Healthy weight management

The benefits of an optimal weight

In the EU, obesity levels among humans have risen steadily since 1975 and a similar trend is apparent among pets. Vets have reported that 51% of dogs, 44% of cats and 29% of small mammals are overweight or obese. Pet obesity is frequently associated with other conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease, whereas chronic disease is delayed – and life expectancy increased – in pets of optimal weight. Here are five tips to help the pet industry promote healthy weight management:

1. Adhere to the nutritional guidelines

It is important that pets are fed a nutritionally balanced diet from day one. The best option is to feed a complete food – or in combination with appropriate complementary foods – specifically formulated for the pet’s life stage. Manufacturers and other pet professionals should all be familiar with FEDIAF’s Nutritional Guidelines, a review of the NRC data and other existing science, peer-reviewed by independent veterinary nutritionists throughout Europe. All manufacturers that adhere to this code are supplying safe, nutritious and palatable products.

2. Communicate feeding guidelines

To help owners maintain a healthy weight for their pets, it is vital to communicate the importance of following the feeding guidelines, controlling portion size, and treating pets kindly. To accompany the Code of Good Labelling Practice, FEDIAF has developed an e-learning tool that helps manufacturers and the pet trade understand the basic functions of on-pack and off-pack product communication. This better equips manufacturers to provide owners with sensible advice.

3. Share additional nutrition facts

Employees and consumers alike benefit from more knowledge about pet food topics, ranging from carbohydrates and additives to homemade diets and raw foods. Communicating facts like ‘treats should equate to no more than 10% of a pet’s calorie intake’ can help make pets healthier. FEDIAF offers more than 20 useful factsheets.

4. Educate owners about maintaining a healthy pet lifestyle

As part of their marketing strategy, pet professionals should educate owners about regularly monitoring their pet’s weight, and also about the importance of maintaining a healthy and active pet lifestyle incorporating play and exercise into the daily routine. Many manufacturers produce useful body condition charts that can be shared with owners to help them recognise a healthy shape.

5. Advise owners to seek more help

Pet professionals and manufacturers should encourage owners to ask for help if they have serious concerns. A vet should always be the first point of contact to rule out any underlying health conditions, but weight issues can sometimes be resolved by simply reducing or increasing calorie intake plus adapting exercise plans. In the case of an underlying health condition, the pet may require a specific food for PARticular NUTritional (PARNUT) purposes that can help them live longer, healthier lives. Veterinarians can advise on which product to choose.