Pet obesity is one of the most widespread and preventable welfare problems in companion animals, causing chronic pain, reduced lifespan and decreased quality of life in millions of dogs and cats in the UK.
Pet obesity is a welfare failure that is frequently normalised by owners who interpret their overweight pets as healthy or who anthropomorphise food sharing as an act of love. An obese dog or cat that cannot move comfortably, groom itself or engage in play is experiencing significant welfare compromise that owners may not recognise. Veterinary reluctance to raise obesity with clients — for fear of offending — contributes to underdiagnosis and undertreatment. The most effective welfare intervention is body condition scoring education for owners, combined with clear portion guidance and supportive veterinary counselling. The pet food industry also has a responsibility to provide accurate, welfare-supporting nutritional guidance.