The 2022 New Year’s resolutions may have included even more weight loss goals than ever before, as the pandemic lockdowns caused people to gain weight, pet owners also reported similar weight gains in their pets.

Hill’s Pet Nutrition hopes to inspire pet owners to stick to their goals of a healthier lifestyle for themselves and for their pets as well. In partnership with Kelton, a Material Company, Hill’s Pet Nutrition conducted a survey revealing that 40% of pet owners set a goal to lose weight in the new year and only half (18%) plan to help their pet lose weight.

The survey also revealed that nearly two-thirds (65%) of pet owners show love and affection to their pets through treats and 1 in 5 (22%) say they are giving their pet people food, according to the press release. While more than 1 in 3 (35%) say they give their pet treats ‘just because’.

According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) in 2018, the U.S. pet obesity rates remained steady from previous years with 59.5% of cats and 55.8% of dogs classified as obese or overweight. 

The End Pet Obesity Campaign

Hill’s Pet Nutrition’s annual End Pet Obesity campaign provides free education, tools and resources for pet owners. This year, to help pet owners start their pet’s weight management journey, Hill’s recruited world-renowned chef and pet owner Alton Brown to join the campaign.

"For humans and animals alike, setting and sticking to healthy habits can have a positive impact on overall health,” said Brown. “I know this firsthand from my own personal weight loss journey and as one of my resolutions this year, I am now working with my dog Scabigail to reach her ideal weight with a custom nutrition plan using food from Hill's. I've learned that overtreating and not feeding the right diet can have serious consequences, which is why I'm happy to be working with Hill's Pet Nutrition to help other pet owners learn how to tackle pet obesity, so pets can live their best life with their families."

Hill’s campaign provides pet owners with ways to assist on their pet’s weight management journey:

• Check your pet: Pet owners can check their pet’s body condition using the online body shape assessment tool which shows the pet’s results and a recommendation for what to do next.
• Schedule a vet visit: Pet owners should consult with their veterinarian if they have any concerns about their pet’s weight.
• Start with the right food: There are a variety of products that can help achieve a healthy weight for your pet.
• Enter Hill’s Pampered Pet Package: Hill’s invites pet owners to check their pet’s weight for a chance to win the Hill’s Pampered Pet Package Sweepstakes. The grand prize includes a $5,000 check which can be used towards Hill’s food, vet wellness visits and grooming.