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A UK veterinary charity, The People's Dispensary for Sick Animals, says that fatty foods like cheese, chips, avocado and even scones and curry are beefing up UK pets.
"PDSA, has seen a nine per cent rise in overweight dogs in a single year.
"And it’s not just our canine friends who are piling on the pounds. Every day, PDSA veterinary staff see cats, rabbits and smaller pets like hamsters with expanding waistlines."
The charity has launched it's fourth annual PDSA PET Fit Club competition.
PDSA believes "that in addition to munching on pet food and leftovers from our plates, animals are being allowed to develop a taste for scones, cheese, chips and avocado.
Whilst cheese, chips and crisps add the calories, avocados are more of a concern because they contain persin, a substance which can be fatal to small rodents and birds and cause upset stomachs in cats and dogs.
PDSA Senior Veterinary Surgeon, Sean Wensley, said: “The rise in pet obesity is extremely concerning. Pets rely on us for the right amount and type of food and the right amount exercise to live happy, healthy lives. Unfortunately, owners are literally killing their pets with kindness.”
“As with humans, obesity can lead to diabetes, heart disease, arthritis and other potentially life-threatening conditions.
“This means there is a real need for owners to help their pets lose their excess pounds. Pet Fit Club offers them the perfect opportunity to do just that, with the support and guidance of PDSA vets.”
"PDSA data shows that 30 per cent of the dogs in the UK are overweight. The North West has the greatest proportion of podgy pets (31%) whilst the Midlands and Scotland have seen the largest percentage rise in animal obesity (10% and 11% respectively) over the last 12 months."
"Three-quarters of pet owners surveyed admitted giving their animals treats at least once a day but while some stuck to pet treats, others gave their cats and dogs more unhealthy morsels such as chips and crisps. While five per cent of owners prepared healthy vegetables for their pampered pets, one-fifth said they fed their animals cheese.
"Fifty-seven per cent said they felt their pets ‘deserved’ treats because they were “one of the family” while a further five per cent admitted bribing their pets with tasty food in an attempt to guarantee good behaviour.
"Over the last three years PDSA vets have helped Pet Fit Club finalists shed an incredible 120-kg or 19-stones, equivalent to the weight of a one-year-old polar bear, a Giant Panda or the former All Black star Jonah Lomu."
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