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 GENERAL
- 45% of pet owners do not control the number of calories they feed their pet
- A pet is technically obese when it is 15% over its recommended weight.
- Obesity in cats and dogs can lead to other serious medical problems such as diabetes, osteoarthritis, heart disease and certain types of cancer.
DOGS
- 90% of dog owners admit to feeding their pets treats over and above their normal meals – including human snacks such as biscuits
- These days dogs generally receive less exercise and more high-calorie snacks
- The life span of overweight dogs is shortened by an average of 1-2 years.
 CATS
- Recent studies show that overweight cats are three times more likely to get diabetes than those of an ideal weight.
- Many cat owners do not realise that their cat is overweight.
RABBITS
- According to Pet Protect’s analysis of its 2007 claims for pet rabbits – one in four of these relate to dietary issues and in particular, obesity.
- The Rabbit Welfare Association estimates that 30% of domestic rabbits are obese.
- Overweight rabbits are more prone to osteoporosis and fly strike.
- Rabbits should be fed a high fibre diet based on fresh hay or grass with additional vegetables and fruit, such as carrots, celery, greens and apples (without stems and seeds). The suggested amount is at least three different kinds of fruit and vegetable per day.
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