Pet Obesity Rates Rise in the U.S., Survey Reveals

APOP founder Ernie Ward, DVM, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, "Obesity continues to be the greatest health threat to dogs and cats. Obesity is a disease that kills millions of pets prematurely, creates immeasurable pain and suffering, and costs pet owners tens of millions of dollars in avoidable medical costs."

The survey revealed that 53.9 percent of dogs and 58.9 percent of cats were identified as overweight (body condition score [BCS] 4) or obese (BCS 5) by veterinary professionals. This translates to approximately 41.9 million dogs and 50.5 million cats facing weight issues based on the pet population projected by the American Pet Products Association. Comparatively, in 2015, 53.8 percent of dogs and 58.2 percent of cats were found to be overweight or obese.

When assessing their pets' weights, 81 percent of pet owners and 87 percent of veterinary professionals reported that their animals were of a normal and healthy weight. Almost all veterinary professionals (98 percent) acknowledged that pet obesity is a significant problem in the U.S., although only 87 percent of pet owners shared this concern. Additionally, over 95 percent of respondents from both groups believed that overweight pets faced greater risks of pain and suffering, and that quality nutrition could improve life expectancy.

Quality was the primary consideration for 80 percent of pet owners and 82 percent of veterinary staff when selecting pet food, while factors like price (16 percent) and convenience (7 percent) were much less influential. Concerns about food quality affecting long-term pet health were noted by about 55 percent of both groups.

The survey also highlighted discrepancies in communication regarding ideal pet weight. Over 93 percent of pet owners had visited their veterinarian in the past year, yet only 49 percent recalled discussions about their pet's ideal weight. Conversely, more than 60 percent of veterinary professionals believed they had covered this topic with owners.

Far fewer pet owners (42 percent) agreed that veterinarians should suggest maintenance diets compared to more than 64 percent of veterinarians who supported this practice. When asked about dietary recommendations, over 46 percent of pet owners preferred online sources, while only 19 percent of veterinary professionals agreed.

Opinions on various pet diet types differed markedly between pet owners and veterinarians:

- 61 percent of pet owners considered low- or no-grain diets healthier for dogs, while only 25 percent of veterinarians agreed.

- 35 percent of pet owners and 15 percent of veterinary professionals found raw diets healthier for pets.

- 43 percent of pet owners and 23 percent of veterinarians believed organic pet foods were healthier.

- Regarding corn's health benefits for dogs, 73 percent of pet owners disagreed, while 48 percent of veterinarians supported its inclusion in diets.

The survey involved the assessment of 1,224 dogs and 682 cats conducted by 187 veterinary clinics. Weight classifications were based on a five-point scale assessing body condition scores. More detailed results can be found in the APOP data available at PetObesityPrevention.org.