Towcester Vets on 5 Fatty Foods Owners Commonly Feed Pets
October 20, 2025
Is your pet piling on extra pounds without you knowing why? Sometimes, the culprits are closer to home than you might think. At Towcester Vets, we often meet well-loved pets who are just a bit too well-fed, and more often than not, it’s the little extras that are doing the damage.
Our veterinary nurses have highlighted below some high calorie foods that you should only offer to your pet sparingly, if at all. Carrying extra weight can lead to obesity, diabetes, joint pain and other health issues, so it’s important to keep this in check.
If you’re already concerned about your pet’s weight then book a weight check with our nursing team in Towcester.
Why are fatty foods such an issue? High-fat foods can cause obesity in cats and dogs, which then increases their risk of diabetes, joint problems, heart disease, and a shortened lifespan.
Five surprising foods that can contribute to pet weight gain
1. Cheese
It’s often the go-to treat for hiding tablets or sharing a snack, but cheese is *very* calorie-dense for pets. Our veterinary nurses in Towcester explain that even a small cube can be the equivalent of a full meal for a small dog or cat. If you do use it, best to keep it tiny and infrequent.
2. Peanut butter
It’s often used in enrichment toys or on lick mats and pets love it, but it’s high in fat and calories. Always choose a pet-safe, xylitol-free version – and serve sparingly!
3. Gravy and sauces
A splash of gravy on kibble might feel like a treat, but it often contains high levels of salt and fat that pets don’t need, as well as toxic ingredients like onions and garlic. Over time, it can contribute to weight gain and upset tummies too.
4. Dental chews
Wait, aren’t these healthy? Towcester Vets’ nursing team explain that they can be if used correctly. Many are quite large and calorie-rich and if you’re giving one every day without adjusting the rest of your pet’s meals, the calories add up fast. Always ensure you’re choosing appropriately sized dental chews and again, use sparingly.
5. Too many training treats
Our veterinary nurses in Towcester are advocates of reward-based training, but it’s easy to overdo it. Keep treat sizes small (think pea-sized!) and count them as part of your pet’s daily food allowance.
Call us on 01327 350239 to book a nurse appointment at Towcester Vets, in which our nurses can help you with appropriate portion sizes for training treats.
Little extras = big difference!
It’s not about cutting out treats altogether – just keeping an eye on how much your pet is really eating. Every small snack adds up when you weigh less than 10kg! An alternative to shop-bought dog treats is to give small pieces of carrot or cucumber instead as your dog will likely enjoy them all the same!
Worried your pet might be carrying a little too much love around the middle? Book a weight consultation with our nurses in Towcester.
