Table of Contents
In the United States, pet obesity has been following human obesity trends, meaning that the number of overweight or obese dogs and cats have been increasing over the years.
How much do pet parents know about pet obesity? We partnered with fresh dog food provider, Ollie, to conduct a survey. Here’s what we learned:
- 49% of pet parents accurately think that 50-74% of pets in the US are overweight
- 20% of pet parents surveyed said they (and/or their vet) considers one or more of their pets to be overweight
- 6% of pet parents aren’t sure what the ideal healthy weight is for their pet(s)
- 97% of pet parents feel bad when they see pets that are overweight
- 80% of pets get more than 30 minutes of exercise per day
Take action to combat pet obesity
How can you tell if a pet is carrying extra weight and what can be done about it? Save this handy graphic for future reference!
Signs your pet is overweight:
- Difficult to feel their ribs
- No distinct waist
- Belly hangs low
- Tires easily
- Decrease in physical activity
How to help them reach a healthy weight:
- Consult your vet for a weight loss plan and goals, especially for cats. Losing weight too quickly can cause liver problems in cats.
- Schedule well-balanced, portioned meals
- Increase exercise and physical activity
- Cut out the table scraps and limit treats
Proper nutrition goes a long way
Both quality and quantity matter when it comes to keeping your pet healthy and within his or her ideal weight range. Ollie has data to support that fact: 58% of underweight dogs and 42% of overweight dogs being fed Ollie have made progress toward their ideal weight.
The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinarian advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical diagnosis, condition, or treatment options.
Prioritizing the health and well-being of your pets means you’re a great candidate for pet insurance. Find out more about dog insurance (and cat insurance), and start by getting a free quote. Bonus: each quote means a donation is made to pets in need.
