The animal kingdom has fallen victim to the obesity epidemic with more than 12 million pets being fed fatty treats, according to a report by the People’s Dispensary For Sick Animals (PDSA).
Omnivorous owners believe they are pampering their pets, when the opposite is true.
Around fifty per cent think that throwing Rover a bit of rogan josh or Sooty a bit of Stilton is a treat, according to the veterinary charity, who said the findings were a "diet disaster" for pets.
Figures show that one in three dogs are now clinically obese, figures that are higher than human obesity levels. A cube of cheese given to a dog is the equivalent of half a pizza for humans, according to the PDSA.
Cats are also suffering the indignity of obesity with more than five million felines in the UK being over-fed.
Fewer rabbits fell prey to the tit bits of their foodie owners, but there are still more than 430,000 bunnies being given more than salad and rabbit pellets.
In response the PDSA has launched a competition to find the fattest pets for their animal version of Slimming World: Pet Fit Club. People can enter at www.pdsa.org.uk/petfitclub.
Dr Alex German, leading animal obesity specialist at the University of Liverpool Veterinary School commented on the report, which surveyed more than 11,000 owners and was produced in conjunction with market research company YouGov. He said:
“PDSA’s Report reveals some very worrying findings. The use of inappropriate treats is particularly concerning, especially the frequency with which these are being given. Although there are many contributing factors to pet obesity, inappropriate feeding habits, especially the use of unbalanced foodstuffs as treats, is a major concern in the on going rise of pet obesity.”