Fido’s food takes the dog biscuit
Jamie Oliver and Anthony Worrell-Thompson’s ‘how to cook’ programmes are paying off as Britons are now preparing gourmet meals – for their dogs.
According to new research from Direct Line Pet Insurance, 18 per cent of the country’s dog owners feed their pet a better diet than their own – an indulgent third (32 per cent) say they feel their four-legged friend deserves the best food possible.
No longer content with tinned food, dogs now enjoy cheese (21 per cent), fish (15 per cent) and vegetables (nine per cent) in their diet, with nine per cent of dog owners giving their sweet-toothed dogs dessert.
Many owners buy food for their pets that they would eat themselves (27 per cent), with others (26 per cent) so concerned their dog doesn’t miss out that they feed them from their own plate.
The standard of food their pet enjoys is so high that many owners said they would prefer to eat their dog’s dinner than certain dishes prepared for family meals including tripe (48 per cent would prefer to eat their dog’s food) haggis (21 per cent), black pudding (19 per cent) and even liver (17 per cent).
These luxury menus for mutts don’t come cheap though, and the country’s pet owners shell out £2.3 billion* a year to keep their dog in the food to which they have become accustomed.
But it’s not just quality meals British dogs are enjoying – it’s quantity too. Eight per cent of dog owners feed their pets at least four times a day, which is more than the two or three meals a day recommended by vets.
As a consequence, one in 10 dog owners (11 per cent) admit their pet is overweight – a third (32 per cent) of these by half a stone or more, with one in 20 (six per cent) by over a stone.
Conscious about their canines piling on the pounds, one in 10 dog owners have put their dogs on a diet with one in 100 even switching their pooch to a vegetarian diet in order to lose weight.
Direct Line Pet Insurance spokesperson Chris Price commented:
“Even though owners believe that by feeding their dogs human meals they are providing them with a luxurious diet, this is not the case. Although the occasional Choc Drop or dog bone is an acceptable way of treating your pet, it is important to make sure your dog is sticking to the correct dog food regime.
“As with our own diet, it’s vital to ensure a dog eats healthily, gets plenty of exercise and doesn’t get overweight, as this will only lead to health complications, which can prove to be costly. For peace of mind, we would advise all dog owners to consider taking out appropriate pet insurance.”
For more information, log on to www.directline.com.
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Lindsay Wienand /Direct Line Press Office
0208 256 5816 / 07817456202
Email: lindsay.wienand@directline.com
Notes to Editors:
The research was carried out online between 11-15 May 2006. YouGov interviewed 1,337 British dog owners adults aged 18 and over. Results are unweighted.
* There are 5.4 million dog owners in England, Wales and Scotland (Target Group Index BMRB 2005), each spending an average of £436.28 per annum on food (YouGov research).
5,400,000 x 436.28 = £2,355,912,000
Direct Line Insurance plc, authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Calls may be recorded. Conditions apply.
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