Policy 11.6 — Eddie's Doggy Daycare, Paddock Farm, Harlow, Essex CM17 9HP

Diet & Hygiene Policy

Diet & Hygiene Policy

1. Water Provision

Access to fresh, clean drinking water is a non-negotiable welfare requirement. The following standards apply at all times:

• Multiple water buckets and bowls (including low-level bowls for small breeds and puppies) must be placed in every daycare area
• Water stations must be distributed to minimise competitive or resource-guarding behaviours
• All dogs must have continual, unrestricted access to fresh, clean drinking water at all times — except during transportation, when non-spill bowls and water bottles must be carried in every vehicle
• Staff must check all water buckets and bowls at least hourly throughout the day, topping up, cleaning, or replacing as needed
• Water intake is monitored as part of the daily welfare check and any dog showing reduced intake is flagged on the welfare register

2. Feeding — General Principles

• Eddie's Doggy Daycare does not prepare or supply food. All food is provided by the dog's owner, brought in a labelled lunchbox
• Food must be matched to the individual dog's age, breed, health status, weight, and activity level
• Changes to a dog's diet must never be made suddenly — we will never feed a dog someone else's food or substitute with alternative food if the owner forgets to send lunch
• If a dog's lunch has not been provided, management will contact the owner. The dog will not be fed unless the owner provides specific instructions and authorisation
• Dogs should be fed at least two hours before morning transportation to minimise travel sickness

3. Puppy Feeding Protocol

Puppies requiring lunchtime feeds at daycare follow a structured protocol:

1. A dedicated staff member supervises the entire feeding period
2. Food and water intake is recorded on the Lunch Monitoring Form (EDDC-POL-008) for every feed session
3. Feeding times are structured into the daily routine to maintain consistency
4. Any unusual eating behaviour — refusal to eat, vomiting, excessive speed, or guarding — is noted on the monitoring form and reported to management
5. Dogs should be fed at least two hours before morning transportation to minimise travel sickness

4. Food Storage & Hygiene

• Raw food must be stored in the designated 'dog food' refrigerator immediately upon arrival. Raw food must never be stored alongside human food, cleaning products, or medication.
• Dry food must be stored in sealed, airtight containers, elevated off the floor and away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight
• All food storage areas must be protected from vermin — checked daily for signs of pest activity
• All bowls, feeding utensils, and receptacles must be cleaned and disinfected after every use
• The 'dog food' fridge is cleaned weekly and checked daily for expired or spoiled items
• Staff must wash their hands before and after handling any food

5. Treats & Enrichment Food

• Treats used for training and enrichment must be commercially produced and suitable for dogs
• Staff must check treat suitability against any known allergies or dietary restrictions recorded on the dog's ProPet profile
• Treats must be stored in sealed, labelled containers
• No human food may be given to dogs at any time

6. Review

This policy is reviewed annually, or immediately following any food-related incident, allergy reaction, or change in food safety guidance.