Experts advise thinking twice before feeding your dog leftovers from your breakfast, like scrambled eggs or grilled salmon.
“Most of us don’t realize how calorie-dense human food can be for our pets,” noted Lisa Melvin, co-author of a new study and a leading veterinarian at the British company Pet Range.
According to her, this is especially relevant for small dogs and breeds that are more prone to obesity, such as pugs and Labradors.
Research shows that between 25 to 44 percent of pet dogs worldwide are overweight. One potential reason for these high numbers is the practice of feeding pets human food, which poses health risks for our furry friends.
In their study, British veterinarians examined the recommended calorie intake for dogs of various sizes.
Very small dogs, like Chihuahuas, should only consume 247 calories a day. Small dogs, such as pugs, need about 440 calories. Medium-sized dogs, like Beagles, require 739 calories, while large breeds, such as Dalmatians, need 1,092 calories.
Ultimately, very large dogs, like Labrador Retrievers, need 1,408 calories, and extra-large breeds, like Rottweilers, require 1,701 calories.
Based on these figures, veterinarians investigated the calorie content of popular human leftovers that people share with their dogs.
While two slices of bacon might seem like a reasonable portion for a dog, analysis shows that this amount accounts for 58.5% of the daily calorie intake for the smallest pups. For the largest dogs, it represents 8.5% of their daily calorie needs.
Two other popular types of meat that people love to share with their pets are sausages and fried chicken. These also pose a risk of weight gain for dogs.
One large sausage contains 27% of the daily calories for a small dog, 16% for a medium dog, and 11% for a large one.
However, it’s not just meat that is high in calories for dogs. Scrambled eggs also make the list of dangerous foods. The equivalent of one egg can contain 31% of the daily calories for a very small dog. A small slice of cheddar cheese accounts for 10% of their calorie intake, according to the Daily Mail.
Ms. Melvin stated that obesity can cause significant harm to dogs. It negatively impacts their bone health, heart, and overall well-being. If a dog is gaining excess weight, it’s crucial to help them return to a healthy weight as soon as possible. First and foremost, consult a veterinarian: they can recommend a balanced diet that excludes human food.