• It’s not just humans who are willing to abuse this Christmas, with owners expecting owners to give their dogs 12 extra treats on Christmas Day – 62% more calories than their daily recommendation.
• Three-quarters (74%) don’t plan to exercise their pets more during the holiday season to balance the added calories
• Very small dogs, such as Yorkshire Terriers, Toy Poodles, and Pomeranians, are most at risk for weight gain during this festive season, consuming more than twice the recommended calorie count in treats alone.
• One-third (33%) of owners admit not knowing the calorie content of treats, or whether they are good or bad for their dog

Owners are set to spoil their dogs with an average of 12 extra edible treats this Christmas Day, which means dogs across the country will wake up with around 205 million treats on December 25.^e, reveals new research from Direct Line Pet Insurance¹. However, the analysis² also pointed out that pet owners need to be careful when spreading Christmas cheer with their pets, with the average dog expected to receive 62% more calories in treats than is recommended on Christmas Day alone.

In fact, statistics show that these dogs are ready for a “double whammy” because in addition to overfeeding their dogs, nearly three-quarters (74%) of owners do not plan to exercise their pets more. company, which means that these well-meaning treats are going to do more harm than good. Perhaps even more striking, 740,000 owners admit that they expect their pets to exercise less at Christmas than they usually would, as regular routines are affected by different Christmas plans.

Therefore, the combination of less exercise, coupled with the fact that 6.1 million dog owners (35 percent) will give their pets more food at mealtime and 6.6 million (37 percent ) will give them more treats throughout the day, this Christmas could see canine waistlines increase dramatically.

However, while there is nothing wrong with giving dogs such treats at Christmas, it is important that owners consider their dog’s size to avoid overfeeding. Smaller breeds, such as Yorkshire Terriers, Toy Poodles, and Pomeranians, are at the greatest risk of being overfed, due to their low daily caloric needs.

Owners of these dogs say they are going to give their pets 12 more treats on Christmas Day – 158% more calories than recommended, could affect the estimated two million owners of extra-small dog breeds across the UK. This figure drops to 79% more calories for small dog breeds (around 12 kg), 65% for medium dog breeds (around 20 kg) and 30% for large dog breeds. (24 kg +).

It seems we just can’t resist spoiling our four-legged friends, with 97% of dog owners – 17.4 million people – giving their pets a treat on Christmas. The most common treats given at Christmas are: human food like leftover turkey and Christmas pudding (71%), soft treats (68%), dental chews (64%), and hard treats ( 62%).

Madeline Pike, veterinary nurse for Direct Line Pet Insurance, said: “Christmas is a time to treat the whole family, and that shouldn’t exclude dogs and our pets in any way. But while many will appreciate the opportunity to reward their furry friends this Christmas, it is important that owners look out for themselves. remember not to overdo it and to spread out treats during the holiday season.

“Getting the right size treats for your dog’s breed is very important, breed-to-breed caloric requirements can vary widely, so it’s important to make sure that the treat you are giving your pet suits them. If you give them snacks, be sure to maintain their exercise level and be sure to keep it for dog treats as well, as many party foods that contain raisins and dried fruits are toxic to dogs, in order to keep your dog happy and healthy this Christmas.

– ENDS –

Notes to Editors

¹ Research commissioned with Opinium between 12^e – 16^e November among a nationally representative sample of 2,000 adults

² Analysis of the calorific content of 17 popular dog treats and other foods given to dogs carried out in November 2021. Treats divided into the following groups:

• Tough (e.g. Lily’s Kitchen chew sticks, Pedigree Tasty Minis)

• Soft (e.g. Pedigree Schmackos, Tesco Streaky Rashers)

• Dental (eg Pedigree Dentastix)

• Natural (e.g. pork ears, pizzles)

• Bones and hooves (for example, marrowbone, rawhide)

• Human food (e.g. chicken breast, roasted potatoes)

• Dogs divided into four sizes: extra small (~ 5kg), small (~ 12kg), medium (~ 19kg) and large (~ 32kg). The analysis assumes that dogs are getting 100 percent of their recommended daily calorie intake through their regular meals.

For more information, please contact:

Chelsey wheeler
PR Manager – Direct Line

Phone. : 01651 832 095

E-mail: [email protected]

Direct line

Founded in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as their primary communication channel. It provides auto, home, travel and pet insurance coverage directly to customers over the phone or online.

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