New research commissioned by Royal Canin underscores a major knowledge gap among pet owners regarding healthy pet weight management. In a survey of over 14,000 pet owners and 1,750 veterinary professionals across eight countries, 26 percent of owners reported uncertainty about what constitutes a healthy weight for their pets. The findings come as approximately 40 percent of adult cats and dogs globally are classified as overweight or obese. Misinformation was cited by 17 percent of owners as a significant barrier to keeping pets at a healthy weight, while 29 percent of veterinary professionals said conflicting information makes conversations with owners more difficult. Early-life nutrition was emphasized as crucial, as dietary habits during a pet’s first year can have long-term health impacts. The study also found that 19 percent of pet owners, and 55 percent of Gen Z owners, turn to social media for pet health advice, despite veterinarians remaining the most trusted information source. Factors owners identified as contributing to obesity included overfeeding (39 percent), lack of exercise (36 percent), and feeding pets human food (14 percent). In response to these challenges, Royal Canin introduced the #ScalingTheConversation campaign at the 2025 Vet Symposium in Montpellier, France, aiming to foster better communication between veterinary professionals and pet owners.
