Takeaway Leftovers And Alcohol Blamed For Obesity Among Pets

Vet charity PDSA has said takeaway leftovers and alcohol is leading to an obesity crisis among pets.

A total of 5.5 million cats, dogs and rabbits in the UK are being fed treats every day which could be drastically shortening a pet's life expectancy.

Owners have admitted to treating their pets by giving them fatty, sugary, and in some cases dangerous, foods. These include cake, chocolate, biscuits, crisps, chips, takeaway and even alcohol.

Over 4 million pets are also being fed table scraps or leftovers as their main meals.

To help fight the flab PDSA has launched its annual Pet Fit Club competition and is inviting owners of overweight and obese pets to take part in the UK's biggest and most successful pet slimming competition.

"Pet obesity can be tackled, and through a diet and exercise programme like Pet Fit Club we can transform fat pets into fit pets," said PDSA Vet Vicki Larkham-Jones.

"Nearly half of pet owners believe that obesity is the biggest threat to animal welfare in the next ten years – yet pets continue to be fed unsuitable diets which is fuelling the problem.

"As well as being high in calories, food like takeaways, cake, cheese, chips and crisps are high in fat and sugars which are bad for our pets’ waistlines and teeth. Some owners even admitted to giving chocolate and even alcohol, both of which are poisonous to pets and can be fatal.

"The good news is that we can make a real difference, starting now. With the right food and regular exercise, it is easy to keep pets fit and healthy. Over the past 11 years, PDSA Pet Fit Club has helped transform the lives of some of the UK’s most obese pets. Through the competition we have helped over 100 animals lose more than 63 stone and encouraged thousands more owners to make positive changes to their pet's lifestyle. Once again we are inviting owners with overweight pets to enter."

(CD/MH)