Adam Henson launches a national health warning to combat festive food horrors
It won’t be long before our beloved pet dog sits at the head of the festive table according to new research by natural pet food company Forthglade, who have investigated the extent that Brits share rich Christmas Dinners and all the trimmings with their dogs. Almost two thirds of UK dog owners plan to dish-up for their dogs on Christmas Day; even though the majority of them (56%) knew that human tit bits were harmful to their pets.
British TV presenter Adam Henson, well-known for his passion for animal welfare, has launched a health warning to UK dog owners, highlighting the dangers of sharing indulgent Christmas foods with their beloved pets, and raising awareness of the human foods that could result in trips to doggie A&E.
Unsurprisingly the most popular foods dished up to dogs on Christmas Day are turkey, gravy and stuffing, served up by almost 70% of Christmas Day ‘treaters’. Stuffing and gravy frequently contain onion which can be toxic to dogs if too much is consumed; resulting in vomiting and diarrhoea and in extreme cases leading to a dog requiring immediate veterinary assistance.
1 in 10 Christmas treaters surveyed admitted to sharing mince pies, unaware that the majority of Christmas puddings contain raisins or sultanas, which can lead to canine kidney failure. 20% also claimed that sharing meat from fry-ups was a household norm, even though too much fatty food can cause pancreatitis – inflammation of the pancreas. Signs include abdominal pains and sickness.
Adam Henson said of the research: “These findings are quite worrying. Pet owners need to be aware of the dangers of sharing human foods with their dogs. I have two dogs at home that I adore but I’m aware of the dangers of humanising and sharing too much with them, especially when it comes to food treats. I hope this health warning provides a wake-up call to dog owners, and will help them see that their misguided kindness to treat their dogs at Christmas with festive foods could actually prove fatal.”
Forthglade provides a range of premium nutritionally balanced meals for dogs. Using only the best ingredients to create a range of flavours, which are slow-cooked to lock in goodness. Made in the heart of the Devonshire countryside, the Natural Lifestage range is made using carefully sourced fresh meat (over 72% meat content) and nutritious brown rice and vegetables to make a wholesome complete meal which helps to care for your pet’s health. It comes in varieties suitable for puppies, adult dogs (aged 1 – 7) and seniors. Forthglade is free from preservatives, artificial flavours or colours and it is hypo allergenic, meaning all foods are suitable for pets with sensitive stomachs.
Products from the Lifestage range can be found in store at Pets At Home, online at petsathome.com and fetch.co.uk or at your local pet shop.
For more information about Forthglade visits forthglade.co.uk or visit us at Facebook facebook.com/Forthglade.
