Vets are warning that summer BBQs and garden parties are causing pets to consume the equivalent of 10 million extra meals a day, thanks to a surge in treats and leftovers. Research from Pets at Home indicates that summer gatherings have become a feeding free-for-all for dogs and cats, with family and guests frequently slipping them 'just one little treat'.
Half of Owners Catch Secret Feeding
According to the survey, 46% of owners have caught a friend or family member secretly feeding their pet, while 49% admit to giving their pet leftovers and treats during BBQs and outdoor gatherings. This results in an average of 0.38 additional meals per pet on a typical summer day, amounting to a gut-busting 9.9 million extra helpings nationwide, based on the UK pet population.
Hidden Calories Add Up Quickly
Despite the extra snacks, seven in ten owners (69%) do not reduce their pet's regular meals to compensate, meaning hidden calories can accumulate rapidly. The survey also found that 44% of pets change their behaviour around food when guests visit, and 40% of pets are most successful at begging for treats during the summer compared to other times of the year.
Risky BBQ Foods
Sausages top the list of shared foods, with 32% of owners admitting their pet has eaten at least one. However, 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.'
Vet Advice for Safe Treats
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.'
Pets at Home recommends pet-friendly alternatives such as Ruffs Bangor Sausages for dogs and Seriously Good Chicken Breast Bites for cats, instead of sharing burgers, sausages, or other BBQ leftovers.
Safe Summer Treats: Green List
- 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, high in fibre, low in fat.
- Carrots – low-calorie, fibre-rich, great for chewing.
- Bell pepper – packed with vitamins A and C, hydrating.
- Watermelon (seedless and rind removed) – high in water, cooling treat.
Foods to Avoid: Red List
- Anything on a skewer – choking hazard and risk of digestive tract damage.
- Sausages and burgers – high fat and salt, risk of obesity, digestive upset, pancreatitis.
- Cooked bones – can splinter, causing choking or internal injury.
- Corn on the cob – cob can cause life-threatening intestinal blockage.
- Onions and garlic (including in marinades, burgers, salads) – toxic to dogs and cats.
- Alcohol – even small amounts can cause serious poisoning.
- Avocado – high fat can cause digestive upset.
- Ice cream – high sugar, fat, and dairy, leading to stomach upset and diarrhoea.
