Research reveals stark disparity between vets’ and owners’ perception of pet obesity

New research by Agria Pet Insurance reveals that 83% of pet owners believe their pet is the correct weight[1]. However, 77% of vets have said that pet obesity is increasing, and that 50% of dogs, 43% of cats and 31% of small animals they treat are currently obese.[2] These statistics show an alarming disparity between owner opinion and what vets are actually seeing in practice.

Only 47% of owners check their pet’s weight at the vets and almost a third (30%) of pet owners admit to either never checking their pet’s weight at all or guessing. Interestingly, 63% of pet owners say their vet has never advised them regarding their pet’s weight, despite it being common practice for vets to mention if they find an animal is obese.

The types of foods that owners are feeding their pets also paint a concerning picture with 38% of pet owners admitting to giving their pets treats just because they look cute. Almost a quarter (22%) also feed their pet to keep them quiet or occupied.

41% of owners agreed that table scraps were a possible cause of obesity, especially likely because human scraps can be higher in fat, salt, sugar and calories than pet foods. For example, one chunk of cheese for a cat is equivalent to nine chunks of cheese for a human.

The findings highlight the need for vets and owners to work together to prevent a pet obesity epidemic as obesity in animals brings serious welfare issues, such as:

·       Reduced quality and length of life

·       Increased joint problems and arthritis

·       Increased respiratory problems and heart disease

·       Increased diabetes and some cancers

Alongside these life-changing risks, obesity risk again increases with neutering, due to a larger appetite and less activity, and on your furry friend reaching middle-age.

Agria’s partner, UK Pet Food, is a dedicated industry body for pet food, promoting best practice and providing free information on pet food and feeding. Best practice is to feed a ‘complete’ commercial pet food. The term complete on the pet food label means that the diet has been carefully formulated to provide all the nutrients a pet needs in the right proportions. This takes the guesswork out of feeding. All pet food packets include a feeding guideline to guide on how much to feed. Pet owners should start with the recommended amount based on their pet’s ideal weight.

Over the coming weeks they will be discussing this issue with vets and owners, looking at the factors involved, and offering advice on how to manage the situation. There are huge benefits to pets and their owners taking care of their weight: dogs fed to a lean weight from puppyhood through adulthood live approximately two years longer and, without all the other unpleasant health complications, they will live happier lives too.

Robin Hargreaves, Senior Veterinary Consultant for Agria Pet Insurance, said: “Concerns about a pet’s weight may require veterinary advice to rule out any underlying health conditions and, after that, a healthy diet is the first place to start.”

Vicki Wentworth, Managing Director at Agria Pet Insurance, added: “At the beginning of this year, Agria announced our focus for 2023 would be on animal welfare, with reference to the Animal Welfare Act of 2006. We address the uncomfortable topic of obesity, a major animal welfare issue and the big problem with the UK’s pets. Based on this latest research commissioned by Agria, and in alliance with UK Pet Food, we are looking at how we came to be in this situation, what the implications are, and what we, as loving pet owners, can do about it.”

ENDS

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About Agria Pet Insurance

Agria is one of the world’s leading animal insurers, specialising in small animal, equine, and agricultural insurance. Founded in Sweden over 130 years ago, Agria began underwriting policies in the UK in 2009 and is now a prominent part of the UK pet insurance sector.

In the UK, Agria works with over 50,000 vets, breeders and rehoming organisations, providing insurance for cats, dogs, and rabbits. Agria also administers pet insurance schemes for the leading small animal registration bodies, The Kennel Club, and the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF).

Agria Pet Insurance, winners of top UK pet insurance provider by The Telegraph 2023.

*Up to a maximum of £15,000.

For more information, see www.agriapet.co.uk / www.kcinsurance.co.uk / www.gccfinsurance.co.uk 

About UK Pet Food

UK Pet Food is the leading industry body for the pet food industry. Our 108 members are responsible for feeding 90% of the nation’s pets. Currently 57% of UK households have a pet and we estimate there are approximately 35 million pets of different shapes and sizes. We provide a resource for the public on a range of feeding topics, including a ‘Healthy Weight Management Hub’: https://www.ukpetfood.org/information-centre/healthy-weight-management.html