Anyone who owns a pet knows how tempting it can be to pick up treats, especially during the holidays.
But you should be very careful not to feed your four-legged friends, doctors warn you – as four pigs, warm clothes for dogs are the same as stuffed. Christmas dinner.
Right now a Yorkshire pudding is, to a cat, the equivalent of a pizza and half a margarita.
PDSA, the international animal welfare organization for pets in need, said that sharing these scraps with food can add up to a lot of calories.
And it can cause serious problems in the long run.
“Showing love to your pets doesn’t mean sharing a bowl,” PDSA Vet Nurse Gemma Renwick said.
‘Many popular foods contain the same calories as our pets, putting our furry family members at greater risk – and potentially leading to serious health issues including weight gain.
‘Furthermore, pets can often experience vomiting or diarrhea if their diet is suddenly changed, so it’s best to stick to their usual diet and regular feeding times.
Anyone who owns a pet knows how tempting it can be to pick up treats, especially during the holidays (stock photo)
You need to be very careful not to feed your four-legged friends, doctors warn – as four pigs in warm dog clothes is the equivalent of Christmas dinner.
‘Even for humans, the number of calories in a whole Christmas meal can add up quickly – so it’s important to consider how small portions on the table can translate into more calories for our pets.’
For a medium-sized dog, such as a Beagle, eating one serving of turkey is equivalent to four of us humans, the charity said.
Even small meals can be high in calories, like a portion of ham for a pooch is like eating one and a half bacon rolls.
Right now a portion of ham for a cat is equivalent to us eating 10 chicken skewers.
Although Christmas may seem like a harmless time of year, obesity is a common issue in pets and increases the risk of diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, and respiratory problems, the organization said.
He also warned that many foods can be dangerous to pets.
There are usually onions, leeks, and garlic, while mince pies and Christmas cake contain raisins, sultanas, and currants, which can kill cats and dogs.
‘If you’re keen to share Christmas with your furry friend at least once, don’t forget that even the smallest treat will be the biggest treat in their eyes, so don’t go big on the treat,’ Renwick said.
A portion of ham for a cat is equivalent to us eating 10 chicken skewers, according to the PDSA.
‘Think about reducing the amount of food they eat that day so they don’t take in extra calories.
‘Typically, the roasted sides’ of the roast are the ones that are clear and not covered with glaze or oil that would spoil their belly.
Boneless turkey, carrot and swede pasta (which has no butter or onions), and plain vegetables are all options.
‘You should also try to avoid sharing with your pet in the weeks and days around Christmas as you may find that they start to look forward to something every time you eat, which can encourage begging and be unwell for a long time.’
