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Pet obesity in numbers
According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 56% of dogs and 60% of cats are overweight or obese in developed countries. Obesity reduces life expectancy by 1.8 years on average in dogs and increases risks of diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, and certain cancers.
How to assess your pet's weight
Body Condition Score (BCS): the professional method
On a scale of 1 (emaciated) to 9 (morbidly obese), the ideal weight falls between 4 and 5:
- Score 4-5 (ideal): ribs palpable under a thin fat layer, waist visible from above, tucked abdomen from the side
- Score 6-7 (overweight): ribs hard to feel, minimal waist, rounded belly
- Score 8-9 (obese): ribs not palpable, no waist, pendulous abdomen
The causes: beyond the food bowl
- Overfeeding — the number one cause. Feeding guidelines on kibble bags are often 20-30% too generous
- Excessive treats — a pig ear = 230 kcal, that's 25% of daily needs for a 10kg dog
- Neutering — reduces energy needs by 30%. Without diet adjustment, weight gain is inevitable
- Sedentary lifestyle — an apartment dog without sufficient activity
- Table scraps — the biggest trap. A piece of cheese for a 4kg cat equals a burger for a human
The weight loss programme: gradual method
Step 1: Weigh and set targets
Weigh your pet at the vet. Set a goal: 1-2% body weight loss per week is ideal. Faster than that risks hepatic lipidosis in cats.
Step 2: Reduce portions
Cut the daily ration by 15-20% (no more). Weigh kibble with kitchen scales — cup estimation is inaccurate by 30% on average.
Step 3: Increase activity
- Dog: +10 minutes walking daily, fetch games, swimming
- Cat: two 15-minute play sessions, puzzle feeders, vertical climbing
Step 4: Eliminate extras
Replace calorie-dense treats with carrot pieces, cucumber, or apple (seedless). Inform ALL family members — a programme only works when everyone plays along.
Monitoring: the key to success
Weigh your pet fortnightly. At Compagnon Cocoon, we recommend keeping a simple tracking log: date, weight, portion size. Share it with your vet to adjust the programme as needed. Patience is essential: a successful diet takes 3-6 months.