Veterinarians have raised alarms that Britain's love for outdoor dining and parties during the summer heatwave is causing pets to consume the equivalent of 10 million extra meals a day, thanks to extra treats and leftovers. Research from Pets at Home indicates that summer gatherings have become a feeding free-for-all for pets, with family and guests slipping dogs and cats 'just one little treat'.
Owners Unaware of Hidden Calories
Half of owners (46%) have caught a friend or family member secretly feeding their furry companions, while 49% of owners admit they slip their pet leftovers and treats during BBQs and outdoor gatherings. This amounts to a gut-busting 9.9 million extra helpings, as pets receive on average 0.38 additional meals on a typical summer day, according to Pets at Home.
Despite the extra snacks, seven in ten (69%) do not reduce their pet's regular meals to compensate, meaning hidden calories can quickly add up. The survey of 1,500 people revealed that Britain's pets have perfected the art of begging, with 44% saying their pet changes its behaviour around food when guests visit.
Sausages Top List of Riskiest BBQ Foods
Two in five (40%) say their pet is most successful at getting extra treats during the summer than any other time of the year. Britain's favourite BBQ food, sausages, are among the riskiest to share with pets. A third (32%) admit their pet has eaten at least one sausage during summer gatherings. Yet many sausages contain onion, garlic, and rich seasonings that are harmful to dogs and cats.
Samantha Butler-Davies, Veterinary Director at Pets at Home, said: "Summer is when pets become the VIP guests of every garden party, BBQ and family get-together. While it's tempting to give them a few extra treats, many popular BBQ foods can have a much bigger nutritional impact than owners realise."
Tips for a Pet-Safe Summer
Butler-Davies advises: "If your pet is enjoying more treats than usual, try balancing this out by slightly reducing the amount of their regular food and measuring portions rather than estimating. Sticking to pet-safe treats and keeping extras to around 10% of their daily calorie intake can help them enjoy the summer while maintaining a healthy weight."
Instead of sharing burgers, sausages, or other BBQ leftovers, owners can treat their pets to pet-friendly alternatives, including Ruffs Bangor Sausages for dogs and Seriously Good Chicken Breast Bites for cats. Pets at Home has shared a list of safe summer treats and foods to avoid.
Green List: Safer Summer Treats
- Plain cooked chicken – A lean, protein-rich alternative to processed BBQ meats.
- Fish – With skin and pin bones removed, packed with omega-3s.
- Sweet potato (boiled) – Naturally sweet, packed with fibre and low in fat.
- Carrots – A low-calorie, fibre-rich snack great for chewing.
- Bell Pepper – Packed with vitamins A and C, bite-sized pieces for crunch and hydration.
- Watermelon (seedless and rind removed) – High in water and a cooling treat when fed in moderation.
Red List: Foods to Avoid
- Anything on a skewer – Poses a serious choking hazard and can damage the digestive tract.
- Sausages and burgers – High in fat and salt, increasing risk of obesity, digestive upset, and pancreatitis.
- Cooked bones – Can splinter, causing choking or internal injury.
- Corn on the cob – The cob can cause a life-threatening intestinal blockage.
- Onions and garlic (including in marinades, burgers, and salads) – Toxic to dogs and cats, damaging red blood cells.
- Alcohol – Even small amounts can lead to serious poisoning.
- Avocado – High fat can cause digestive upset.
- Ice cream – High sugar, fat, and dairy can lead to stomach upset and diarrhoea.
