It's a good dog's life for British pets

LONDON, May 24 (Reuters) 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 survey published today said.

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 said. Pet owners pay out 2.3 billion pounds a year on their dogs' dinners and 10 per cent admit their pet has got a weight problem.

REUTERS KD HS0928