New research from pet food brand, Royal Canin, has revealed 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.
Dr Tabitha Hookey, veterinary nutritionist and member of the Royal Canin R&D team focused on obesity and diabetes, said vet professionals are noticing a big difference in recent years too, with 50% feeling as though pet obesity has increased since the pandemic.
“At Royal Canin, we believe that better health starts with better conversations,” said Dr. Hookey. “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.”
