Obesity is one of the most common preventable welfare problems in companion animals. It causes pain, reduces lifespan, and diminishes quality of life for millions of pets worldwide.
Companion animal obesity represents a welfare problem driven by good intentions expressed in harmful ways. Feeding pets beyond their caloric needs causes measurable suffering through pain, reduced mobility, and disease. The emotional resistance to addressing obesity in pets — because feeding feels like an expression of love — requires empathetic but clear communication from veterinarians and welfare advocates. Weight management is one of the highest-impact welfare interventions available to individual pet owners.