How much food to feed your dog after study finds more than half in the UK are overweight
The region with the highest percentage of overweight dogs was Edinburgh 🐶
- A new survey has revealed that 48% of dogs in the UK are overweight.
- One in six revealed they don’t know how much food they should be feeding their dog.
- Carried out by Bella and Duke, it found the fattest pups were in Edinburgh.
Nearly half (48%) of dogs in the UK are overweight, according to the results of a new survey by Bella +Duke.
2,000 pet owners responded to the survey, which looked at their dogs’ eating habits, how much they feed their dog and the type of food.
It found that 48% of dogs in the UK are overweight and 6% are obese, whilst a third (33%) of pet parents admitted they have no idea how much their dog should actually weigh.
One in six (15%) also say they don’t know how much food they should be feeding their dog a day, indicating that many owners are in the dark when it comes to feeding their pet.
And it seems that the issue may be down to more than just a lack of awareness but also what pet owners are feeding, as even though almost a third (27%) have been told by their vet that their pet needs to go on a diet, shockingly, four in ten (41%) can’t resist feeding their dog food off their own plate.
Edinburgh was home to the most overweight dogs in the UK, with 88% owners admitting their dogs were overweight.
How do you know if your pet is overweight?
Obesity is a major health issue that can threaten our pets. Chief Veterinary Advisor Dr Brendan Clarke, is encouraging owners to really think about what they are feeding their dogs and how their diet can impact their overall health and well-being.
Dr Clarke recommends that you find out how much your pet should weigh and discuss this with your vet.
To get an idea if your dog is a healthy size, you should be able to feel their ribs without pressing hard and see a visible waistline.
Dr Clarke said: “It’s amazing to see how many owners are genuinely worried about their pet’s weight yet often don’t realise that everyday feeding habits have a huge impact on their wellbeing.
“From sharing of leftovers to feeding pet foods that can contain excess carb calories, it’s easy for weight gain to creep in. Paying closer attention to ingredients and choosing fresher, nutrient-dense and protein-rich diets, alongside cutting back on leftovers, can make a real difference to a pet’s long‑term health.”
The food you feed your dog will have an impact on their health and well-being. You can find out more about what to do if your dog is overweight at the RSPCA.