Obesity continues to be a problem for pets

Global pet obesity in mature pet ownership markets continues to grow as a top challenge to overall pet health.

March 11, 2025

Dogs and cats are bearing the brunt of the pet obesity epidemic, with numbers going up in spite of significant options in the pet food space to help mitigate the issue.

Dogs and cats are bearing the brunt of the pet obesity epidemic, with numbers going up in spite of significant options in the pet food space to help mitigate the issue.

adogslifephoto | iStock.com

Obesity is a continuing problem for pets, with overweight and obese rates going up in spite of more education from veterinarians, weight-specific pet food formulations and a number of technologies designed to track a pet’s activity.

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Michael Landa, Nulo Pet Food, received the Power of Pets Award from Mike Bober, president and CEO of PAN.

Pet Advocacy Network honors leaders in pet care

The Pets Table’s air-dried recipes will now be available both in-store across 201 U.S. locations and on Walmart.com.

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Association for Pet Obesity Prevention releases new communication guidelines

Guidelines aim to reshape how the pet community talks about pet obesity by emphasizing pet-first language and promoting the term “clinical obesity.”

When it comes to pet obesity, the words we choose can either reinforce stigma and stereotypes — or promote a constructive, health-focused dialogue.

Petfood Forum News

Wanted: A revolution in pet nutrition to combat pet obesity

Experts from the Kansas State University Pet Food Program will outline innovative formulation approaches and the emerging role of gut health and microbiome to address the pet obesity epidemic at Petfood Forum 2025.

Pet food for weight management must balance low calories with essential nutrients, taste, and shelf stability — a task the can be complicated by outdated regulatory standards and calorie calculations designed for active, non-obese pets.

Ingredient Issues

Pet weight management: Feeding for health, longevity

Pet obesity is a significant problem, and the pet food industry could be doing more to help pet owners feed their animals properly.

Overweight pets need better feeding management in order to live their longest, healthiest lives.

Weight-management pet food lessons from human food diversification

By focusing on innovation in product design, differentiation strategies and consumer education, the industry may address both market demand and pet health challenges.

Dall·e 2024 12 10 05 56 19 A Peter Paul Rubens Inspired Painting Featuring A Group Of Overweight, Pampered Dogs Lounging In A Luxurious, Opulent Room The Dogs Are Depicted With

Healthy pet food is Blue Zone for cats, small dogs, reptiles and birds

Although the Blue Zone concept may have been debunked, healthy eating may be a common factor in both long-lived pets and people.

Myrtle the Turtle takes a walk in Florissant, Missouri. May 28, 2018

Probiotics help dogs eating high-fat diets avoid health problems

Scientists explored the effects of two probiotics on dogs eating a high-fat diet.

Dall·e 2024 10 25 07 19 19 An Image Inspired By A 1980s Workout Video Featuring Humanoid Dogs Performing Aerobics The Dogs Are Wearing Colorful, Retro Workout Outfits With Leg

Dog owners may pay more for weight-management pet food

Talking to people about the reduction in pets’ lifespans associated with obesity may be particularly influential.

Dall·e 2024 08 08 11 45 06 A Medical Book Diagram Illustrating An Obese Old Dog The Diagram Should Show The Dog's Body With Detailed Labels Indicating Areas Affected By Obesity

Dog and Cat Food Nutrition

Pet obesity 2023: owners oblivious, vets scared to talk

Pet owners may be largely unaware that there is a problem, especially with their own dogs and cats, despite years of warnings.

Dall·e 2024 05 17 09 08 38 A Layered Paper Image Featuring Obese And Overweight Cats And Dogs Along With Bowls Of Kibble The Scene Shows A Variety Of Chubby Pets, Including Rou

Adventures in Pet Food

Veterinary insights: 4 nutrition challenges with pet owners

A veterinarian identified pet owner awareness, time constraints, information overload and, especially, pet obesity among the challenges related to nutrition.

Seventy Four I Stock com Veterinarian Examining Pet With Owner

Adventures in Pet Food

Pet obesity: New research shows promise, human parallels

A new study showed two strains of probiotics helped reduce weight in obese dogs; the study protocol offers insights for research in humans and other mammals.

Anton_Dios | Bigstock.com

Overfeeding changed cats’ digestion and microbiome

When pet owners overfeed their cats and cause weight gain, the cats’ digestive systems and the microbes living within them may be affected.

Dall·e Botticelli Painting Of Obese Cat

Adventures in Pet Food

The state of pet obesity (spoiler alert: it’s not good)

The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention 2022 report found 59% of US dogs and 61% of cats are overweight or obese. A new survey for 2023 is now open.

Pfi obese Dog In Bowtie

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