Skip to main content

Food & Nutrition

Exploring gently cooked food options? Seeking to understand what nutrients dogs need? Looking for the best treats for training? Our articles will help you nourish your pup with confidence.
Food & Nutrition category hero image

Filter by topic

A black and white puppies legs

Dog Water Calculator

Water is an essential nutrient, as it’s required for normal body functions and survival. Exactly, how much water a dog needs depends on several factors, but clean fresh water should be readily available to your dog. Water makes up more than 50% of a dog's body weight. However, they still are limited in their ability to store water, and lose it via normal daily activities (panting, walking, relieving themselves) — thus it is critical that they regularly consume enough water each day.

View Article
Puppies playing with sticks

Dog Nutrition Calculator: Calories, Nutrients & Sources

A dog’s daily energy needs are individualized and change throughout their life, and are influenced by many elements. Beyond just calorie requirements, dogs have specific nutrient requirements, but lucky for pet owners most foods in the US are designed to meet those standards. However, available nutrition can vary greatly between food types. Giving your dog the best nutrition possible gives them the best health possible.

View Article
A woman holding a Golden Retriever Puppy

Can Dogs Eat Popcorn?

Next time your movie night snack gets spilled all over the couch, is it okay if your dog manages to get a few pieces of popcorn before you can clean it up (as if you could really stop him)? The short answer is yes — but you should avoid feeding your dog popcorn in large quantities, especially if it’s flavored with butter, salt or sugar. With minerals like magnesium, zinc and phosphorus, plus dietary fiber and relatively few calories, plain, unbuttered popcorn certainly isn’t the worst thing your dog can get his paws on.

View Article
A woman holding her fluffy dog

Can Dogs Eat Watermelon?

Luckily, watermelon is a perfectly safe (and delicious) treat for your dog, as long as you take a few precautions first. But, there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to feeding your dog watermelon.

View Article
A woman holding her puppy

Can Dogs Eat Sugar?

Sugar means many things to many people. To most of us, it’s how we sweeten our coffees and bundt cakes. To scientists, it’s the carbohydrate that all living things need to function. To dogs, sugar is both a necessary part of their diet and a mouthwatering danger.

View Article
A light colored dog looking at the camera

Can Dogs Eat Persimmons?

Tangy and sweet, smooth and silky, persimmons are packed with essential vitamins to support dog health. But while the fruit of a persimmon is safe for your dog to eat, the seeds and pit of a persimmon can cause intestinal blockages, so you should make sure they’ve been carefully removed before feeding a persimmon to your dog.

View Article

See what’s new at Nom Nom

Sign up for Nom Comms to receive special offers, product sneak peeks and custom content created for devoted dog parents like you.

By continuing, you agree to receive special offers, product updates, news, and other marketing emails from Nom Nom and its Mars Petcare affiliates in accordance with our Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe at any time.