Obesity affects an estimated 50-60% of companion animals in developed countries, causing chronic pain, reduced mobility, and shortened lifespan — making it one of the most prevalent welfare problems in companion animals.
Companion animal obesity is a welfare epidemic created by owner behavior and commercial incentives that normalize overfeeding. Overweight animals carry excess body weight that loads joints, impairs movement, and causes or worsens multiple chronic conditions causing daily suffering. The welfare harm is insidious because obesity develops gradually and affected animals rarely display acute distress signals — they simply move less, play less, and have reduced quality of life. Weight loss programs that achieve healthy body condition consistently improve welfare indicators: increased activity, reduced lameness, and improved behavior.