She may be the nation’s favourite baker, but Mary Berry has come under fire for suggesting cooked bones can be fed to dogs.

The Great British Bake Off star faced criticism from some viewers for her comments during an episode of Foolproof Cooking on BBC Two.

After cooking a ham hock dish, the 80-year-old said: “You’re left with the bone there and I know who will like that,” before an image of her black Labrador was shown on screen.

Vets warn against feeding cooked bones to bogs Vets warn against feeding cooked bones to dogs (Danny Lawson / PA Archive)

The Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association (PFMA) warns against feeding cooked bones to animals because of the dangers they pose.

On its website, it says: “The veterinary consensus is that cooked bones should never be fed because of the potential health risks from splintering.

“We would advise pet owners to seek veterinary advice on feeding raw bones to their dog.

“Many manufacturers produce safe and helpful chewing products with proven oral health benefits as an alternative to bones.”

Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry on Bake OffPaul Hollywood and Mary Berry on Bake Off (Love Productions/BBC)

Some viewers voiced their dismay at Berry’s potentially “life-threatening” suggestion.

Asked whether Berry wanted to respond to the criticism, her spokeswoman said: “No comment.”