“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.” – Josh Billings

What’s your usual type? Short hair? Long legs? Well groomed? Loyal? Great with kids? Lovely cuddler? With over 300 breeds of dog now recognised by the World Canine Organization, it’s never been easier to find the perfect match for you. Canine companionship is proven to positively effect our lives. According to a study carried out by The Independent, nine in 10 owners believe their pet is good for their health and wellbeing. So with Valentine’s Day right around the corner, it’s time to prioritise the real loves in our lives – our gorgeous pups!

Here at Nutriment, we think it’s a great idea to spend the most loving day of the year showing our loyal and loving pooches just how much we care. In this post, we’ve rounded up six great ways to spend Valentine’s Day with our furry friends… make sure you let us know how you’ve spent your day by tagging us on social media @nutrimentraw!

1. Shopping & lunch date

More and more public places are becoming dog friendly, which is great news for pups which hate being left home alone! Retail giant, Wilkos, announced last week that they now welcome pets in all of their stores. It joins John Lewis, Waterstones, Oliver Bonas, Apple, Lush, Barbour and many, many more stores who are happy for well-behaved dogs to accompany their owners. After you’ve shopped ‘til you’ve dropped, pop into a dog-friendly restaurant, café or pub to refuel. Use this handy guide to find local places that welcome dogs.

2. Get pampered!

We all love to look and feel great, especially for the ones we love. For some breeds, regular grooming is essential for coat and skin health, but all dogs can enjoy a nice pamper session this Valentine’s Day. Make sure whatever groomer you choose is suitably qualified for your breed of dog. Even a good brush, teeth clean and spritz of coat-refreshing spray at home will be a treat for your dog (and will make cuddles on the sofa a lot more enjoyable!).

3. Stock up on Nutriment heart treats

Nothing says ‘I Love You’ more than giving someone your heart… or a chicken / turkey heart. Nutriment’s high-quality raw chicken and turkey hearts are the perfect treat for the dog in your life. They’re packed full of essential nutrition and chewing treats such as chicken hearts provide huge enjoyment for pets, as well as causing a natural release of serotonin ' the 'feel good' chemical. What more could a pup want on Valentine’s Day?

4. Plan a beautiful dog walk

Apart from mealtimes, walk time is a dog’s favourite time of day. Stretching their legs, sniffing, exploring and marking are all great ways to exercise the mind and body, which provides a huge boost to animal happiness. It’s also great exercise for dog owners! Wrap up warm and plan an extra-special walk, perhaps their favourite spot or somewhere with a lovely view, for the ultimate Valentine’s Day treat for both you and your dog.

5. Order Leo & Wolf meatballs (à la Lady & the Tramp!)

When it comes to Valentine’s Day dinner, we’ve got you covered! Our Leo & Wolf meatballs, available in five varieties, provide a tasty and unique texture to satisfy your dog’s appetite at dinner time. Easy to handle and defrost, with minimal preparation or fuss, Leo & Wolf meatballs are the perfect choice for a special Valentine’s dinner (no need for spaghetti!).

6. Cosy up with a film (featuring dogs of course)

At the end of a busy day, there’s no better way to relax than to sit back and enjoy a film. Of course, seeing as this Valentine’s Day you’re celebrating with your wonderful pups, it’s only right that the film you choose has a canine star! Our top three favourite doggy films are Beethoven, Marley & Me, and 101 Dalmatians, but see our hitlist for more inspiration for Valentine’s movie night!

Looking for a great selection of treats for your dog to enjoy during movie night? Check out our popular treat boxes, packed with a variety of our best-sellers!