Weighing the risks: Why pet obesity remains a blind spot for many owners

Pet obesity is a growing concern, affecting 60% of cats and dogs globally, according to research published in the Frontiers in Veterinary Science journal, which highlights “several severe health complications such as orthopedic problems, insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus in cats, low-grade inflammation and even cancer.”

New research from pet food manufacturer Royal Canin reveals a lack of understanding among pet parents about what constitutes a healthy weight for their pet. The company’s data indicate a lower global share of obese dogs and cats (40%) compared to the Frontiers study.

The Royal Canin survey, conducted in March 2025 by London-based market research firm Censuswide, interviewed 14,016 dog and cat owners and 1,750 veterinary professionals across the UK, France, China, India, Mexico, Spain, Portugal and Brazil.

A similar issue with what owners know about pet obesity was highlighted in a 2024 report from Bloomberg Intelligence and a report from UK Pet Food.  

Misinformation and social media 

One of the main issues with the knowledge gap among owners is misinformation, with 17% of respondents citing this as one of the biggest barriers to maintaining a healthy weight for their four-legged friend.

Vets are also concerned about inaccurate or misleading information (29%) and how it causes problems with having conversations with pet parents about healthy weight and obesity. 

More than 4 in 10 say the issue of pet obesity has increased in the last few years, and 45% say that owners underestimate the risks. 

The study found that 19% of pet owners use social media to get information about pet nutrition, healthy weight and obesity, rising to 55% among Gen Z. 

Industry steps up

Royal Canin is not the only pet industry player to be stepping up its research and information to provide pet parents with better information and guidance. 

In February this year, Hill’s Pet Nutrition partnered with the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) to combat pet obesity. The initiative focuses on equipping veterinary teams with tools and information to support pet owners in maintaining their pets’ healthy weight.

In October 2024, UK Pet Food launched an interactive tool designed to help dog owners understand and manage their pets’ feeding habits. Developed in collaboration with psychologist Professor Thomas Webb, the tool features a quiz and personalized advice to address overfeeding and treat-giving behaviors.

 It was released along with the organization’s report on pet obesity in the UK over the past decade. 

Research projects

Given the significant global issue, multiple research projects are underway to develop effective treatments and assess the efficacy of existing ones.

The AKC Canine Health Foundation is funding research by the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine into whether excess weight also interferes with the effectiveness of advanced osteoarthritis treatments. 

A recent revelation by scientists at the University of Cambridge in the UK found that a gene called DENND1B was most closely linked to obesity in Labradors (and humans). However, it is not the only factor. 

“Dogs at high genetic risk of obesity showed signs of having a higher appetite, as has also been shown for people at high genetic risk of obesity,” says Natalie Wallis from the University of Cambridge’s Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, and joint first author of the research.

The study also found that pet parents who strictly control their pets’ diet and exercise regimes can prevent breeds at higher risk for obesity from becoming obese.