Salmon and scrambled eggs – yuck! Human food poses a risk of obesity for dogs.

Scientists advise pet owners to think twice before feeding their dogs leftovers like scrambled eggs or grilled salmon from their plates. “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. She emphasized that this is particularly relevant for small dogs and breeds that are more prone to obesity, such as pugs and Labradors. According to various studies, between 25 to 44 percent of pet dogs worldwide are overweight. One potential reason for these high figures is the practice of feeding pets human food, which poses health risks to our furry friends.

In their research, British veterinarians examined the recommended calorie intake for dogs of different sizes. Very small dogs, like Chihuahuas, should only consume about 247 calories a day. Small dogs, such as pugs, need around 440 calories. Medium-sized dogs, like Beagles, require about 739 calories, while large breeds, such as Dalmatians, need 1,092 calories. Finally, 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 pieces of bacon might seem like a reasonable portion size 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 equates to 8.5% of their daily calorie needs.

Two other popular meat items that people love to share with their pets are sausages and fried chicken, which 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 dog.

However, it’s not just meat that can be 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, as reported by the Daily Mail. According to Ms. Melvin, obesity can have serious consequences for 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 state as soon as possible. First and foremost, consult a veterinarian, who can recommend a balanced diet that excludes human food.

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