BSB Products, the UK distributor for Carnilove pet foods, has joined forces with SAS veteran Billy Billingham and his bulldog Alfie to demonstrate the physical and mental health benefits of exercising with a dog.
Research comparing 1,000 dog owners with a similar number of non owners showed that the dog owners surveyed do 86% more hours of exercise per week and go 76% further in distance (Opinion Matters for Carnilove 2023). Dog owners also do nearly two more hours of exercise per week than non-dog owners and travel seven more miles per week in distance than non-dog owners.
To raise awareness of the benefits to physical and mental health of exercising, Carnilove is working with Billingham to get more people out on adventures with their pets.
The SAS veteran said: “I’m best known for testing people to their limits and putting them through their paces, but regular exercise is also essential for dogs – it keeps them physically and mentally healthy. Fit, active dogs are much less likely to suffer from problems such as obesity and behavioural issues.
“I love to exercise with my bulldog Alfie, he makes adventuring into the countryside twice as enjoyable, and I hope Alfie and I can inspire dog owners to keep up the good work, get out and about every day, and go a little bit further. I hope it encourages non dog owners to exercise more regularly. It really is the secret to good health.”
Colin Rodger, chief executive of BSB Products, added: “Our research demonstrates the great benefits to our health that dogs can bring, they provide so much joy and rewarding them with interesting walks should be a key part of caring for them.
“It’s also vital not to forget their nutrition and hydration needs as well as your own.”
