British dogs are better fed than me

Britain is living up to its reputation as a nation of dog lovers, with many owners feeding their four-legged friends healthier and tastier meals than they serve up for themselves.

A study of 1,337 British dog owners found that 18 per cent fed their pampered pet pooches a better diet than their own, giving them fresh dishes instead of tinned food.

Consequently 21 per cent of dogs enjoyed cheese, 15 per cent were given fish and 9 per cent chomped on vegetables.

More than a quarter of respondents said they would eat the food they bought their dog.

However, the gourmet meals came at a price.

The study, for Direct Line insurance, concluded pet owners pay out 2.3 billion pounds a year on their dogs' dinners.

Ten per cent of respondents admitted their pet had developed a weight problem.