A friendly place for pet care tips, stories and updates
Here at Grrowlingly Purrfect, we are unapologetically big fans of bull breeds. Between our team, we’ve shared our lives with English Bulldogs, Bullmastifs , French Bulldogs, and the XL Bully—alongside many other powerful, character-filled breeds that so often get misunderstood.
Jane, Gosforth
You pick up the lead and suddenly your dog is doing laps around the hallway. Or perhaps yours gives you that “Do we really have to?” look before reluctantly leaving their cosy bed. Every dog has their own idea of a good walk!
The suitcase is out, your dog is watching suspiciously, and you’re wondering where they’ll stay while you’re away. Somewhere they’ll feel comfortable—and where their impressive collection of little quirks will be understood.
Mention “walkies” and suddenly you’ve got a dog bouncing by the front door and a lead that apparently needs putting on immediately. The enthusiasm is there—but where should you go?
They steal our socks, take up far too much of the sofa and greet us like we’ve been away for three years when we’ve only popped out for milk. But behind those lovable antics, dogs have some pretty remarkable talents.
If dogs could talk, we suspect a good portion of the conversation would involve dinner, squirrels and why you’ve stopped stroking them. But our furry friends already have plenty to say—they use their bodies to tell us.
Understanding quality, processing, and making informed choices for your dog’s wellbeing The world of dog nutrition has evolved significantly in recent years. Where once there were only a handful of options, owners are now faced with a wide spectrum of choices—each claiming to offer the very best.
At Grrowlingly Purrfect, we believe feeding your dog should be a conscious decision, not simply a convenient one. The quality of what goes into their bowl can have a lasting impact on their health, energy, coat condition and overall wellbeing. This guide isn’t about prescribing a single “correct” way to feed. Instead, it’s about offering a clearer understanding of the most common options—so you can make an informed, confident choice.
Kibble (Dry Food)
Kibble remains the most widely used feeding option, largely due to its convenience and accessibility. It is typically produced using a process known as extrusion, where ingredients are exposed to high temperatures and pressure to create the finished product. While efficient, this level of processing can reduce some naturally occurring nutrients, which are often supplemented back into the food afterwards alongside flavour coatings.
While many dogs are maintained on kibble, it is important to recognise it as a highly processed format. Quality varies considerably between brands, and a higher price point does not always reflect higher nutritional integrity.
Cold-Pressed Dog Food
Cold-pressed food offers a more refined alternative for those seeking a less processed option. Produced at lower temperatures, this method helps retain more of the ingredients’ natural nutritional value. It also tends to break down more gently within the digestive system, which some owners find beneficial.
For those not ready to transition to raw feeding, cold-pressed can provide a thoughtful and balanced middle ground.
Tinned (Wet) Food
Tinned food is often more palatable and naturally higher in moisture, which can be beneficial for hydration and overall enjoyment. However, as with all feeding options, quality is not uniform. Some products rely heavily on fillers or lower-grade ingredients, while others offer a far more considered formulation. Reading and understanding ingredient composition remains key.
Home-Cooked Diet
Preparing your dog’s meals at home allows for complete control over ingredients and sourcing—something that naturally appeals to many conscientious owners.
However, precision is essential. Dogs require a carefully balanced intake of nutrients, and without appropriate formulation, deficiencies can develop over time. For those considering this route, guidance from a qualified canine nutritionist is strongly recommended to ensure both quality and balance.
Raw Feeding
Raw feeding represents a more natural, minimally processed approach, and it is the path we have personally chosen. However, this is also where standards can vary most significantly between providers.
One often overlooked factor is how bone is incorporated into the food. Poorly processed bone can present unnecessary risks, particularly if not finely ground. We have experienced this ourselves, which led us to reassess and refine the standards we expect from any supplier.
We now choose to use Bella & Duke, whose recipes include approximately 3% finely ground bone. This provides essential nutrients such as calcium, while maintaining a consistency that prioritises safety and digestibility.
For us, it is this level of detail—alongside ingredient quality and sourcing—that defines a premium feeding standard.
Understanding what you are feeding your dog is one of the most valuable steps you can take as an owner. Independent platforms such as All About Dog Food offer detailed, unbiased breakdowns of many popular brands. Their scoring systems can provide useful insight into ingredient quality, transparency and overall nutritional value. Even small adjustments, made with the right knowledge, can have a meaningful impact over time.
There is no single approach that suits every dog. The right choice is one that aligns with your dog’s individual needs, your lifestyle, and a commitment to quality. At Grrowlingly Purrfect, we take the same considered approach across everything we do—from the environment we provide to the standards we uphold behind the scenes. Because when care is done properly, it should never feel rushed, compromised, or ordinary.
From playful field adventures to cosy cuddles, these happy faces are what Grrowlingly Purrfect is all about.
"Olivia, David and everyone at GP have looked after our lurcher Chief for nearly ten years now and have made him feel like part of the family. He's happy, safe and never forgotten and is always tired out at the end of his walks. Communication and flexibility is great and we would recommend them to anyone (and do!). Thanks so much for everything you do for him!"
Ashleigh & James, Great Park
"We have been with Growlingly perfect for about 6 years now and wouldn’t have it any other way. They really look after your dog, they care about them like their own and they get loads of exercise. I can’t recommend a better dog walker! No dog too small or too big as we have had 2 big GSDs with them!"
Mike & Rebecca, Benton
"Growlingly Purrfect have looked after Toby, our cocker spaniel, for about 5 years. He sits in the porch waiting for them to arrive, looking forward to exciting times with his waggy friends. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the GP team - trustworthy and reliable."
Chris, Jesmond
Katie, Brandon & Rhubarb, Gosforth
