What’s causing the growing epidemic of obesity in pets in the U.S.?
By Beth Rush
Does your furry friend love begging for treats and table scraps? It might be time to get serious about the food you give them. Obesity is a growing concern, affecting the majority of pets in the U.S. This silent epidemic can lead to a host of health issues when left untreated. Understand the underlying causes and learn pet obesity prevention tips to keep your animal companion healthy.
The Obesity Epidemic
The 2022 Pet Obesity Prevalence Survey revealed 61% of cats and 59% of dogs are above average weight. In the same year, 73% of dog owners and 58% of cat owners reported trying pet weight loss strategies, suggesting a greater awareness of pet health.
Despite these efforts, many animal companions still struggle with weight gain. Banfield Pet Hospital — treating over 3 million pets yearly — reveals 44% of dogs and 42% of cats are overweight and obese, highlighting that pet obesity remains a critical issue. The establishment also witnessed a 71% growth among dogs and a 54% increase in cats from 2014 to 2024.
Learn Weight Gain’s Causes for Pet Obesity Prevention
Here are some main contributors to weight gain:
- Lack of exercise: Your dog might stay indoors a lot, or your cat might need more space to roam around. Play is essential for their exercise needs, helping keep them active and healthy.
- Overeating: It can be easy to give in to your pet’s soft stare. While they look cute, excessive treats and human food can contribute to weight gain.
- Chronic illness: Hypothyroidism, type 2 diabetes and Cushing’s disease can all be silent contributors to your dog’s weight gain.
- Genetics: Some breeds are more prone to gaining weight than others.
Signs of Obesity in Pets
These alarming dog and cat obesity statistics should prompt pet owners to watch for signs. Before anything else, remember that a healthy weight is different for each pet and breed. Their padding should be proportional to their size and age.
Your veterinarian can help you further, but there are visual cues that help weight-check your furry friend:
- Very thin: Ribs and waist are apparent and feel skinny to the touch.
- Thin: Ribs and waist are easily visible.
- Ideal weight: Ribs are easily felt but not visible, and the waist is noticeable.
- Overweight: The appearance of the waist is subtle, while the ribs are not easily seen and felt.
- Obese: There’s a visible bulge on the waist, and the ribs aren’t visible or felt immediately.
What Are the Risks of Weight Gain to Your Pets?
While having a “chonky” pet seems adorable, the extra pounds can increase their health risk. Overweight dogs may develop the following conditions:
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular problems
- Skin issues
- Joint disease
- Arthritis
- Mobility issues
- High blood pressure
- Breathing problems
- Kidney disease
Consequently, obese cats are at a higher risk of the following diseases:
- Limping
- Inability to walk, run or jump normally
- Gut health issues
- Diabetes
- Arthritis
4 Tips to Prevent Pet Obesity
Give your animal companion a healthy life by discovering pet obesity prevention strategies.
1. Manage Portions
Portion control is critical to achieving a healthy weight. Ensure your pet gets the right serving size for their age, breed and activity level. One way to start is by choosing a quality pet food with recommended serving sizes for every size. If you’re considering changing your furry friend’s diet, consult your veterinarian to ensure your pet’s health.
Treats are also sources of additional calories — they shouldn’t exceed 10% of your pet’s caloric intake. Choose low-calorie, healthy snacks that provide nutrients to ensure you're hitting your pet’s health goals. Other ways to manage treats include breaking them in half or offering their regular dry kibble.
2. Get Moving
Exercising together helps you both burn calories and lose weight. It also provides an excellent bonding experience, combating boredom and inactivity. Take your dog on a daily walk, play fetch or include them in your family trips. For cats, provide toys and food puzzles to encourage activity.
3. Avoid Giving in to Begging
It’s challenging to refuse your pet, especially when they look adorable. However, doing so is essential to weight loss. Teach family and friends not to give your pet human food, either.
4. Know Their Nutritional Needs
Like people, pets benefit from a well-balanced diet. Ensure you provide the proper nutrients to aid their weight loss journey. Provide your canine with foods rich in amino acids, as they contain L-carnitine, which promotes heart health and helps turn fat in the body into energy.
As an exception to the rue, some well-prepared human foods are beneficial for cats. For instance, broccoli has antioxidants and can help with digestion, promoting better gut health. If your pet is severely overweight, consult your veterinarian and determine a safe diet plan together.
Keep Your Pet Happy and Healthy
It’s time to fight pet obesity before it becomes a bigger issue. If you have an overweight pet, know there are ways you can help them achieve an optimal body mass. Follow these tips so your furry friend can stay cuddly, healthy and happy.