Is My Pet Fat? How to Maintain a Healthy Weight for Pets

Maintaining a healthy weight for pets is essential for their overall health and well-being

I know, it’s not exactly dinner table conversation, but it’s an important one – is your pet fat?

We all love spoiling our fur-family – extra treats, table scraps, and the occasional skipped walk. It feels like love, but it usually does more harm than good.

Let’s ‘weigh in’ on why weight management matters and how to maintain a healthy weight for pets.

Pet Obesity: Why a Healthy Weight for Pets Matters

When is a pet actually obese, not just a little chunky?

Obesity is defined as an accumulation of body fat, over and above what is required by the animal for optimal functioning.

Obesity is a lifelong condition that can lead to serious health issues and a shorter lifespan.

Did You Know?

• Obese pets live, on average, 2.5 years less than their healthy-weight buddies.
• 61% of cats & 59% of dogs are overweight or obese.
• 90% of pet parents don’t realise their pet is overweight!

In a study with Labrador Retrievers, it was found that keeping a healthy weight could actually help dogs live longer. Those dogs who were kept at a lean or healthier weight lived about two years longer than their heavier siblings.

Some of the leaner dogs were still going strong at ages 16 and 17, even though the average lifespan for a Labrador is usually around 12 years.

So, managing Bruno’s weight might just give you more time to enjoy with him.

How to Maintain a Healthy Weight for Pets: The Key to Their Happiness

A little extra ‘fluff’ might seem cute but not maintaining a healthy weight for pets can lead to serious medical issues. Conditions like hypothyroidism are to blame—so a vet check is a must.

According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), the main cause of pet obesity is overfeeding.

Too many treats, oversized portions, and not enough activity to burn it off. The good news? It’s completely in our control.

Is Your Pet Overweight? You Might Not Even Know

APOP say pets that are 10-20% over their ideal weight are considered overweight, while 21% and over are classified as obese.

TIP: If you can’t easily feel your pet’s ribs or see a waist from above, they may be overweight. Check their weight using a body condition score chart, as ideal weight varies by breed and body type

A Waltham Petcare Science Institute survey found 54% of pet owners give in to begging. 22% overfeed to make pets happy. 87% don’t measure portions.

With proper portion control, fewer treats, and regular playtime, we can help them shed the extra weight, reduce the risk of obesity-related diseases, and boost their overall vitality.

10 Popular Dog Breeds Most at Risk of Becoming Fat

find out more here

1. Diet and Nutrition: Fueling Your Pet’s Healthy Weight Journey

Choosing the Right Food for a Healthy Weight for Pets

• Lower energy density: Weight-loss foods have fewer calories per serving, so your fur-kid can still enjoy a nice, satisfying portion without overloading on calories.
• Higher in protein: Helps maintain lean muscle mass, keeping them strong & healthy even when your pet is eating fewer calories.
• Fat-burning ingredients like L-carnitine, coconut oil, fish oils, and taurine boost metabolism and support fat breakdown for better weight management in pets. Many quality diets include these to keep pets healthy and in top shape.
• Higher in fiber: More fiber means more bulk in their meals, helping your pet feel fuller for longer.
• Higher concentration of vitamins and minerals: Weight-loss foods are loaded with extra nutrients, giving your pet everything they need to stay healthy while trimming down their calorie intake.

There are a variety of premium, weight control diets available to help get your pet’s weight loss journey off on the right paw, while still allowing them to enjoy their meals.

Dogs and cats who are prone to being overweight, or those you struggle to keep at a healthy weight, should be on a weight control pet food throughout their adult life.

• Weight Control Dry Food for Dogs: Help your pup shed the weight with tasty, satisfying kibble that supports weight loss without skimping on flavour.
• Weight Control Dry Food for Cats: Lighter kibble options that keep kitty full and happy while helping to manage their weight.
• Weight Control Wet Food for Dogs: Got a wet food lover? These delicious, lower-calorie options help with weight management while still being drool-worthy.
• Weight Control Wet Food for Cats: Tasty, low-calorie wet food that helps your feline friend stay on track with their weight loss—without them giving you the evil eye.

When it comes to keeping your pet in tip-top shape, weight management and joint health go hand in hand.

Hill’s has made it easier than ever with their new Perfect Weight & Active Mobility Dry Dog Food, designed to support both healthy weight and improved mobility.

2. Treats

Treats can sneak in extra calories, so it’s key to choose low-calorie treats for dogs and cats.

Keep the treats to a minimum – A typical rule is that 10% of calories can come from treats and 90% should come from their food.

And no matter how convincing those puppy eyes are—human food is a big no-no!

HUMAN SNACKS = PET WEIGHT GAIN

3. Exercise and Activity: How to Support a Healthy Weight for Pets

Exercise is a game-changer when it comes to helping your pet shed extra or maintain an ideal weight.

Regular movement – whether it’s a walk, a game of fetch or a flick of their favourite cat wand – burns calories, builds muscle, and increases their metabolism.

TOP TIP: Little changes can go a long way. You don’t have to jump straight into a park run or Two Oceans Marathon. Start by adding an extra block to your daily walk and gradually increase the intensity

Exercises To Help Your Dog Lose Weight

Take Daily Walks – Grab their walking gear and start with regular walks, but mix things up a bit. Let your dog walk on different surfaces like sand, grass, or shallow water for a bit of extra resistance.

• Turn Everyday Objects Into an Obstacle Course – Use benches, tree stumps, or even cardboard boxes to create a fun course where your dog can jump over, crawl under, or weave through.
• Make Fetch More Challenging – Get your paws on dog ball & fetch toys, & throw the ball uphill, across sand, or up the stairs (if indoors) to add an extra workout.
• Play Hide and Seek – Hide a few pieces of kibble (low-calorie, of course) or their favourite dog toy around the house or garden and let them sniff them out.
• Try Jogging or Cycling Together – If your dog is up for it, grab your hiking or jogging lead and take them along on a slow jog or a safe cycling route.
• Swimming for Low-Impact Exercise – Perfect for dogs with arthritis or joint issues. If you don’t have access to a pool, hydrotherapy could be an option – check with your vet. And always remember, water-safety first!

Exercises To Help Your Cat Lose Weight

DID YOU KNOW… 1 in 4 cats are overweight? Is yours 1 of them?

• Harness Training for Walks – It might take some patience, but teaching your cat to walk with a cat harness can be a great way to get them moving. Start indoors and let them explore at their own pace.
• Playtime is Key – Keep things exciting with toys that encourage movement. Cat balls & chasers, wands & teasers or even a scrunched-up piece of paper can spark their inner hunter.
• Create a Climbing Wonderland – Cats love to explore, so set up some boxes, shelves, or cat trees to give them new spaces to jump in and out of.
• Make Mealtime an Adventure – Hide food in different spots around the house, place it on higher surfaces, or use puzzle feeders & treat-dispensing toys to keep them engaged and moving.

4. Portion Control: An Easy Way to Help Maintain a Healthy Weight for Pets

It’s easy to overfeed (those pleading eyes and adorable faces doesn’t help!), but even a little extra food each day can add up to extra kilos over time.

Following feeding amounts tailored to your pet’s diet helps keep their weight in check while making sure they get all the goodness they need to stay happy, healthy, and full of energy.

• Automatic Pet Feeders – help control portions and feeding schedules, so your pet gets the right amount at the right time.
• Microchip Pet Feeders – ensures the right pet gets the right food and keeps the making them ideal for multi-pet households.
• Slow Feeder Bowls – help slow down eating, improving digestion and preventing overeating.

5. Joint Support – Why a Healthy Weight is Essential to your Older or Arthiritic Pet

Carrying around extra weight can really put a strain on your pet’s joints, making it tough for them to move around comfortably.

It’s a vicious cycle: more weight = more joint stress = less movement = even more weight!

Adding joint-supporting supplements can give those joints a little extra love, and as the weight comes off, you’ll likely see less pain and more wiggle in their step.

FACT Overweight pets that lose just 6% of their weight have a noticeable improvement in their mobility. That’s only 2 kilos for an overweight Labrador that weighs 30 kilos

• Joint Supplements – Joint support supplements for dogs and cats help to soothe joint pain, reduce swelling, fight inflammation, and keep your pet feeling lively, active, and playful.
• Joint Supporting Beds – Orthopedic beds can help provide some relief. They help spread your pet’s weight evenly, easing pressure on their joints for a more comfortable snooze.
• Raised pet beds – provide better air circulation, take the pressure off achy joints, and make hopping in and out bed a whole lot easier.
• Pet Steps – The Scala Foldable Steps and Dog-O-Pedic Pet Steps make it easier for those with sore joints, or a little extra ‘fluff’ to reach their favorite spots without the strain.

6. Hydration

We all know water is important, while it isn’t directly related to weight loss it plays a crucial role in aiding digestion in your pet.

Keeping your fur-family hydrated helps their metabolism run smoothly and keeps them feeling fuller for longer — so they’re less likely to beg for that extra treat (well, hopefully 😆)

• Water Fountains– A pet drinking fountain keeps water fresh and flowing, encouraging more sips—better hydration, happier digestion, and maybe even a little help with weight management.
• On-The-Go Hydration – A travel water bottle helps your pet stay hydrated on the go, supporting digestion and keeping them fuller for longer.

In conclusion, maintaining a healthy weight for pets isn’t just about looks – it’s about helping them live their best, longest life and honestly, we owe it to them.

Pets who maintain a healthy weight are less likely to run into issues like joint pain or heart problems, giving them more energy to chase after those Hadedas and zoom around the house at 3 a.m.

Whether it’s choosing the right food, sneaking in some extra playtime, or swapping treats for healthier options (sorry, no more sneaky pieces of braai meat), finding that perfect balance is key.

So, take a moment to chat with your vet about what’s best for your fur-baby — they truly deserve all the love, care, and belly rubs to stay happy and healthy for years to come.