Westies & Besties – Best treats for dogs…sprouts?

Best treats for dogs? We’ve spent a year of relative sprout freedom, but Christmas has come round again and it’s time to face the music: sprout-gate approaches. Voted the country’s least favourite, these little green balls of malice can fill so many of us with Christmas dinner dread. What do to with the brussel sprout? 

Turns out a recent study conducted by the Swindon-based, healthy pet food brand, Vet’s Kitchen, might have an answer. When pet owners were asked whether they might be tempted to sneak their dogs any human food over the festive period, a surprising amount revealed it was sprouts they treated their canine mates to. At first, we were surprised by this statistic, but then we understood…genius, we thought. What better way to dispose of these tiny evil cabbages than to secretly pass them under to an under-the-table-ally? 

Out of a poll of dog owners, the following top ten sneaky treats were confessed to: 

1. Turkey
2. Pigs in Blankets 
3. Crisps or savoury snack 
4. Sprouts
5. Biscuits
6. Parsnips
7. Cream 
8. Smoked Salmon 
9. Mince pie 
10. Christmas chocolate 

And while we’re pleased to report that toxic chocolate received the fewest votes, putting it in last place, it’s important to remember that a lot of human food is poisonous to cats and dogs, including mince pies and chocolates. Meat on the bone also poses a risk as the bone can shatter and become a choking hazard, or worse, wound internal organs. In fact, if you’re looking to treat your favourite four-legged friends, it’s advisable to stick to food products that’ve been specially made for the purpose.

Fiona Firth, Vet’s Kitchen nutritionist, says “We all love to treat our adorable and irresistible pets but remember that sometimes they’re not the best advocates for their own health. At the Vet’s Klinic, particularly over the festive period, we have an influx of poorly puppies who’ve poisoned themselves from eating too much chocolate or been injured internally by a bone fragment. Trips like these can be distressing to both pets and owners, plus they can wrack up a nasty vet’s bill at a time of year that’s already tight.”

This article was first published in Westies & Besties.