Vets warn that BBQs and garden parties are contributing to pets scoffing the equivalent of 10 million extra meals a day - thanks to extra treats and leftovers. Research from Pets at Home suggests summer get-togethers are becoming a feeding free-for-all for pets, with family and guests all slipping dogs and cats 'just one little treat'.

Half of owners (46%) have caught a friend or family member secretly feeding their furry companions, while 49% of owners admit they slip their pet leftovers and treats during BBQs and outdoor gatherings. This is the equivalent of a gut-busting 9.9 million extra helpings, thanks to pets receiving on average of 0.38 additional meals on a typical summer day, according to Pets at Home.

Despite the extra snacks, seven in ten (69%) don't reduce their pet's regular meals to compensate, meaning hidden calories can quickly add up. The Pets at Home survey revealed Britain's pets have also perfected the art of begging.

Of the 1,500 quizzed, 44% said their pet changes its behaviour around food when guests come to visit.

Two in five (40%) say their pet is most successful at getting extra treats during the summer than any other time of the year.

Britain's favourite BBQ food is one of the riskiest to share with pets. Sausages top the list of foods finding their way into dogs' and cats' diets during summer gatherings, with a third (32%) admitting to their pet eating at least one.

Yet many sausages contain onion, garlic and rich seasonings that are harmful to dogs and cats.

Samantha Butler-Davies, Veterinary Director at Pets at Home, said: "Summer is when pets become the VIP guests of every garden party, BBQ and family get-together.

"While it's tempting to give them a few extra treats, many popular BBQ foods can have a much bigger nutritional impact than owners realise.

"If your pet is enjoying more treats than usual, try balancing this out by slightly reducing the amount of their regular food and measuring portions rather than estimating.

"Sticking to pet-safe treats and keeping extras to around 10% of their daily calorie intake can help them enjoy the summer while maintaining a healthy weight."

"If your pet is enjoying more treats than usual, try balancing this out by slightly reducing the amount of their regular food and measuring portions rather than estimating.

"Sticking to pet-safe treats and keeping extras to around 10% of their daily calorie intake can help them enjoy the summer while maintaining a healthy weight."

While pets may be experts at looking longingly at the BBQ, they don't have to miss out on the fun.

Instead of sharing burgers, sausages or other BBQ leftovers, owners can treat them to pet-friendly alternatives, including Ruffs Bangor Sausages for dogs and Seriously Good Chicken Breast Bites for cats.

To help owners make safer choices this summer, Pets at Home is sharing a list of safe summer treats for owners to give their furry friends in moderation and a list of foods that pets must avoid.

GREEN LIST - SAFER SUMMER TREATS

· Plain cooked chicken – A lean, protein-rich alternative to processed BBQ meats.

· Fish – With skin and pin bones removed, this can be a great treat packed with omega 3’s.

· Sweet potato (boiled) – A naturally sweet treated packed with fibre and low in fat

· Carrots – A low-calorie, fibre-rich snack that's great for chewing.

· Bell Pepper – Packed with vitamins A and C, bite-sized pieces of bell peppers are a great option for crunching and hydration.

· Watermelon (seedless and rind removed) – High in water and a cooling treat when fed in moderation.

RED LIST - FOODS TO AVOID

· Anything on a skewer – Skewers pose a serious choking hazard and can cause severe damage to the digestive tract if swallowed. Always dispose of used skewers safely in a secure bin, as any leftover food can make them particularly tempting to dogs.

· Sausages and burgers – Often high in fat and salt, increasing the risk of obesity, digestive upset and pancreatitis.

· Cooked bones – Can splinter easily, posing a risk of choking or internal injury.

· Corn on the cob – The cob can cause a potentially life-threatening intestinal blockage if swallowed.

· Onions and garlic (including in marinades, burgers and salads) – Toxic to dogs as well as cats and can damage red blood cells.

· Alcohol – Even small amounts can lead to serious poisoning.

· Avocado – The high amounts of fat can cause digestive upset in pets.

· Ice cream – Containing high levels of sugar and fat, as well as dairy which many pets struggle to digest, it can lead to stomach upset and diarrhoea

For more information, visit: www.petsathome.com