Half of vets notice an increase in pet obesity since the pandemic – and feel misinformation is one of the biggest causes
New research from pet food brand, ROYAL CANIN, reveals a knowledge gap in healthy pet weight management with just over a quarter (25%) of pet owners saying they lack understanding of what a healthy pet weight is.
With approximately 40% of adult cats and dogs globally considered overweight or living with obesity, this issue is only aggravated by the prevalence of misinformation with nearly a third of UK vet professionals (32%) saying it’s one of the biggest barriers that prevents them from having constructive conversations with pet owners about healthy pet weight.
Vet Professionals are noticing a big difference in recent years too, with 50% feeling as though pet obesity has increased since the pandemic. There are also common challenges faced by vet professionals when having a conversation with pet owners about healthy pet weight. Issues that were especially prominent were:
- Pet owners not acknowledging an issue with their pet’s weight (39%)
- Underestimating the risks associated (38%)
- A reluctance to change their pet’s feeding or exercise habits (37%)
Many pet owners, particularly Gen Z, turn to social media to look for advice regarding their pet’s wellbeing but vet professionals remain the most trusted source of pet health information by pet owners, including amongst Gen Z.
“At Royal Canin, we believe that better health starts with better conversations,” said Dr. Tabitha Hookey, veterinary nutritionist and member of the ROYAL CANIN R&D team focused on obesity and diabetes. “Through providing accessible and credible information, we’re aiming to support pet owners with clear, science-based advice to help more pets live their healthiest lives. Through partnering with an expert panel and using social media to maximise our outreach, with this campaign we hope to be able to empower even more pet owners with a better understanding of healthy pet nutrition and weight management, and ultimately, to promote dialogue with the veterinary professionals that care for their pets.”
To address these communication challenges, ROYAL CANIN, which specialises in breed-specific, life stage-specific, and veterinary therapeutic cat and dog food, is launching a global initiative that aims to bridge the gap between pet owners and veterinary professionals.
The newly launched campaign, #ScalingTheConversation is supported by a panel of experts and creators committed to reshaping the discussion about pet nutrition and weight management. Through science-backed storytelling, creator-led education, and interactive content across social media, the campaign is designed to support pet owners – particularly digital-first generations such as Gen Z – and provide veterinary professionals with tools to help guide these conversations both within and beyond the clinical setting.
For advice and top tips on how to keep your pet at a healthy weight, visit: https://www.royalcanin.com/uk/dogs/weight-management