It can be hard to resist those puppy dog eyes – but treating your pet to a sausage or trendy ‘puppuccino’ could be putting their health at risk, vets have warned.
As pet treat trends go viral online, experts say these seemingly fun snacks can pack a significant calorie punch.
A single 30g cube of cheese, frequently featured in ‘cheese tax’ clips, is the equivalent of a person eating two and a half bags of crisps, they said.
A puppuccino – a popular treat from coffee shops that is made with whipped cream – carries a similar calorie hit to a McDonald’s milkshake.
More indulgent treats can be even more damaging, with just one slice of pizza making up around a third of a dog’s daily calories.
Meanwhile a large rawhide bone accounts for a staggering 78 per cent of their recommended daily allowance – the equivalent of a human eating 15 bags of crisps in one go.
‘It’s easy to view a few extra treats and sharing after dinner leftovers as harmless, but overindulgence can rapidly escalate into overweight and obesity,’ Dr Reena Patel, partner at Medivet Pinner, said.
‘Monitoring your pet’s diet is hugely important for ensuring a happy and healthy pet, and we encourage owners to be mindful of how they’re treating their four–legged friends.’
Some everyday treats carry the calorie equivalent of several bags of crisps, according to the experts
A single 30g cube of cheese, frequently featured in ‘cheese tax’ clips, is the equivalent of a person eating two and a half bags of crisps, while a puppuccino – a popular treat from coffee shops that is made with whipped cream – carries a similar calorie hit to a McDonald’s milkshake
A quick search on TikTok shows 924 million videos featuring the viral ‘cheese tax’, with many posts joking that it’s ‘time to pay’ as owners record themselves handing their dog a chunk of cheese.
Many also feature a catchy ‘cheese tax’ song, with lyrics: ‘You’ve got to pay the cheese tax every time you’re cooking, when the cheese comes out this puppy comes looking.
‘The rules are the rules and the facts are the facts and when the cheese drawer opens you’ve got to pay the tax.’
Some even show the owner grating cheese directly onto the floor for dogs to hoover up – and in some cases, grating the cheese directly into their pet’s mouth.
Other videos show owners giving their dog a whole slice of pizza or a rasher of bacon.
Dr Patel explained that excessive body fat carries serious health risks for dogs, along with a reduction in their quality of life and a shortened life expectancy.
‘Even moderately overweight dogs are at risk of poorer health,’ she added. ‘This can contribute to urinary incontinence, back and ligament problems, breathing difficulties and cancer, as well as a greater risk of heart disease and diabetes.’
Data suggests that over half of dogs in the UK are overweight or obese, with certain breeds like Pugs, Beagles and Labrador Retrievers at highest risk.
Other TikTok videos show pet owners giving their dog a whole slice of pizza or a rasher of bacon
The experts suggest limiting treats and, where possible, sticking to healthy snacks like carrot sticks rather than high–fat options.
They recommend using vet–approved animal treats rather than human foods, and snacks that are suited to their age, breed and size.
‘Treats are an essential part of life with our pets,’ Dr Patel said. ‘They reward, motivate, and strengthen the human–animal bond, but it is crucial to approach them with moderation.
‘By taking a measured, informed approach to nutrition, pet owners can ensure their companions remain healthy, active, and happy throughout the year.’
