UK Pet Food has created an interactive and educational tool designed to empower dog owners with the knowledge and resources to combat the issue of canine obesity.

The online tool, developed in collaboration with human psychologist Professor Thomas Webb from the University of Sheffield, is designed to be both engaging and informative, combining psychology with practical advice to help dog owners make informed decisions about their pets’ nutrition.

By using Professor Webb’s knowledge and experience in the field of behaviour change, it aims to help dog owners identify triggers that lead to overfeeding and overtreating; establish practical strategies to create healthier feeding routines; make informed choices when selecting pet food products and promote a balanced diet that meets their dog’s nutritional needs.

The first part of this initiative is a quiz titled “Who’s in charge when it comes to feeding your dog?”, which delves into the dynamics of feeding habits and offers dog owners insights into their roles in their pet’s dietary regimen. After completing the quiz, participants are provided with a personalised help sheet, enabling them to address scenarios where overfeeding or overtreating their dogs may be a risk.

An estimated 50% of dogs considered as overweight or obese by vets in the UK.

Sarah Hormozi, head of science and education at UK Pet Food, said: “We are committed to combating pet obesity and fostering a better understanding of the importance of a healthy diet for dogs.

“Our collaboration with Professor Thomas Webb brings a fresh perspective to the problem, bridging the gap between human psychology and pet nutrition.”