Obesity is the most common nutritional disorder in companion animals, causing significant welfare compromise through joint pain, respiratory difficulty, reduced lifespan, and multiple health conditions.
Pet obesity welfare is distinctive because it is almost entirely preventable and reversible, yet remains the most prevalent welfare problem in companion animals. The welfare cost is substantial: obese animals experience chronic joint pain, respiratory restriction, reduced exercise tolerance, and often shortened lifespans. The emotional complexity of the owner-pet relationship means that food is frequently used to express love and affection, creating a reinforcement pattern that is difficult to break. Veterinary guidance is most effective when it focuses on feeding enrichment and alternative ways to express care, rather than simply reducing food quantity. Weight loss in obese companion animals produces measurable improvements in mobility, activity, and quality of life within weeks.