Pet Obesity

Proper pet food, not appetite suppressants, key to managing pet obesity

According to this veterinarian, pet food professionals have unique opportunities to support healthier weight management as overweight pet numbers increase.

The amount of calories an animal needs is based on more than their ideal body weight. Age, breed, metabolism, medical conditions, and amount of exercise all play a role.

The veterinary profession and pet food

Traditionally, veterinarians have not been provided with nutritional education that matches pet owner expectations.

Veterinarians must be provided with nutritional education that matches pet owners’ unique needs with regards to their animals’ health and wellness.

Study: Canine obesity stems from various complex factors

Texas A&M University research identifies breed-specific feeding challenges affecting half of U.S. dogs.

Researchers found that popular sporting breeds — particularly Labrador retrievers and Golden retrievers — demonstrate significantly higher food motivation compared to other breed groups.

Ingredient Issues

Miscounting calories: Why pet food calorie calculations need fixing

Accurate calorie-counting is vital to keeping pets healthy in the midst of an obesity crisis.

Imprecise metabolizable energy calculations can complicate pet health, making it imperative that the numbers used are accurate.

Market Trends and Reports

Veterinary pet food diet trends: Evolving to meet expanded needs

Pet owners are more conscious of their pets’ health than ever, which means they’re heading toward science-backed and veterinarian-approved foods for their animals.

Veterinary Rx and over-the-counter vet-approved pet foods continue to grow in scope and availability as pet owners look to the long-term health of their pets.

Trending: Pet Food Podcast

EPISODE 88: What is the science behind plant-based pet food diets?

Bramble’s founder and CEO Amanda Rolat breaks down the science, misconceptions and benefits of plant-based diets for dogs and why this growing market segment is meeting a real need beyond just following human food trends.

Sound Cloud Cover Art 800x800 Amanda Rolat

The Farmer’s Dog funds veterinary nutrition residency

Program aims to expand clinical nutrition training and research in pet food industry

The Farmer's Dog sponsorship is designed to fully fund the training of a select resident in clinical nutrition, preparing them for board certification through the ACVIM (Nutrition).

Ingredient Issues

Hidden calories: Silent contributors to pet obesity

How calorie miscalculations impact overall pet nutrition and health

Pet Food Additives/Supplements

Study: ADM postbiotic may support blood sugar levels in dogs

A clinical study found that ADM’s PRIOME MH postbiotic reduced post-meal blood glucose in adult dogs, suggesting potential metabolic health benefits.

A recent clinical trial from ADM indicates that the postbiotic supports healthy blood sugar levels in adult dogs.

PremieRpet funds first DEXA scanner for pets in Latin America

The R$1 million investment supports obesity and chronic disease research at University of São Paulo’s new veterinary care center.

Market Trends and Reports

Study: Dog owners willing to pay more for food labeled with health claims

University researchers analyzed dog food pricing to reveal which health-related attributes command higher costs — and what that means for brands and buyers.

In the pet food aisle, health and wellness products are becoming increasingly important in shaping customer purchasing behaviors.

Farmina introduces functional dog treats, puppy formulas at Global Pet Expo

Farmina expands into the dog treat category with science-backed dental and functional products, plus new puppy formulas in its color protection lines.

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