Pet Obesity: The Hidden Health Crisis & How to Combat It

Pet obesity is a growing concern, evidenced by Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI) reporting a 7.3% increase in obesity-related claims in 2013, totaling over $52 million. This widespread issue leads to numerous health problems for both dogs and cats. For dogs, arthritis topped the list of conditions, with over 39,000 claims, followed by bladder/urinary tract disease, hypothyroidism, diabetes, and heart failure. Cats frequently suffer from bladder/urinary tract disease (4,700 claims), chronic kidney disease, diabetes, liver disease, and asthma due to excess weight.

A significant risk factor for feline obesity and related conditions, particularly Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) and urethral obstruction, is a dry food diet. Cats naturally lack a strong thirst drive and are physiologically ill-equipped to digest high carbohydrate loads typical of kibble, storing these as fat. Conversely, moisture-rich diets are crucial for their hydration and weight management.

The benefits of addressing pet obesity are substantial. For dogs, even modest weight loss yields significant improvements. A University of Glasgow study demonstrated that obese dogs with arthritis experienced noticeable lameness reduction after losing just 6% to 9% of their body weight, with 82% showing improvement. This highlights the importance of species-appropriate nutrition and portion control over highly processed “weight loss” diets.

Similarly, for cats, transitioning to canned or raw, moisture-rich food is vital. A UC-Davis study found that cats consuming canned food ate less, leading to decreased body weight without compromising nutrition, and greatly preferred it. This dietary change helps prevent and resolve obesity and FLUTD. By correcting the mistake of inappropriate feeding and managing weight, pets can achieve improved health, mobility, and overall happiness.

(Source: https://www.barkandwhiskers.com/2015-05-30-nl-dog-cat-weight-related-conditions/)