes.
If you’re local to Broadleaf Grain Free, you can choose out-of-hours Click & Collect.
We’ll place your order securely in our collection shed, allowing you to collect it at a time that’s convenient for you. Simply let us know when placing your order that you’d like to collect instead of having your order delivered.
💚 Julie’s Tip
“One of the best habits is to reorder before you run low. We recommend ordering while you still have around five days of food left, just in case the weather or courier delays slow things down. That way your dog never misses a meal.”
