Six in ten dogs in the UK are on a diet

More and more dogs like Scooby, a 13-year-old dog who weighs 16.3kg, are being put on a strict diet in the UK. Picture: PA

Six out of ten dog owners currently have their pet on a diet – with weekly weigh-ins and no food after 6pm among the tough love methods being employed, according to new research.

And the new poll also found one in four owners have even resorted to dieting with their dog.

Researchers polled 1,641 British dog owners who have had to put their pet on a diet in a bid to slim them down.

Measures include putting pictures of thin dogs on the fridge, banning guests from feeding their pet and encouraging the dog to drink more water so it feels full at mealtimes, researchers found.

One fifth even get on the scales at the same time as their pet to see if they have lost weight, with a similar number having even tried to adapt human diets to suit their canine companion.

Clare Scallon, from dog food producers Butchers Lean & Tasty, who commissioned the poll, said: “Some of the measures people are taking appear extraordinary.

“Everyone agrees it is unhealthy for a pet dog to be overweight so it is really important to make sure they have a healthy well-balanced diet, and get plenty of exercise.

“So while it’s good to hear that people are paying attention to the food their dog is eating, they very definitely should not be using human diets as a way of helping them to lose weight.

“Human diets are tailored to human needs, and owners need to be very careful their pet is still receiving the right amount of nutrients needed for their dog.

“Simply by cutting out treats, dog owners already will have started a healthier and less calorific feeding pattern.

“You know your dog better than anyone else, but if in doubt talk to your vet or other pet expert for advice on achieving a healthy diet.”