MONTPELLIER, FRANCE — Forty percent of adult cats and dogs throughout the globe are considered overweight or obese, according to new research from Royal Canin. When it comes to tackling this issue, misinformation is abundant, making it increasingly difficult for veterinarians to communicate with pet owners on healthy pet weight management and leading to a significant gap in education.

The research includes insights from more than 14,000 pet owners and 1,750 veterinary professionals across the United Kingdom, France, China, India, Mexico, Spain, Portugal and Brazil. 

More than a quarter (26%) of pet owners claim they lack understanding on what a healthy pet weight is. Additionally, nearly a fifth (17%) of pet parents reported that misinformation is the biggest barrier preventing them from keeping their pet at a healthy weight, and a third (29%) of veterinary professionals believe that misinformation or conflicting information is causing challenges when it comes to having conversations with pet owners about healthy pet weight management.

Forty-four percent of veterinary professionals believe that pet obesity has increased over the last few years and nearly half (45%) claim that pet parents underestimate the risks associated with excess weight and obesity. 

Though veterinary professionals are the most trusted source of pet health information among pet parents, one in five (19%) are turning to social media to receive advice about pet nutrition, healthy weight and pet obesity. This number only increases to 55% among Gen Zers. 

According to pet owners, the biggest perceived factors contributing to pet obesity include overfeeding at 39% of owners, lack of exercise at 36%, poor quality food at 17%, feeding pets human food at 14%, and lack of recognition that a pet is overweight at 11%. 

Despite understanding certain behaviors that lead to pet obesity, pet parents continue to perform these behaviors. Royal Canin found that 41% of pet parents feed their pets treats when they seem sad, bored or lonely. Additionally, three out of four feed their pets human food and a third believe that doing such doesn’t cause harm. 

To address this education gap, Royal Canin launched its global campaign, #ScalingTheConversation, during the 2025 Vet Symposium in Montpellier. The campaign will include science-backed storytelling, creator-led education and interactive content, seeking to reach Gen Z pet owners across TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. Additionally, the brand brought together a panel of experts and creators dedicated to “reshaping” the discussion of pet nutrition and weight management between veterinarians and pet parents. 

“At Royal Canin, we believe that better health starts with better conversations,” said Tabitha Hookey, DVM, veterinary nutritionist and member of the Royal Canin R&D team focused on obesity and diabetes. “Through providing accessible and credible information, we’re aiming to support pet owners with clear, science-based advice to help more pets live their healthiest lives. Through partnering with an expert panel and using social media to maximize our outreach, with this campaign we hope to be able to empower even more pet owners with a better understanding of healthy pet nutrition and weight management, and ultimately, to promote dialogue with the veterinary professionals that care for their pets.”

Alex German, Ph.D., professor of small animal medicine at the University of Liverpool, added, “Pet obesity can have a serious impact on both quality of life and lifespan. Helping pets maintain a healthy weight is one of the most important things we can do to ensure they live longer, happier lives. Encouraging open, supportive conversations between veterinary professionals and pet owners is key to making good nutrition and weight management a natural part of everyday pet care.”

Read more on the pet obesity issue.