Pet treat crazes on TikTok are captivating millions, yet veterinarians caution that these seemingly harmless trends may jeopardize canine health.

On TikTok, the terms ‘puppuccino’ and ‘cheese tax’ are associated with over 200 million and 924 million posts, respectively, showcasing owners treating their dogs with whipped cream concoctions or chunks of cheese. Although these treats are becoming all the rage, they might be fostering unhealthy habits among pet owners. A study conducted by Medivet & Partners, a prominent veterinary service provider in the UK, indicates that giving dogs such treats is calorically akin to humans devouring several bags of crisps at once. For example, a 30g cheese cube, often seen in cheese tax videos, is comparable to a person consuming two and a half bags of crisps. Similarly, a puppuccino from coffee shops, made with whipped cream, poses a similar caloric load.

Even more indulgent snacks can be particularly detrimental. A single slice of pizza can constitute about 33% of a dog’s daily calorie needs, equivalent to a human eating six bags of crisps. Meanwhile, a 190g rawhide bone can make up an astonishing 78% of a dog’s daily calories, mirroring the human equivalent of ingesting 15 bags in one sitting.

Veterinarians emphasize that these statistics underscore how easily dogs can be overfed, especially when influenced by online trends that promote regular snacking.

Dr. Reena Patel, a partner at Medivet Pinner, remarked, “It’s tempting to consider a few extra treats or sharing leftovers as trivial, but overindulgence can swiftly lead to overweight and obesity.”

“Excess body weight presents significant health hazards, diminishing quality of life and shortening lifespan. Even dogs that are moderately overweight face health challenges. Issues such as urinary incontinence, spinal and ligament troubles, respiratory problems, and cancer can arise, alongside an increased risk of heart disease and diabetes,” she explained.