Experts advise thinking twice before feeding your dog breakfast leftovers like scrambled eggs or grilled salmon.
“Most of us don’t realize how calorie-dense human food can be for pets,” said Lisa Melvin, co-author of a new study and a veterinarian at British company Pet Range.
She says this is especially true for small dogs and breeds prone to obesity, such as pugs and Labrador Retrievers.
Research shows that between 25 and 44 percent of pet dogs worldwide are overweight. One possible reason is people feeding pets human food, which can pose health risks for dogs.
In their study, British veterinarians examined the recommended calorie intake for dogs of various sizes.
Very small dogs, like Chihuahuas, should consume about 247 calories per day. Small dogs, such as pugs, need about 440 calories per day. Medium-sized dogs, like Beagles, require 739 calories per day, while large breeds, such as Dalmatians, need 1,092 calories per day.
Very large dogs, like Labrador Retrievers, need about 1,408 calories per day, and extra-large breeds, like Rottweilers, require about 1,701 calories per day.
Based on these figures, veterinarians analyzed the calorie content of common 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 amount makes up 58.5% of the daily calorie allowance for the smallest pups. For the largest dogs, it represents 8.5% of their daily calorie needs.
Two other popular meats people share with their pets are sausages and fried chicken. These also increase the risk of weight gain for dogs.
One large sausage can make up 27% of a small dog’s daily calories, 16% of a medium dog’s calories, and 11% of a large dog’s calories.
However, it’s not just meat that is calorie-dense for dogs. Scrambled eggs are also high in calories.
The equivalent of one scrambled egg can account for 31% of a very small dog’s daily calories. A small slice of cheddar cheese can make up about 10% of a very small dog’s calorie intake, according to the Daily Mail.
Melvin said obesity can harm dogs’ bones, hearts, and overall health. If a dog is gaining excess weight, help them return to a healthy weight as soon as possible. First, consult a veterinarian; they can recommend a balanced diet that excludes human food.
