Well-meaning strangers could be putting dogs’ health at risk by feeding them treats without their owner’s permission, according to new research. 

An Opinium survey of 1,000 UK cat and dog owners¹, commissioned by pet insurance provider Insure Your Paws, finds that almost one in five dog owners (17%) say their dog is often given or offered treats by other people, not always with their permission.   

Meanwhile, 6% of cat owners worry their pet may be getting fed elsewhere. 

Even small amounts of extra food can have an impact on a pet’s health. Overfeeding is linked to a range of health problems and can shorten a pet’s lifespan². This can be even more detrimental if a pet is on a prescribed diet, for a condition such as diabetes or kidney disease, or for those with food intolerances that require their food to be carefully monitored. 

Andrew Simpson, Head of Pet, at Insure Your Paws said: “The UK is a nation of animal lovers, but it’s important to think twice before feeding someone else’s pet. Even small treats can cause problems if a dog or cat has sensitivities or is on a controlled diet. 

“Owners take their pet’s health seriously, so extra food from other people, however well-intentioned, can undermine those efforts. Preventative care and a consistent diet can make a real difference to a pet’s long-term health and wellbeing.” 

“But even with the best care, unexpected health issues can happen, and that’s where pet insurance plays a vital role. At Insure Your Paws, we offer flexible, lifetime pet insurance from eight weeks old with a choice of vet fee cover up to £20,000. This includes access to our Assist Your Paws careline, which provides free and unlimited support from qualified veterinary nurses, available 24/7, all year round.” 


Sources
¹ Opinium online survey conducted with 1,000 cat or dog owners in the UK from 3 - 6 March 2026.  For those owning both a cat and dog, owners were asked to answer questions based on the one they took ownership of most recently. 

² PDSA - Obesity in Dogs - Health Hub article.