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By Thomas Westerholm
Life & Trends Reporter
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More than half of American dogs and cats are overweight and veterinarians say the primary cause is a simple but common mistake: overfeeding.
Despite the best intentions of pet owners, many misjudge how much food—and how many treats—their pets actually need.
A 2018 survey found that 60 percent of cats and 56 percent of dogs in the U.S. were overweight or obese, according to the ASPCA.
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Veterinary experts warn that these numbers haven't improved, largely due to persistent misconceptions about portion sizes and feeding habits.
Dr. Sam Gilbert, a veterinarian formerly with Zoetis, said overfeeding can dramatically shorten a pet’s life.
“One study revealed that an obese dog's lifespan is shortened by up to 2.5 years compared to a dog that is a healthy body weight,” Gilbert wrote for Zoetis Petcare.
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Why it Matters
Extra pounds don’t just add bulk—they add health risks.
Overweight pets face higher odds of developing diabetes, arthritis, heart disease and complications during surgery.
Obesity-related inflammation can also restrict mobility, leading to issues with the animal's spine.
What to Know
Free-feeding, guessing portion sizes and misinterpreting food label guidelines are some of the most frequent mistakes owners make, according to VCA Animal Hospitals.
Leaving food out all day, for instance, encourages unnecessary snacking, especially among pets who eat out of boredom rather than hunger.
The ASPCA also highlights the problem of "affection feeding"—using food to show love.
“Attempts to shower our dogs with love by means of big meals and lots of tasty treats are sweet, but misguided,” the organization noted in its nutrition guide.
Veterinarians recommend using measuring cups, pre-portioning meals and treats, while asking for professional guidance to determine a pet’s ideal weight and caloric needs.
Scheduled feedings—rather than constant access to food—can also help maintain a healthy weight.
What to Do
Some products can help pet owners control the portions of their pets' meals.
Slow-Feeder Bowls
Slow-feeder bowls are an effective way to keep your dog from eating too fast by making it a challenge to get to the food. The bowls offer the added benefit of guarding against bloat, which can be a life-threatening condition for dogs.
Silicone options can be particularly effective, while stainless steel slow-feeder bowls are easier to clean.
For pet owners looking to protect their dog's posture and joint strain, elevated bowls are available as well. Cat owners and small-dog owners should make sure their pets can reach the food with a lower-profile bowl.
Portion-Control Scoops
Perhaps the easiest way to make sure a dog doesn't eat too much is to measure precisely how much food they are getting. Following a veterinarian's instructions is much simpler with the help of a portion-control scoop.
Once again, stainless-steel portion-control scoops are easy to clean. Other portion-control scoops can be clipped to the side of the food bag.
Pet Lick Mat
Some dogs might prefer a lick mat rather than a bowl.
Lick mats can provide several different "puzzles" for dogs to solve as they eat their breakfast or dinner.
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