With more animals than ever being treated for obesity, charities are doing their bit to help struggling pet owners slim down their four legged friends. This month saw the annual PDSA ‘Pet Fit Club’ take place, a competition to find the top pet slimmer in the UK. Dogs, cats and even rabbits competed to beat the bulge in order to claim the crown, with cat Billie eventually taking the title. Pet Obesity is growing issue across the world, but did you know just how big a problem it is?

The Facts

• A third of all dogs in the UK are classed as overweight or obese, for cats this figure is one in four.

• Rabbits are also suffering from over indulgence, with 42% of all pet rabbits fed too little hay and 49% being fed too much rabbit muesli which is linked to obesity and dental issues

• Obesity leads to a number of serious health problems including arthritis, diabetes and heart disease. Overweight pets unsurprisingly also have a lower life expectancy.

• The main cause of animal obesity is an incorrect diet which includes over feeding of treats.

• A massive 90% of dog owners admit to giving their pet human treats including cheese, crisps, biscuits and even leftover takeaway.

If your pet is tipping the scales and you are looking to get them back on the path to fitness make sure you combine exercise with a quality diet. The next time you are about to hop into your car to drive to the end of the road, why not ditch the keys and pick up the dog lead instead? A couple of hours of playtime on an evening will also work wonders for your cat, dog or even rabbit. Don’t forget to also find the right pet food suppliers to help ensure your pet gets the nutrition it needs, take a look at the full range available at Vets Food World to find the perfect match for your pet.

This is a sponsored post by Guest Blogger Matthew Stanley, on behalf of
Vets Food World.