Nutrition is a fundamental welfare requirement for companion animals, yet dietary problems including obesity, nutritional deficiency, and inappropriate diets are extremely common.
Companion animal nutrition has a profound impact on welfare that is often underappreciated by pet owners. Obesity is the most widespread nutritional welfare problem, causing chronic pain through osteoarthritis, reducing quality of life, and shortening lifespan. At the other extreme, inappropriate home-prepared or raw diets can lead to nutritional deficiencies causing serious disease. The companion animal pet food market makes bold welfare and health claims that are not always supported by evidence. Veterinary nutritional advice and life-stage appropriate feeding are essential components of responsible pet ownership, yet access to good nutritional guidance varies enormously.