How are Marleybones' meals made?

We only use high quality, freshly prepared ingredients, which are sealed raw in their aseptic packaging and slow-cooked, reaching temperatures of over 100°c for just a few minutes. This method not only locks in essential nutrients, moisture and natural flavours, but also keeps our meals as fresh as possible without the need for preservatives or freezing. Marleybones is the easiest way to feed healthy!

Is Marleybones suitable for puppies?

All our meals have been specially formulated for all life stages, taking the issue out of having to switch your dog's food as they grow. Our quiz algorithm adjusts so that puppies between the ages of 2-12 months receive extra nutrition to ensure they grow strong and healthy!

Do I need to freeze the food?

One of the benefits of Marleybones meals, is that you don't need to clear your freezer of ice-cream and just need to store them in a cool, dry place. As a bonus, they take up much less space than traditional food, and they're easy to stack and store. At Marleybones, we are proud to offer pantry fresh meals that remain fresh for up to 18 months when stored in a cupboard. Unlike other products that use preservatives, additives, or other undesirable ingredients that compromise the nutritional balance of the food, our innovative packaging and cooking methods help us achieve a shelf-stable product without sacrificing quality.

Can I easily stop my subscription?

Marleybones subscription service is easy to manage. You can both push your delivery date or stop your subscription altogether. You're of course welcome back anytime.

Common Feeding Mistakes Dog Owners Make — and How to Fix Them

Most dogs are being underfed, overfed, or fed the wrong balance of nutrients — and owners rarely realise it. Portion sizes, food quality, feeding frequency, and treat habits all play a bigger role in long-term health than most people expect. Getting these details right is one of the most impactful things you can do for your dog.

Marleybones , Team

Jun 15, 2026

At a glance

Overfeeding is the leading cause of obesity in UK dogs — around 51% are overweight or obese.
Free feeding (leaving food out all day) disrupts digestion and makes it harder to spot appetite changes early.
Treats should make up no more than 10% of daily calorie intake.
Switching food too quickly causes digestive upset — a 7-10 day transition is the minimum.
Not all complete foods are equal — ingredient quality directly affects how much nutrition your dog actually absorbs.

Why do so many dogs end up fed the wrong way?

Most feeding mistakes happen because the advice is genuinely confusing. Packaging guidelines vary wildly. Vets give one figure, the bag suggests another, and your dog's eyes suggest something else entirely. The result is that well-meaning owners end up with a dog that's either carrying too much weight, struggling with digestion, or eating food that looks complete on paper but underdelivers in practice.

Getting feeding right is less about perfection and more about avoiding a handful of common errors. The Feeding and life stages guide covers the broader picture across different life stages — but this article focuses on the specific habits that quietly affect dogs of all ages.

The mistakes below come up repeatedly. Most are easy to fix once you know what to look for.

What are the most damaging feeding mistakes owners make?

These are the errors with the most direct impact on health and wellbeing.

Overfeeding and misjudging portions

This is the big one. Around half of UK dogs are overweight, and excess weight puts strain on joints, the heart, and the immune system. The problem is usually not greed — it is portion creep. Owners add a little extra here, share a bite there, and within weeks the daily intake is 20-30% higher than it should be.

Use the feeding guide on your dog's food as a starting point, then adjust based on body condition — not appetite. You should be able to feel your dog's ribs without pressing hard, but not see them. If you are unsure about portion sizes at a specific life stage, the guide on how much food to feed a puppy gives a useful framework for younger dogs.

Ignoring the treat count

Treats are one of the most overlooked sources of excess calories. A single training treat might seem negligible, but five, ten, or fifteen in a day adds up fast. Treats should account for no more than 10% of total daily calories. If your dog is in training, reduce their main meal portion accordingly.

Free feeding

Leaving food out all day seems convenient, but it removes the natural hunger cycle, makes portion control impossible, and means you lose one of the earliest signs of illness: a change in appetite. Structured mealtimes — twice a day for most adult dogs — are better for digestion and far easier to manage.

Switching foods too fast

A sudden change in food causes digestive upset in most dogs, even when the new food is genuinely better quality. The gut microbiome — the community of bacteria that supports digestion and immunity — needs time to adjust. Take 7-10 days minimum, gradually increasing the proportion of new food while reducing the old.

Choosing food by price or marketing rather than ingredients

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About the author Marleybones , Team

Marleybones is a team of passionate dog lovers on a mission to transform the way we feed and care for our dogs. Every article we create is rooted in science-backed research, expert insight, and real-life experience - whether it's from our in-house team or trusted partners. We believe in a holistic approach to canine wellbeing, combining high-quality nutrition with behavioural support to help dogs thrive at every stage of life. Our content is designed to educate, empower, and support pet parents in making informed, confident choices for their four-legged family members.