Fans fat shame Samantha Armytage’s ‘well-fed’ dog

What started out as a seemingly innocuous photo of Samantha Armytage’s beloved dog, Banjo, quickly turned controversial this week. 

Fans flocked to Instagram on Wednesday to comment on the pup’s weight after the 43-year-old Sunrise host shared a photo of Banjo lazing on the couch.

Many accused Sam of overfeeding the three-year-old Labrador, with others claiming he needed to go on a diet. 

Dog days: What started out as a seemingly innocuous photo of Samantha Armytage’s beloved dog, Banjo, quickly turned controversial this week 

‘What are you feeding him? Lol,’ wrote one person, while another added, ‘(Banjo) Getting well fed Sam!!’

Wrote another: ‘Wow Sammy, what are you feeding your dog. He’s huge’.

The photo shows Banjo sprawled out on a couch, with his legs lazily dangling off the side, and his head appearing to be buried against the arm rest.  

Fat shamed: Fans flocked to Instagram on Wednesday to comment on the pup's weight after the 43-year-old Sunrise host shared a photo of Banjo lazing on the couch

Fat shamed: Fans flocked to Instagram on Wednesday to comment on the pup’s weight after the 43-year-old Sunrise host shared a photo of Banjo lazing on the couch

'A good weight loss diet is super important for this dog. Just like humans, they are prone to osteoarthritis, increased joint pain from excess weight and heart disease,' said a Sydney-based veterinarian of Banjo. Pictured, Sam walking the dog in Sydney in February

‘A good weight loss diet is super important for this dog. Just like humans, they are prone to osteoarthritis, increased joint pain from excess weight and heart disease,’ said a Sydney-based veterinarian of Banjo. Pictured, Sam walking the dog in Sydney in February

‘Great dog – love labs – he might require less food,’ commented one follower, while another added, ‘He looks like he loves his food.’

Others were shocked by the dog’s size, claiming he appeared bigger than in previous posts.    

‘He’s been grazing in a good paddock since the last photo I saw Sam,’ commented one follower.

Not going hungry: Many accused Sam of overfeeding the three-year-old Labrador, with others claiming he needed to go on a diet

Not going hungry: Many accused Sam of overfeeding the three-year-old Labrador, with others claiming he needed to go on a diet

Another fan offered to help out, by offering Banjo a free wellness retreat at their farm.

‘I think Banjo needs a vacay at our farm Sam Armytage! A few long walks and a little less in his bowl!’ wrote another follower. 

Other dog lovers were concerned for Banjo’s health and well-being. 

'What are you feeding him? Lol,' wrote one person on Instagram, while another added, 'Getting well fed Sam!!'

‘What are you feeding him? Lol,’ wrote one person on Instagram, while another added, ‘Getting well fed Sam!!’

A little extra padding: Others were shocked by the dog's size, claiming he appeared bigger than in previous posts

A little extra padding: Others were shocked by the dog’s size, claiming he appeared bigger than in previous posts

‘Aww, love this but after owning Labs forever, his poor hips and knees are not going to handle his weight and he will be in so much pain,’ commented one concerned follower.

But others were quick to jump to Banjo’s defence, arguing that everyone needed to lay off the adorable pup.

‘Awww, stop fat shaming Banjo, everyone has a bad angle,’ wrote one person. 

Working his angles: Others were quick to jump to Banjo's defence, arguing that everyone needed to lay off the adorable pup. Pictured with landscape designer Paul Bangay

Working his angles: Others were quick to jump to Banjo’s defence, arguing that everyone needed to lay off the adorable pup. Pictured with landscape designer Paul Bangay

According to a Sydney-based veterinarian, who did not want to be named, the dog appears ‘overweight’ based on his appearance in this most recent photo.

A healthy weight for male Labradors is around 30 kilos.

‘A good weight loss diet is super important for this dog. Just like humans, they are prone to osteoarthritis, increased joint pain from excess weight and heart disease,’ they said.   

According to a Sydney-based veterinarian who did not want to be named, the dog (pictured previously) appears 'overweight' based on his recent appearance

According to a Sydney-based veterinarian who did not want to be named, the dog (pictured previously) appears ‘overweight’ based on his recent appearance

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk