According to the Association of Pet Obesity Prevention, as of 2022, 61% of cats and 59% of dogs were considered overweight or obese in the United States. This was an increase from 2018 and 2017, when 56% of dogs and 60% of cats were overweight.
Albeit slowly, these numbers continue to rise—or at best remain high—despite veterinary professionals’ best efforts. We unfortunately don’t have hard data for Canada, but according to the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, it is estimated that between 50% and 60% of pets in Canada are currently overweight or obese. It is an epidemic, and one that is largely preventable.
A well-fed, sedentary pet will easily gain weight, and since we see them every day, it can be hard to recognize. Obesity is complex, and pets become overweight for a variety of reasons: genetics/breed, lifestyle, medications, and certain metabolic diseases can all contribute to excess weight. However, it often comes down to the basics of calories in vs. calories out.
Photo by Ashley Levinson on Unsplash
Weight gain can occur unintentionally through overfeeding (by not portioning meals properly or keeping track of treats given) and a lack of exercise. Sadly, being overweight isn’t a harmless condition. Hormones and pro-inflammatory byproducts are released from excess fat tissue, putting dogs’ and cats’ bodies in a state of chronic inflammation. This inflammation and free radical damage can lead to—or worsen—underlying health problems. Obesity can aggravate or contribute to conditions such as skin irritation, respiratory issues (exercise intolerance), cardiovascular strain, urinary tract issues, constipation, pancreatitis, diabetes mellitus, and degenerative joint disease/arthritis, to name a few.
Sometimes, the biggest culprit for excess calories is treats! Treats should make up no more than 5–10% of a pet’s daily calories. Portion size matters too:
- 30g of cheddar cheese = 123 calories
- 1 cup sliced cucumber = 14 calories
- 28g cooked chicken (no skin) = 50 calories
Reducing treats—or choosing alternatives like fresh, whole foods instead of packaged treats—can make a huge difference.
A lick mat or toy filled with low-fat, gently cooked recipes like Coconut Chicken, or protein-rich Turkey Gobbler, can also help satisfy gluttonous pups. Once a pet reaches a certain level of obesity, your veterinarian will likely recommend a weight-loss diet. These diets are essential for success, along with regular follow-ups and weigh-ins. Therapeutic diets prescribed by veterinary clinics are designed with higher protein and nutrient density per calorie than regular over-the-counter or homemade diets, making them safer for calorie restriction.
However, they aren’t always the tastiest option! If your pet just needs to shed a few pounds, a lower-fat and/or higher-fiber diet can help with satiety while still reducing calories. Feeding a high-moisture diet (75%+ moisture) can also increase fullness. A recipe like Classic Pork Stew can be useful here.
Excess weight reduces both the quality and quantity of a pet’s life—and no one wants their companion to suffer unnecessarily. Using the Tom&Sawyer feeding calculator, you can estimate your pet’s caloric needs. Remember: this is only a starting point, as it doesn’t (and can’t) account for every individual’s needs. Another excellent step is weighing your pet’s food, as this is the most accurate way to monitor caloric intake.
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Weight loss requires a lifestyle change for both the animal and the person who loves them. Keeping your pet active helps them stay physically and mentally healthy, providing enrichment while strengthening your bond. One slow 20-minute walk per day usually isn’t enough (exceptions should be made for age and mobility), so higher-energy activities like swimming, running, or agility sports are best. Research your dog’s breed traits and choose activities that tap into their natural talents.
For cats, set aside 5–10 minutes daily for energy-burning play: laser pointers, wand toys, fetch-style games, or tossing treats down stairs. You can also elevate their food bowls so they have to “work” a little harder for meals.
Not only will creating a balanced nutrition plan and promoting regular exercise improve your pet’s long-term health, it will also strengthen the human–animal bond—something deeply important to every pet parent.
Resources:
- The Challenge Behind Addressing Pet Obesity in Veterinary Clinics https://www.uoguelph.ca/ovc/news/node/2384
- Association for Pet Obesity Prevention https://petobesityprevention.org
- Canine and Feline Nutrition: A Resource for Companion Animal Professionals (Case, Daristotle, Hayek, Raasch 2011)
Kelly Gredner is a Registered Veterinary Technician with 10 years as a Veterinary Technician Specialist in pet nutrition. Kelly recently joined Tom&Sawyer and is now a part of their nutrition team as the Veterinary Nutrition Consultant and Technical Specialist! She enjoys helping pets through nutrition, one bowl at a time. Kelly currently resides in Toronto with her two rescue cats, Mikey and Sidney.
Tom&Sawyer was started to create the highest quality all-natural, gently cooked, science-backed nutritious meals for a puppy named Sawyer who refused to eat kibble. Since 2015, Tom&Sawyer has been making hand-crafted meals for cats and dogs, that are developed with the help of vets, animal nutritionists and labs to create complete and nutritionally balanced meals that are 100% AAFCO Human Grade.
