Petnet to acquire SlimDoggy

Petnet has entered into an agreement to acquire SlimDoggy Inc., giving Petnet access to SlimDoggy’s petfood database and patent pending technology, which the company plans to incorporate into its “Smart” line of pet products.

Together, Petnet and SlimDoggy aim to make feeding a pet and selecting appropriate petfood as simple and convenient as possible. The acquisition allows Petnet to leverage the data and methodologies SlimDoggy has developed into an innovative pet feeding system that empowers pet owners to improve the overall health of their pets through proper diet.
In the U.S., pet owners are estimated to have spent nearly $24 billion on petfood in 2014. As the industry continues to grow, data indicates that there are now more pets than children in U.S. households, with 180 million dogs and cats in the U.S. and more households owning a pet than having children. Additionally, consumer spending on smart home systems and products is expected to hit $39 billion by 2019.
Petnet addresses the food-related needs of this growing demographic using a combination of petfood data and sensors to make proper pet feeding simple and convenient. The Petnet SmartFeeder ensures proper servings of the correct food, and alerts the pet owner when the food supply is running low and will automatically have more delivered to the pet owner’s door when it is needed.
"Our acquisition of SlimDoggy helps us to accelerate our vision of using technology to build a better world for pets,” said Carlos Herrera, founder and CEO of Petnet. “We’re deploying a sensor-enabled system powered by SlimDoggy’s data that will guide pet owners to the perfect food recipe for their pet, help them maintain healthy portions, and automatically deliver food to their home when they need it. It's the epitome of the connected home and the future of commerce.”
The majority of pet owners are unaware of the correct portion size and quality of food to feed their pet. In the U.S., more than one-half of the dogs and cats are overweight or obese, which leads to 15 percent shorter lifespans, and increased risk of disease including diabetes, osteoarthritis, cardiovascular problems, and even some forms of cancer.
“The amount and type of petfood is the single biggest decision a pet owner can make to impact their pet’s health. With the long and confusing petfood labels, consumers are left to guess when trying to make intelligent, healthy food and portion control decisions,” said Steve Pelletier, founder and CEO of SlimDoggy Inc. “We are excited to work closely with Petnet to improve the way petfood is served, evaluated and purchased, all the while helping to keep pets as healthy as possible.”

Pet obesity on rise for fourth straight year

New data released by Veterinary Pet Insurance Co. (VPI), a US provider of pet health insurance, shows that pet obesity is on the rise for the fourth straight year. In 2013, VPI policyholders filed for more than US$52 million in claims for conditions and diseases that can be related to pet obesity, a 7.3% growth from 2012, according to the company.
Table scraps and excessive treats are major contributors associated with disproportionate weight gain in pets, said VPI. Similar to their human counterparts, excessive body fat increases the risk of preventable health problems and shortens the life expectancy of pets. According to VPI's database of more than 525,000 insured pets, the top 10 dog and cat obesity-related conditions are:
DOG
1) Arthritis
2) Bladder/urinary tract disease
3) Low thyroid hormone
4) Liver disease
5) Torn knee ligaments
6) Diabetes
7) Diseased disc in the spine
8) Fatty growth
9) Chronic kidney disease
10) Heart failure
CAT
1) Bladder/urinary tract disease
2) Chronic kidney disease
3) Diabetes
4) Liver disease
5) Asthma
6) Arthritis
7) High blood pressure
8) Heart failure
9) Gall bladder disorder
10) Immobility of spine
In 2013, VPI received more than 39,000 canine claims for arthritis, the most common joint disease aggravated by excessive weight. The average claim fee was US$300 per pet. For cats, bladder or urinary tract disease was the most common condition that can be aggravated by obesity. VPI received 4,700 medical claims for this ailment, with an average claim amount of US$420 per pet.  

Study explores role of gut bacteria in development of obesity in dogs

A new study has found that human and canine obesity share some similarities, according to Science magazine. Obese people have a less diverse array of bacteria living in their guts than do thin people—and the same holds true for dogs.
According to the study abstract, which was published in December 2014 in the "Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine," seven Beagle dogs were fed commercial petfood over a period of six months to increase their weight and seven other Beagle dogs were fed a restricted amount of the same diet to maintain optimal body condition over a period of six months. Researchers found that the seven Beagles in the first group gained an average of 4.93 kilograms—about 67% of their initial average weight.
"When the researchers examined the fecal samples collected from both groups after six months, they found that the guts of obese Beagles contained a smaller diversity of bacteria than those of the other dogs," said Science magazine. "What's more, microbes from the phylum Firmicutes were the predominant group in the lean dogs, whereas gram-negative bacteria called Proteobacteria were prevalent in the obese group."
The study says that decreased serotonin levels in the obese group might increase the risk of obesity because of increased appetite, and that microflora enriched with gram-negative might be related to chronic inflammation status in obese dogs. However, according to the study authors, more research is needed to examine what role gut bacteria may play in the development of obesity.

New Jersey dog summer camp tackles pet obesity

New Jersey-based Morris Animal Inn will offer the Canine Cardio Fitness Camp to help dogs get fit, lose weight and maintain a healthier lifestyle, according to organizers. The camp will be held June 16–20, 2014.

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The day or overnight program is designed to keep dogs active, stimulated and stress-free with treadmill trots, aerobic swim sessions in the indoor pool, outdoor water games, nature trail hikes, “Doga” and “Pawlates,” pampering massages, nutritious and refreshing homemade treats, and more, said camp organizers. “Canine Cardio Summer Camp is great for dogs who want to get or stay fit while having fun with their canine friends or personal fitness trainers,” said Joanne Morris, vice president of Morris Animal Inn. “Keeping dogs active and mentally stimulated is so important for their good health, and summer is a great time to start a new exercise regimen because everyone is spending more time outdoors.”
Program offerings will be individually tailored to meet the particular needs of each dog, with some sessions overseen by a personal trainer and others offered in a group setting. Registration is flexible so that dogs can attend for a single day or be immersed in the week-long program. Reservations are US$59 per day or US$249 for the week.

Purina dog owner survey reveals pet weight perceptions vs. reality

According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 53% of dogs are overweight or obese. Unfortunately, only 22% of dog owners believe that their dog is overweight. In an attempt to offer solutions to this problem, Purina Dog Chow Light & Healthy conducted a nationwide survey focusing on dog owner perceptions of their pet's weight, management, exercise and feeding habits.

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Even when owners acknowledge that their dog may be overweight, Purina survey findings suggest that many may struggle with how to tackle the problem. Of dog owners surveyed who believe their dog is overweight, almost one-fourth (24%) said they don't know how they should manage their dog's weight, and 22% have taken no action to do so. Of those surveyed who have taken action, more than one-third (36%) reported feeding smaller portions of the same dog food. However, this may leave the dog feeling less than satisfied and the owner feeling guilty, according to Purina.
"Providing a healthy, low-calorie diet should be the first step owners take to help their pet slim down," said Christina Schneider, brand manager for Purina Dog Chow. In conjunction with feeding a low-calorie dog food, regular exercise can benefit both the dog and owner. Of dog owners surveyed who report having a healthy weight dog, 61% reported exercising regularly themselves and 77% said they give their dog exercise more than three times per week. Having a canine companion also can be one of the best motivators for staying active, according to the survey. In fact, 79% of survey participants said they would rather exercise with their dog than with a personal trainer, and 68% would choose exercising with their dog over a friend.

SlimKitty.com launched to help combat cat obesity

Kate and Steve O'Brien have launched SlimKitty.com, a site that focuses on the health of cats. The site is sister to SlimDoggy.com, which highlights canine health.

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The sites aim to raise pet owners' awareness to the issue of pet obesity and educate owners about food, nutrition and the importance of exercise for the health and longevity of their pets. "We want [pet owners] to know what's in the food they are feeding, recognize how much they are feeding and understand how both factors impact their pets' health and longevity," said Kate O'Brien. "Just as with dogs, overweight cats are more susceptible to obesity-related diseases, particularly diabetes, as well as osteoarthritis and liver and kidney problems."
SlimKitty has a database with more than 1,000 cat foods so far that tracks ingredients, nutrients and calories. The SlimDoggy database is at 3,000 dog foods. "SlimKitty is just starting out, but our hope is to gain a following of caring, concerned cat owners who want to feed their cats the best they can feed them while also making sure their cats stay fit through activity and exercise," said Kate O'Brien. "We all love our pets and want what’s best for them. What could be better than a long happy, healthy and fit life?"

Nestlé Purina PetCare highlighting cat obesity with pledge effort

Nestlé Purina PetCare is focusing attention on cat health, specifically obesity, with a new pledge effort.

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The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention estimates that 58% of owned cats in the US, or 50 million cats, are overweight, and less than 12% of cat owners are aware that their cats have a weight problem. Nestlé Purina is striving to get 100,000 cat owners to sign a pledge before May 2 promising to assess their cat's weight to determine if their cat is heavier than advised by vets. If 100,000 pledges are lodged, Nestlé Purina will donate US$50,000 to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention.
The pledge is available on the company's website, www.catchow.com/whyweight. Those who sign the pledge will receive a free sample of Purina Cat Chow Healthy Weight, a low-calorie weight management cat food.

Pet Food Manufacturers' Association releases pet obesity report

The UK's Pet Food Manufacturers' Association (PFMA) has released its latest pet obesity report, "Pet Obesity: Five Years On," which highlights the discrepancy between the numbers and pet owners' perceptions. According to the PFMA, three in four (77%) vets believe that pet obesity is on the rise. However, two in three (63%) pet owners feel there are more important issues relevant to their pets than obesity.

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Vets consider the root causes of pet weight gain to be owners not following feeding guides (72% re: cats, 60% re: small animals and 28% re: birds), treating with leftover food (78% re: dogs) and insufficient exercise, particularly for cats (46%), dogs (44%) and small animals (35%).
"Overweight pets, like humans, can suffer from a myriad of health issues such as osteoarthritis, cardiovascular disease and diabetes," said Zara Boland, BVSc BE MRCVS, founder of Vet Voice Ltd. "There is nothing 'cuddly' about an overweight pet. Obesity is a disease in itself. It causes discomfort and illness that can result in both emotional distress and financial pressure for owners, and it has also been proven to reduce actual life length. We must continue pushing the pet health message until overweight pets are no longer an increasing and widespread concern."
New findings in the latest report, conducted five years after the initial report, show that although pet owners' awareness of pet obesity has improved, cause for concern remains-while vets feel up to 45% of all pets they see are overweight (45% of dogs, 40% of cats, 28% of small animals and 15% of caged birds), two in three (63%) pet owners believe their pet is the correct weight. The vast majority (93%) of pet owners say they would be concerned to discover their pet is overweight, yet only one in three (37%) know how to check this, indicating that existing tools and guidelines are simply not getting enough cut-through, according to the PFMA.
Taking its latest pet owner and vet findings into account, PFMA says that controlling portion size and monthly weighing or measuring are priority for any owners wanting to prolong and improve their pet's life. "All the tools are in place for pet owners and pet care professionals to better pets' lives together-now is the time to use them," said Michael Bellingham, chief executive of PFMA. "We need to engage pet owners emotionally, helping them realize that feeding and exercising their pet to optimum level can result in an extra two years of active life. To help spread the word about ideal pet weight, PFMA will launch a #GetPetsFit campaign in May this year (2014)." 

Hound and Gatos Pet Food Company offers info for October’s National Pet Wellness month

October is National Pet Wellness month, an educational campaign sponsored by the American Veterinary Medical Association and Fort Dodge Animal Health, which encourages pet owners to learn more about the proper diet for their pet. 
Annual checkups, exercise and training, and perhaps most importantly, petfood are critical for a pet's health, says Hound and Gatos Pet Food Corporation, which is offering five facts consumers may not know about petfood. According to the company:
Allergies and sensitivities: Petfood that contains ingredients such as corn, soy, dyes, generic liver and preservatives can lead to irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease.
China is the leading petfood exporter: China supplies half of all petfoods that are imported.
Urinary Tract Problems: Many dogs experience urinary tract problems that can occur if a dog's food doesn't contain a high enough water content.  
Fluoride in Water: Fluoride is added to our water and is reportedly ineffective. Recent reports, however, have found that fluoride can lead to the weakening of bones, bone less, osteosarcoma and even cognitive damage. To avoid this, use distilled water or installing a reverse-osmosis system.
Obesity: Obesity is one of the most common health problems in dogs and cats. To avoid obesity, try feeding your pet a diet without carbohydrates such as corn and wheat, which are fattening.
"Determining that what your pet is eating is probably the most significant area of wellness, it is imperative that an owner finds the best food with the best ingredients, and avoids the by-products and fillers that have a negative impact.  Soy, wheat, corn and artificial additives impact the health of your pet, as well as the digestion.  Let's use National Pet Wellness month as a reminder to focus on the year round care of our pets, and help them to live longer and happier lives," says Will Post, president of Hound and Gatos. "As members of the family, they deserve no less."

British Veterinary Association speaks out against new pet obesity research

New research recently reported in the Telegraph claims that many cats and dogs are becoming obese because of "comfort eating" to cope with "emotional distress." However, the British Veterinary Association is speaking out against the research, claiming it reinforces the "mistaken view" that "giving extra food to your pets is a way of showing that you love them."
The study by Dr. Franklin McMillan, a veterinarian and former clinical professor of medicine at the Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine, in California, USA, suggested that owners should try to understand the causes of the emotional distress, rather than simply cutting down on the amount of food pets' eat, which could make them even more unhappy and hungrier, the research said. McMillian's research suggested a number of factors that could trigger "emotional eating" in pets, including boredom, anxiety and depression. 
But, Robin Hargreaves, president-elect of the British Veterinary Association, disagreed, saying: "The research may have merit, but the concluding advice makes me worry.
"Animals do have emotional needs. You can't get away from that. But the biggest problem relating to pet obesity, is human behavior, rather than animal behavior. This advice gives an excuse to people who do not want to stop feeding their pets. My fear is that owners will latch onto this and say 'my animal needs this amount of food because of his emotional needs.' People clutch at straws because they would rather do anything than stop feeding their pet and this advice is manna to them.
"It can be hard to resist that hungry look from your dog and too easy to substitute real attention and interaction for treats, but it's in the pet's best interests to get it right," Hargreaves said. 

New pet nutrition research shows overweight dogs have shorter lives

Being overweight shortens a dog's life expectancy, according to new research by Mars Petcare and Banfield Pet Hospital's Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition. The new research shows the consequences for dogs being overweight and highlights the importance of pet owners maintaining their dog at a healthy weight. 
Data on a range of popular dog breeds from across the US showed that dogs that are overweight in middle age have a shorter life expectancy than ideal-weight dogs. Specifically, overweight dogs were found to suffer a reduction in life expectancy of up to 10 months compared to ideal-weight dogs. 
"We examined a broad range of popular breeds of all shapes and sizes and found that overweight dogs tend to have a shorter life expectancy. This was particularly pronounced in five breeds - Labrador, Shih Tzu, American Cocker Spaniel, Golden Retriever and Beagle," said lead scientist at the Waltham Centre, Carina Salt. "In order to ensure the findings were representative of dogs in the family home, we used data from a large number of pet dogs collected during visits to their veterinarian. The research highlights the very real consequences of being overweight for dogs in the family home. Key tips for combating excess weight and keeping your dog fit and healthy include carefully controlling food portions in line with the pack feeding guidelines, regular exercise appropriate for your dog's needs and regular weighing sessions. Owners concerned about their dog's weight should speak to a veterinarian."
Data were collected on normal and overweight dogs from 10 popular breeds, ranging in age from 6.5 to 8.5 year. The data were collected by veterinarians during consultations across the network of more than 830 Banfield Pet Hospital locations in the US.

Freshpet teaming up with veterinarian for National Pet Obesity Month in October

Freshpet is teaming up with TV and radio personality and veterinarian Dr. Katy Nelson to educate pet owners during National Pet Obesity Month in October.
Dr. Nelson will join Freshpet to educate owners about the importance of feeding fresh food to their pet and regularly exercising their pet.
"Freshpet has become my go-to food for my two dogs because of the high-quality meats and veggies used to make their nutritious meals. When you read the label, the ingredients are familiar and sound like the ones you'd find on your own grocery list - chicken, peas, carrots and brown rice. I'm excited to join Freshpet in spreading the word that eating fresh, less processed food can really make a difference in the quality of your pet's life," says Dr. Nelson.
To demonstrate how important fresh food is to both people and pets, Freshpet is challenging Dr. Nelson and her family to live without their refrigerator for seven days, beginning September 9. Freshpet will also be kicking off a consumer contest in mid-September, in which one winner will receive a Freshpet fridge and a year's supply of Freshpet food. 

Italian pet owners feed most table scraps, treats to pets, survey finds

In a recent survey of nearly 1,300 Italians that asked whether they thought their pets were overweight, 29 percent agreed that their pet was overweight, according to a report commissioned by Hill's petfood company and the survey conducted by UK-based market research company YouGov.  
The survey further found that 26 percent of Italian pet owners said they feed their pet leftovers and snacks. This is compared to previous surveys conducted in the Netherlands and Great Britain, where just 8 percent and 13 percent of pet owners, respectively, fed their pet snacks and leftovers. Overall, it is estimated that overweight and obese pets in Italy could account for up to 95 percent of cats and 63 percent of dogs. 

Owners can feed pets using special petfood bowl, new smartphone app

A new application is available that allows pet owners to feed their pet remotely using their smartphone and a special petfood bowl.
The app, Pintofeed, lets pet owners remotely feed their pets when they are on-the-go, as well as lets pet owners set up a repeating schedule. The app and bowl notify the owner when the pet has been feed and also displays portion size. 
The app lets owners of multiple pets or shelters manage up to 50 Pintofeeds from one account. Pintofeed works with dry petfood only. 

Obesity-related conditions cost pet insurance policyholders US$34 million in 2012

Veterinary Pet Insurance Co. recently sorted its database of more than 485,000 insured pets to determine the top 10 dog and cat obesity-related health conditions in 2012. With the epidemic of pet obesity rising, the company says its policyholders filed more than US$34 million in claims in 2012 for conditions and diseases that can be caused or made worse by excess weight. 
The most common obesity-related condition for dogs was arthritis, for which more than 34,000 claims were filed at an average fee of US$300 per pet. For cats, bladder/urinary tract disease was the most common condition, for which the company received more than 4,200 medical claims at an average cost of US$415 per pet. 
Other top obesity-related conditions, in order, in dogs were: bladder/urinary tract disease, undiagnosed limp, low-thyroid hormone, liver disease, torn knee ligaments, diseased disc in the spine, diabetes, heart failure and chronic kidney disease. For cats, these were: chronic kidney disease, diabetes, asthma, liver disease, high blood pressure, arthritis, undiagnosed limp, heart failure and gall bladder disorder. 
"Taking your pet to the veterinarian for regular wellness visits is the most effective way to monitor your pet's weight," said Dr. Carol McConnell, DVM, vice president and chief veterinary medical officer for VPI. "Routine exercise, a regulated diet and watching for signs of excessive weight gain are important steps in avoiding pet obesity and the additional health concerns that are associated with it."

Petfood bowl, scooper may be contributors to pet obesity epidemic

The size of a pet's food bowl and the tools used to scoop out the petfood are likely contributing to the epidemic of pet obesity, according to a study published in the April 2012 issue of the Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition.
The four-treatment trial study, conducted by researchers at the University of Tennessee's College of Veterinary Medicine, included 54 dogs that consumed kibbled dog food in the following serving combinations:
• Small bowl and small scoop
• Small bowl and large scoop
• Large bowl and small scoop
• Large bowl and large scoop
The food portions offered to the dogs using the small bowl with the small scoop were significantly less than all other bowl and scoop combinations, the study showed. The small/small combination averaged about 151 grams, compared to 172, 173 and 185 grams for the other combinations. The small bowl/large scoop and the large bowl/small scoop amounts were almost the same (172 grams versus 173 grams), while the large bowl with the large scoop resulted in a 185-gram serving.
Study authors say these results emphasize the need for pet owners to use standard measuring cups when measuring out their pet's food, and for owners of overweight pets to use smaller bowls and serving scoops. Researchers say it is also important that pet owners calculate their pet's ideal daily caloric intake.

Pet owners, petfood banks supported by new Royal Canin Facebook challenge

Petfood maker Royal Canin and Banfield Charitable Trust are teaming up to support pet owner retention programs, as the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says that more than 2 million pets are surrendered annually to shelters by families that encounter hardships. The "40,000 Pounds in 40 Days" Facebook challenge runs through July 26.
For 40 consecutive days, Royal Canin will be sharing inspiring stories through Facebook posts of cats, dogs and their families who were the recipients of petfood assistance programs through Banfield Charitable Trust. For each "like" or "share" engagement on Royal Canin's or Banfield Charitable Trust's Facebook pages, Royal Canin will donate one pound of food, up to 40,000 pounds.
As part of the "40,000 Pounds in 40 Days" Facebook challenge and the ongoing partnership with Banfield Charitable Trust, two new food pantries will receive donations to help open their doors in the coming months:
•North Park Friendship Center in Chicago, Illinois, USA, will make petfood available in their existing human food bank, supplied in part by donations from Royal Canin.
•The Humane Society of Greater Kansas City, Kansas, USA, will open a petfood pantry to make support available on a permanent basis.

Purina, Jenny Craig team up to help pet owners, pets lose weight

Petfood maker Nestle Purina and weight-loss company Jenny Craig are teaming up for the Power of Two program, which aims to help pets and their owners lose weight together. 
In working together, weight loss experts from Jenny Craig and Purina found that many of the strategies effective in helping people lose weight are also effective in helping pets lose weight. The companies say the most benefit for pets and their owners came from personalized counseling offered by trained veterinary professionals and Jenny Craig consultants. The Power of Two program joins pets and their owners with weight loss experts: consultants in Jenny Centers and Purina certified weight coaches in veterinary clinics. These experts develop customized eating and activity recommendations, supervise regular weigh-ins, and provide ongoing counsel and support.
"Pets are a part of the family, and they share the lifestyle of their owner, including healthy or unhealthy habits," said Jessica Collins, area market director and consultant trainer for Jenny Craig. "With the right tools and support, pets can make the best weight loss partners, as they can help motivate their owners to ditch bad habits and get moving."
"The support of a weight-loss buddy can be invaluable, and a four-legged friend fills the role without judgment," says Purina certified weight coach, Heather Prendergast. She says that exercising with pets can actually help boost both the duration and intensity level.
Pet owners interested in the program can sign up on the Power of Two program website, as well as find more information and special offers. 

Merrick Pet Care, Dogington Post host responsible dog owner seminars in June

As part of an initiative to educate pet parents on how to have healthy, happy dogs and promote the importance of responsible dog parenting, The Dogington Post and Merrick Pet Care have teamed up to create "Merrick Pet Care's Dogington University," a series of eight live seminars presented by top animal health experts throughout June.
As part of the event, veterinarians and experts from around the country will give one-hour, live presentations to the readers and fans of the site.
Experts presenting as part of the series include Dr. Ernie Ward, the veterinarian for the "Rachel Ray Show" and author of Chow Hounds. Dr. Ward will speak on the topic of pet obesity. Holistic veterinarian and award-winning author, Dr. Shawn Messonnier will discuss allergies and skin problems in dogs, and how pet parents can treat them both conventionally and naturally.
Other panelists include Jennifer Kachnic, president of the Gray Muzzle Organization, who will speak about caring for senior dogs; Dr. Doug Kenney, veterinarian and expert on the topic of pet insurance; Leslie May and Johann the Dog, experts in green living; author John Clifton on the subject of vaccinations; Linda Tellington-Jones, the creator of TTouch, a system of animal training, healing and communication that allows people to relate to animals in a deeper, more compassionate way; and Thom Somes, "The Pet Safety Guy" will discuss summer hiking safety for dogs.
Anyone can register for free online, and a one-time registration will allow access to all eight free seminars.
"It is widely known that well behaved, healthy dogs stand a better chance of finding and staying in loving homes, away from overcrowded shelters and euthanasia," said Brandy Arnold, content editor for Dogington Post.

Pet Food Manufacturers Association asks pet owners to help pets lose weight

The Pet Food Manufacturers Association is asking pet owners in the UK to take part in its "Weigh in Wednesday" campaign, which began May 8, in an effort to encourage pet owners to help their pets lose weight and become healthier.
The campaign comes after new research from the association shows the mismatch between pet owners' perceptions of their pet's body condition and the reality of it. The campaign encourages pet owners to identify their pet's body condition and then work towards the ideal body condition. Pet owners can chart their pet's progress using specially designed tools and share their experiences on Twitter using the hashtag #weighinweds. The campaign involves all those in the pet industry, including pet owners, petfood manufacturers, groomers and animal welfare groups. 
According to veterinarian Zara Boland: “The issue of obesity is rapidly reaching a crisis point. Obesity has been linked to health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, whilst it’s inflammatory effect is known to worsen problems like arthritis. With estimates of up to 50 percent of pets exceeding their ideal body condition and recent reports highlighting that 18.5 million dogs and cats in the UK are regularly fed inappropriate diets, the need for pet owner’s education and positive action is now. Collectively we can achieve far more than working alone.”