A pet expert has issued a warning to dog owners after a new study revealed how a third harm their pets through disgusting food.
Research by British natural pet food maker Burns Pets Nutrition has shown that dog lovers may not be doing what’s best for their dog.
A third of pet owners surveyed (34 percent) don’t think twice about giving their four-legged friends the same junk foods that are fueling the obesity crisis. Britain, according to a poll of more than 2,000 people.
More than half of dogs in the UK are believed to be overweight or obese, according to a 2021 report from Burgess Pet Care.
And with nearly half of owners surveyed admitting to feeding their dog chicken nuggets, one expert warns that one dietary misstep could be fatal for your furry friend.
Burns Nutrition Manager Laura Crotch Harvey said: ‘It’s easy to feel guilty when we see those puppy dog eyes or our dogs begging for some of our food.
‘Dogs are very smart, and they know how to push our buttons to try and get what they want.
He added: ‘Giving dogs even a small amount of human food which is toxic to them can be fatal.
‘Treats are a great reward for dogs, but be careful which ones you choose.’
However, of the 2,022 Brits polled, a third weren’t too fussed about what they fed their pet, admitting they let their dog snack on junk food.
Meanwhile, 34 percent told pollsters they gave their dogs junk food despite being aware of the health risks.
It’s even higher among dog lovers over the age of 65, with 44 percent saying they know junk food is unhealthy but feed it to their furry friends anyway.
Despite chocolate being particularly toxic for dogs, 12 percent of owners between the ages of 25 and 34 said they gave their pet the sweet treat.
Another 18 percent said they let their dog bite cooked bones, which can pose a choking hazard, especially if the bone breaks or pops in the dog’s mouth.
Elsewhere, some of Gen Z dog owners – four percent – said they let their four-legged friends sip their wine and caffeinated drinks.
And 13 percent also said they let their four-legged friends drink cow’s milk, even though it contains lactose that dogs can’t digest because they lack the necessary enzyme.
Interestingly, although women admitted to feeding their dogs more junk food than men, they were more likely to have overweight dogs.
Almost three in 10 male owners admit to having an overweight dog compared to less than two in 10 females.
