Behind the Scenes with Bakers #ad

The thing that I love most about blogging is that no two days are ever the same – one day you might be glued to the laptop writing a post about weaning essentials and the next on a train to London with your dog in tow. And I know what you’re thinking, especially those who have actually met my dog, you’d have to be crazy to make a trip, on public transport, with Barky McBarkyson, but when Bakers asked us to attend their event to see what goes on behind the scenes, I didn’t even hesitate to say yes.

And so last week, at the crack of dawn, Oscar and I found ourselves on the train to London and it turns out that he was just as excited as I was! He sat perched on my knee the whole way there, his little nose to the window just watching the world go by, and a few hours later we had arrived at the venue and couldn’t wait to learn more about one of our favourite brands.

For those who aren’t familiar with it, Bakers is a nutritious, high quality dog food, containing all five major nutrient groups: proteins, fats and oils, minerals, vitamins and carbohydrates to help keep dogs in good condition. They include the right levels of over 30 essential nutrients in a form that dogs can easily absorb and use.

Made by Purina, the recipe has been created by a team of more than 500 vets, pet nutritionists and scientists to ensure it contains the right balance of nutrients dogs need to be healthy. Plus all the ingredients found in Bakers undergo a series of checks before they are used to ensure they are of the right quality and safe to use. In short, for those who want to be sure that they are giving their dog everything they need to contribute to good health and development, Bakers covers all bases.

I found it interesting to learn that Bakers contains 21% protein which is more than the average found in other pet food products. It also contains 30% meat and animal derivatives, selected for their nutritional value and taste, and 50-54% wholegrains which are an excellent source of energy, and help to keep a dog’s bowel healthy. Bakers has recently changed their range so that it now contains no artificial colours and they only use colours which occur naturally and are derived from plant and mineral sources.

I’ll be honest with you, Oscar has tried, and enjoyed, countless different brands and recipes over the last seven years and I think, like many people, I have always wondered what makes one brand of dog food preferable over another? In terms of Bakers, given that it is made by Purina, it is backed by their nutritional expertise and rigorous testing.

Bakers can claim that it is 100% complete and nutritionally balanced, which means that it is the only food you need to feed your dog, so you can feel reassured that by feeding your dog Bakers, you’re providing them with everything they need to stay healthy and happy. I think given the fact that 32 million packs of Bakers are sold each year, more than one every second, that in itself speaks volumes about the brand.

We were very lucky to get to speak to Purina’s in-house vet at the event and her extensive knowledge and advice was evident. She really took the time to discuss any personal concerns we had over our dog’s health and diet, and her advice actually led me to visit our own vet the following day to discuss some of those concerns.

 Our day ended with a really fun session “Dog Film School” led by Sandra Strong who has trained many famous dogs for the TV and film industry. She talked us through the training process when working with dogs and specifically using a clicker, something we haven’t tried before.

At seven I thought Oscar was too old to learn new tricks and yet after just a couple of minutes he was performing tricks we had never even attempted before! 

I learned so much during this session and since we returned home we have been using Sandra’s techniques to continue working with Oscar on these tricks. It was also great to meet Pippin, the star of the Bakers adverts, and see him perform some tricks of his own! 

It was lovely to have time to chat to other bloggers and meet their dogs too. We had such a mix of breeds between us and yet we all had one thing in common, we all want the very best for our dogs. I think we all came away feeling very positive about the Bakers brand and I know that as a result, it will be my first choice of food for Oscar.

Oscar and I had the best day together at this event and I love that I got to share a little of my blogging life with him in that way. Given that he loves to bark at anything that moves, I could not have been prouder of him when he spent the entire day on his best behaviour and didn’t bark even once! I had so many comments about what a chilled out dog he was, if only they knew!!

Bakers are offering FIVE lucky winners the chance to win one month’s supply of Bakers products, tailored to your dogs needs. To enter simply follow the link below. Competition closes on March 31st. Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Competition Terms & Conditions:
 
This competition is open to entrants in the UK and over the age of 18 only and not open to anyone associated with the production company, their families or anyone else associated with this competition. 
All information detailing how to enter this competition forms part of these terms and conditions.
All entries must be received by 31st March 
Five entrants shall receive one month’s supply of BAKERS® products, tailored to your dog’s needs*, subject to availability.
All prizes are non-transferable and there are no cash alternatives.
Events may occur that render the competition itself or the awarding of the prizes impossible due to reasons beyond the control of the Promoter, and accordingly the Promoter may at their absolute discretion vary or amend the promotion and the entrant agrees that no liability shall attach to the Promoter as a result thereof.
Five Little Doves is responsible for the first part of the promotion, which is the publication and adjudication of the competition.
All other facilities connected with the provision of the prize are the responsibility of BAKERS®
English law applies and the exclusive jurisdiction of the English Courts shall prevail.
By entering the competition you agree to the use of your name in publicity relating to the competition and you are giving BAKERS® permission to contact you at a future date.
The winner will be chosen using a random number generator built into Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted on the email address within 48hrs of the competition closing. If the winner does not respond within 28 days a new winner will be drawn. 
 
*Product supplied will vary depending on the size, age and breed of dog. 

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293 Comments

  1. I don’t have a dog but I’d love one. This day sounds like such a fun day for both you and Oscar. If I ever get a dog this would be perfect!

  2. I think Purina has really stepped up their quality of products. While I feed the cheetah with IAMS and Hill’s Science Diet,I have found that he enjoys Meow Mix wet food quite a bit.

    1. Ahh Patrick, and here’s me thinking the cheetah is out hunting in the back garden!! He sounds far less scary when he’s chomping on Meow Mix! xx

  3. Oscar is so cute and I am impressed he didn’t bark. My dog, Maya, is crazy around other dogs. She is super chill at home with me and the kids but man she goes nuts when other dogs are around!

  4. Wow. That was an awesome event. My fur baby would have loved to be there. Purina is a good dog/cat food brand and I only get their products for my dog. He just loves the variety!

  5. What a fun day out. I’d never really thought about dog food and just used to buy cheap dog food back when I had a dog (and was poor, and didn’t want said dogs but thats a whole other story) but then saw that new advert with Jimmy whatshischops which made me think more about what’s in food and giving dogs good nutrition. x

    1. Yes I was exactly the same. I just assumed it was all the same! I found it so interesting learning more about the nutritional side! xx

    1. Ahh it was so much fun! Oscar LOVED the train, it was genuinely the best day of his life so far, haha! xx

  6. Wow! I never realized there’s so much science in the development of dog food. I am not a pet lover so I am not really concerned of such. Oscar did look like he had such a great time!

  7. I mean…an event full of dogs? How could anyone say no?! I don’t have a dog myself, but my boyfriend’s mum has 4 of them that she races in bikejor and canicross events. It means we all still get lots of cuddles with some very big, very fluffy pups!

  8. What an adorable adventure you two went on and love that you got to meet Pippin too! I’m sure the tricks you learnt will be a lovely memory of the day P.S. loving your dungaree dress hun! xx

  9. Sounds like a fun event and I’m sure Oscar had a great time as well. I love that you found a brand that would give your fur baby the right nutrients while also making his tummy happy from all the goodness!

  10. I haven’t heard of the Bakers Brand before, but am familiar with Purina. Our dog Dobby loves treats and I know he’d enjoy all of those.

  11. I would love to travel with my fur baby! I make my pups alotmof home made treats ao I know they are natural, plus he loves them!

    1. Ahh you can’t beat a dog can you? I’ve had them all my life, I can’t imagine not having someone like this to snuggle! xx

  12. I am glad you had a great day. Our two dogs don’t like bakers dog food as it’s a tad rich for them. Oscar looks adorable. I am sure our two cheeky monkey’s would make a fuss of him.

    Thanks for Sharing.

    John M

  13. How cute! We give our dogs Purina too, only the Puppy Chow version tho. Looks like such a fun event to attend with the dogs!

  14. This sounds like such a great day! I’m glad he showed off his best behaviour for you. Out of all of the brands out there for dogs, Bakers is definitely one of the top!

  15. Awww your dog is so adorable and it sounds like you both had a wonderful time! We will keep it in mind as we are planning on getting a dog soon!

  16. Oscar is a cutie. Looks like you had just as much fun as he did at this event and he’s smiling in that last pic. Just too cute. Haven’t seen Baker’s treats at our pet store but I bet our doggy would love them.

  17. this sounds like a really fun event, how cool that Oscar got to attend and go on a train! Love clicker training, done it with all of our dogs.

    1. We never did it with him as a puppy and I assumed we had left it too late! He picked it up SO fast! xx

    1. Ahh Oscar is an anti-allergenic breed! He is a cavapoochon (a mix of king Charles spaniel, poodle and Bichon frise) and although I am allergic to dogs, Im not Oscar! xx

  18. I love events like this! It’s nice to get to know more about the brands that we buy for our dogs and it’s also nice to treat our dogs to a day that’s fun filled and also full of snacks! I’m sure you both had a great time!

    1. I agree. I think as dog owners we just assume our dogs are getting the right balance. It was really reassuring to hear from the nutritionalists and know my dog is getting everything he needs. xx

  19. Seems an amazing time you both has at Baker’s event. Good to know about these brands who offer nutritionally balanced food for pets. Photos are wonderful, reflecting Blogging is awesome:)

  20. Ah how fun! I bet she loved all the attention and all the treats! I’m surprised at how little protein is found in a lot of dog foods. I really had no idea.

    1. Yes I was surprised by that too Heather, but also that actually a dog really doesn’t need as much as we think! xx

  21. OMG! Cuteness overload 🙂
    I didn’t know about Bakers – it’s awesome to have these kind of units that take care of overall nutrition for pets.

  22. It sounds like you guys had so much fun! What a cool event. Your dog is adorable and it must have been neat to meet doggie celebs and get to experience this opportunity.

  23. I would’ve taken my dog there if it was only closer to where I live. We only buy Purina products for our dog and cats. They love the flavors and I can see how happy and healthy they have become.

    1. It’s great to see your dog happy and healthy, I feel so reassured that Oscar is getting everything he needs having spoken with the vets and the nutritionalist at the event. xx

  24. Your dog Oscar is so cute! He really knows how to ham it up for the camera! Our dog, Bite, is not at all what his name implies. He does not bite. The only things he bites are his dental chews. Bakers look like a great line of dog food and treats. I am going to get some for my fur baby to enjoy.

    1. Thanks Jane! Oscar was absolutely knackered when we got home, I think he was totally overwhelmed! xx

  25. This made me miss my Riley. He’s the best part of our home. I think it’s awesome that you and your little Oscar went on a date to an event that’s really all about loving your fur baby! SO cool!

  26. Oh, Oscar is soo adorable. We don’t have a dog (you could say I’m not really an animal person). My brother has a Staff Lurcher cross who is really his best friend. I think he feeds him Bakers. 🙂

  27. Ah wow this looks fantastic. My dogs favourite treats are Bakers. Especially the Sizzlers and I always get him the hearts on Valentine’s Day hehe.

    Ami xxx

  28. Oscar is adorable, such a star. Interesting that the clicking technique is something that can still be trained at a later stage, but I guess dog life is all about learning and rewards. My son has just recently become a dog dad, with a boisterous and large puppy, they’re trying to train him at the moment. Hard work.

    1. Yes I never tried it as he got older as I thought the window for learning had passed! He picked up the clicker in just a couple of minutes! xx

  29. Firstly, how cute is your dog!! Love the bakers range – looks brilliant for dogs and well worth trying, as the nutrition looks pretty good x

  30. What a lovely day for you all
    Nutrition is so important
    I cant have pets /animals due to HEALTH – i admire from afar !
    My friend would be thrilled

  31. Ozzie would be jumping for joy if I was lucky enough crossed win.

    It was very reassuring to know what goes into Bakers. After all Ozzie is a very important member of our family.

  32. Looks like Oscar had an awesome time! Nice for the dogs to socialize and enjoy some food – just like us humans like to do!

  33. Well done Oscar! He looks like such a happy dog, and how lovely to have a day just the two of you. You always think about quality time with the kids, but never with your dog! You’ve made me desperate to get a dog now – we’ve wanted one for ages but it’s never been the right time. But with me not going back to work after this maternity leave ends, it feels like it might be!

    1. Yes! I actually said to Gaz when I got home, I feel like we really bonded on the train somehow! Since we got back I am Oscars favourite person! Ooh yes, a dog is an amazing addition to a family! xx

  34. What a lovely day out for you both and like you say, so different to other blogging days. We don’t have a dog but my parents d and my kids adore Archie, I’ll send my Mum your link so she can find out more about Bakers. Mich x

  35. My Dalmatian willow loves Bakers food, she’s rather old now (15) so the older age variety the range has is perfect to help with joints and give her the energy she needs. I love how your dog got to attend the event and enjoyed the train ride. You don’t see dog blogging events often.

    1. Thanks Kirsty. No you’re right, it was great to take him to an event though, he really enjoyed it! xx

  36. You have an adorable dog. I no longer have a dog, put to sleep recently following illness, but my brother has a lovely staffie that I know would love these treats

  37. When we first got our dog buddy we put him onto Bakers and back then (about 8 years ago) he loved it but it sent him really hyper, the vets said it was most likely his food as it contained lots of artificial colourings, am so glad they put this right in recent years as he’s back on it now and loving it again, plus its so much better for him.

    1. Ah yes there have been some positive changes in recent years and it was really reassuring to hear that from the nutritionalists at Purina. I feel confident that feeding my dog Bakers is going to help him to grow strong and well. xx

  38. Lovely for you to have this time with your dog and see that he can behave differently in another environment. A dog is never too old too learn new tricks and they love the one to one attention you give them and find it mentally stimulating which is something a lot of dogs miss out on. Even though our dog is ten next month we still do the training and tricks he learnt years ago – he likes doing it (keep the session short and end on a good point) and it is good because obedience isn’t something they’re born with and they can and do ‘forget’. lol

    1. I was really surprised by it Dawn! We never did clicker training with Oscar but he picked it up in minutes! I’m really enjoying doing more tricks with him now at home! xx

  39. This looks like such a fun day out for you and your dog! I’ve heard of bakers but didn’t realise his good it actually was for your dog. I’m glad he behaved himself!

  40. A dog and blogging event? That sounds amazing! I absolutely love dogs. They are just the best. This brand of dog food sounds really good as well.

  41. Why is Oscar such a cutie?! These events are so great, and I kinda wish I had a dog now. Don’t get me wrong, not to only to take him to a show, but because they are great pets! x

  42. My two dogs Finch and Wren love Bakers 🙂 Great giveaway and thanks for the opportunity to win them some treats!

  43. He’s so cute!!! We don’t have a dog but if we did I think I would like one like Oscar. My mum does though and I will be telling her about your post. Not only for the giveaway but for the info about Bakers. I hope his tricks are coming along nicely xx

    1. Thanks Claire, he’s really mastered the clicker! I had no idea he would learn so fast at his age! xx

  44. Oscar is adorable – super cute! My boys Harry and Milo would love to win Bakers is their favourite brand x

  45. Oscar is a very cute dog and I’m so glad both of you have got to experience such kind of a wonderful opportunity. IS Bakers an international brand? Wishing you all the best in your future endeavors.

    1. Thank you Lyka! I think Purina is an international brand, they have a wide range of pet foods! xx

  46. My doggy misty would love a visit there! She lives with my mum and dad ( she stayed when I moved out but she’s still my baby) id love to win this for her x

  47. Thank you so much for this brilliant giveaway! Should I be lucky enough to win I’d give my prize to my best friend, Sharon, so she can treat her lovely dog, Lulu

  48. Sounds like a great day! Our dog Bailey loves Bakers – it’s definitely his favourite! He now refuses anything else!

    1. It was so much fun Sarah! We had a dog called Bailey when I was in my twenties, love the name! xx

  49. Fun day had by all by the looks of it and informative too! thanks for sharing – would love this for Maddy, my parents rescue dog

    1. It was such an interesting day and great to learn more about Bakers! Good luck Maddy! xx

  50. Wow, what a brilliant day you both had!

    I am amazed that you can teach an old dog new tricks – we got thrown out of puppy training classes when our Labrador was too timid and nervous to do anything… She will be 7 next month (much more confident now) and I would never have dreamed that we would be able to get her doing anything new. Maybe there is hope for our Tilly yet!

    1. Oh bless her! Our Oscar was the same, wouldn’t play ball as a puppy but clearly he drank it all in as now he can learn a new trick in minutes! xx

  51. Sounds like a great day. We have a new pup who we are still looking for a good food for but there’s such a range out there!

    1. Ahh how lovely! There’s so many amazing brands out there but Bakers has always been Oscars favourite! xx

  52. This is a fantastic giveaway and looks like you had a good time behind the scenes too.

  53. Aww sounds like such a lovely day for you both together. I love my little furry girl we haven’t tried that many brand to be honest we have only stuck with the one that she was on when we had her. She’s now 1yr. So now that she is no longer a baby might be a great time to try bakers. Thanks for the chance.

  54. This would be a lovely treat for my daughters dog who has recentky been rehomed with them. He deserves something really nice to celebrate being with his new family

  55. Great review thanks for sharing it’s a good insight into the Bakers brand, I’d love to win for my lovely black labrador Zeus

  56. have 2 dogs a bichon she is another yappy mcyapperson lol and our old staffy she is 13 now we use bakers all the time they love the meaty chunks

  57. I don’t have a doggy but my son has, and a cat and a rabbit and 2 kids, this would be for his dog, woof woof

  58. Your dog is gorgeous. My assistance dog and my rescue beagle would have loved that event – although the beagle would probably have caused chaos and pinched all the food lol

  59. My dog Jasper loves the beef flavour dog food. I think he appreciates the different shapes, colours and flavours of the biscuits.

  60. Wolfy would love this, although he is not that fussy he once stole a whole bunch of bananas and sat in the corner and peeled and ate each one 🙂

  61. Doni would love this. As a labrador cross, he’s greedy but very picky and doesn’t like the same food again. So once he’s finished one bag he wants something else. Although he does like Baker’s, and doesn’t turn his nose up at it a second time round, so a great prize for him. Thanks for the chance.

  62. Great post. I currently have 4 GSD/Border Collie dogs and 13 two week old puppies! Fantastic prize, thank you x

  63. Vegas has his paws crossed x He loves his bakers treats and food , and would have been in doggy heaven visiting london with you 🙂

  64. Fabulous review 🙂 Bakers treats are a firm favourite here Mr. Potter my Jack loves them 🙂 x

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