Pet Obesity & Weight Loss Australia

Our study revealed the most commonly asked questions surrounding pet obesity, pet weight loss and weight management and exercise, highlighting what’s specifically troubling the nation. 

 

The 7 most searched for questions surrounding pet obesity awareness

Is my pet overweight? 

Whilst pets are reaping the benefits of having their humans around more often, with extra pats and cuddles, it has also meant extra treats and more food than normal, throughout the day.

To determine whether your dog or cat is overweight there are a few key things to consider. Most importantly, you should be able to feel your pet’s ribs through their fur and your cat or dog should never have a sagging tummy. Body Fat Index (BFI) is also a key indicator of whether your pet is overweight or underweight and an ideal score is 20 for both cats and for dogs. If any of these signs suggest your pet is overweight then it’s important to seek help from your vet in practice.

How much should I feed my dog?

Your dog will need a different feeding plan and food at various stages of their life, with puppies needing around 3-4 feedings a day, reaching up to two half portions of food in adulthood. Yet it’s important to consider current weight, breed and size and intensity of activity levels as well as age of your dog. Your vet will be able to support you with specifics. 

How much should I feed my cat? 

When determining how much to feed your cat you should refer to the feeding guide on the pet food label. Note, this is only a guide; there are many other factors to be taken into consideration. Your cat’s lifestyle, age, weight and whether you choose to feed a combination of wet or dry food all need to be considered. You may want to explore different feeding methods and again, your vet will be able to help you with a feeding plan that supports a healthy lifestyle for your cat. 

Why is pet obesity a problem?

“Pet obesity has been a problem for many years with the percentage of overweight pets increasing year on year. However, it has come into the spotlight over the last year for a number of reasons. Firstly, many people acquired pets for companionship, often for the first time. Pet owners were also spending more time at home with their pets. The benefit of this is pet owners are more likely to notice subtle changes in behaviour that may indicate an underlying issue, such as being slower to rise or jump. They are also more likely to seek information or advice on how to keep their pets healthy. 

The flipside is that pet owners will often use food and treats as a way of showing their love and affection for their pets. And with more time spent at home with them, there is more opportunity to overfeed them or provide treats or table scraps; all common reasons that lead to our pets becoming overweight. ***According to veterinarians, more than 71% of pet professionals say the pandemic has impacted the way pets eat.”

Is pet obesity getting worse?

“Pet obesity is one of the leading nutritional problems facing the pet population and the statistics show that the percentage of overweight pets is increasing.

Part of the problem is that there is a proliferation of pet food brands and feeding trends, as well as a vast number of different sources of information on feeding your pet available on the internet. Information overload can make it hard for pet owners to determine what is credible information based on facts and research.

As a population our perception of what a normal, healthy body weight for a pet should be has shifted. The abundance of overweight pets in the general population and media means that we often mistake the more “cuddly” shape of an overweight pet to be the ideal. In fact, *90% of pet parents with an overweight pet don’t realise that they are overweight”.

**Pet parents with overweight pets (31% with overweight dogs and 24% with overweight cats) feel it's harder to help their pet lose weight compared to before Covid-19, and 49% of veterinarians agree it's harder for pet parents to keep their pets at a healthy weight during the pandemic than before.

Is there any difference in obesity between cats and dogs?

“The main difference is that for cats (and small dogs), a relatively small weight gain can be significant due to their small body size - for example a cat can be considered obese, with all the health risks that come along with this, and only be carrying an extra kilo of weight.

The other difference for cats is that exercising them is not as easy or intuitive as it is for dogs- most cats don’t want to go for a walk. However, by thinking outside the box, it is possible to increase their exercise by getting them to chase a light source along the walls or “hunt” for their meal around the house”.

How can pet obesity be fixed?

“Managing pet weight issues still comes back down to the basic principles of making sure they expend more energy than they consume. Pay attention to the diet fed, ensuring it is aimed at the pet’s age and lifestyle and that they are receiving the correct amount of food. Be aware of ‘treating’ behaviour, as this is the most common way that excess calories slip into a diet and don’t forget to have an exercise routine. 

I have found that the best success comes from pet owners partnering with their local veterinary healthcare team as they can determine the ideal target weight for the pet, and tailor a diet and exercise plan that will suit both the pet’s needs and the owner’s lifestyle.”

 

Nationally studies understate the issue of pet obesity across Australia.

 

“Australian statistics likely understate the extent of the issue in this country, as a prevalence study has not been undertaken for around 15 years. *****The latest statistics from the US suggest that 56% of dogs and 60% of cats are overweight or obese and discussions with local colleagues suggest that the Australian figures are fairly similar.

I think the trend of more people searching for information on pet obesity and exercise is not surprising. It reflects the fact that pet owners are spending more time with their pets and want credible information sources on how to keep their pets fit and healthy.”

Remember, we are not always the best judge of our own pet’s weight.

“Various studies have shown that obesity in our pets can increase the risk of many serious health conditions such as arthritis, heart disease and diabetes. It can also shorten their overall lifespan. We all want our pets to live long and healthy lives and ensuring that they maintain a healthy body weight is one important way to help achieve this. A simple step is to start with better nutrition and becoming more aware of your feeding habits and the impact it can have your pet's life.

We are not always the best judge of our own pet’s weight so I would encourage all pet owners to check in with their local veterinary healthcare team. They can determine whether the pet is at their ideal bodyweight or, if they are carrying a few extra kilos, help develop a weight loss plan in conjunction with the pet owner. Losing that excess weight helps pets live their best life”.