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PFMA confirms extent of obesity epidemic in British pets
Government statistics show that human obesity has reached crisis point, with around two-thirds of people living in Britain either overweight or obese. The problem extends to our pets, one in three household pets is now overweight, which equates to a staggering seven million animals.
Despite this weighty reality, research released today by the Pet Food Manufacturers' Association (PFMA) reveals that an alarming eight out of 10 dog, cat and rabbit owners believe that their pet is just the right weight, although when asked which of a series of pictures most closely resembled their pet, only 33% of dog owners and 23% of cat owners chose the ‘normal weight' picture.
The independent research, conducted by TNS, surveyed over 2,100 households and suggests that nine out of 10 pet owners are not that concerned about their pet's weight. Most revealing was pet owners' fundamental misunderstanding about how to manage their pet's weight.
Only a third of cat and dog owners who thought their pet was overweight believed they could do 'a lot' about their pet's weight, but a shocking 62% of dog and 72% of cat owners believed they could personally either do nothing, or a little about their pet's weight.
Of those who thought that their dog, cat or rabbit was overweight, a third of owners admitted that the reason their pet needed to lose weight was because they fed them too many treats and 11% said that they overfed their pets at mealtimes. A lack of exercise was also cited by 36% of dog, cat and rabbit owners as a cause of their pet's weight problem.
Michael Bellingham, chief executive of the PFMA, said: "Pet obesity has a serious, and sometimes fatal, impact on the health and welfare of our pets. The figures are alarming and the problem won't go away without a fundamental shift in owners' attitude to feeding their pets. It is also worrying that most owners are not aware of the problem, because they are unable to recognise a fat pet in the first place. Perceptions of what is the correct size are seriously out of kilter with reality.
"Worryingly, only a quarter (25%) of those surveyed said that they had ever sought advice on whether any of their pets were overweight, while less than a quarter of owners referred to manufacturers advice on pet food labels or sought advice from vets.
"We know that a pet fed to its right condition will lead a longer and healthier life. Not only that, getting active with your pet can help pet owners achieve the same for themselves. We urge pet owners to start using our Pet Size-O-Meter and make sure they and their pets have the best chance for a long happy life together."
To obtain a full copy of the PFMA's 'White Paper', Pet Obesity: The Reality in 2009, visit the PFMA website.
Published: 26 Mar 2009
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Tags: Associations, Exotic, News, Small animal
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