New survey reveals pet owner misconceptions about their dog’s health
Ollie’s 2024 Dog Wellness Report showed that many dog owners lack awareness about what a healthy dog weight is
Photo: adrianad/Adobe Stock
A recent survey by Ollie, a subscription dog food company, revealed that many pet owners are unaware of the reality of their pet’s health, holding misconceptions about their diet. According to the survey, 3 in 5 dog owners think their pets are at an ideal weight with a healthy body condition, despite approximately 60% of dogs in the US being considered overweight.1 This awareness gap could be contributing to the rising obesity rates in pets, according to Ollie.1
Ollie surveyed 2,000 dog owners to explore how their perceptions of their dog’s health might be influencing current health trends.2 The company shared their findings in their 2024 Dog Wellness Report. According to the report, pet parents’ top 3 concerns regarding their pet’s health was longevity (31%), joint health or mobility (19%), and digestion or gut health (18%). Specifically, Gen Z showed concern about skin and coat health, while baby boomers were worried about weight management. The concern about weight management was also prominent among owners of medium, large, and extra-large dogs.1,2
According to the report, more than 50% of dog owners agree that weight significantly affects their pet’s health and happiness, yet can be a challenging topic to discuss.2 The survey revealed that many dog owners are sensitive to outside comments about their dog's weight, especially within Gen Z and millennials.1
The survey also found that:1,2
- More than 25% of those surveyed felt that treats should account for at least half of their dog's daily intake, with the average believed amount being 37%. On average, owners of smaller dogs were more inclined to think that treats should constitute a bigger part of their dog's diet. Treats should only make up 10% of a canine’s diet.
- 70% of dog owners were unaware that being able to easily feel their dog's ribs is a sign of a healthy weight. Additionally, 80% did not realize that they should also be able to feel their dog's spine and hip bones.
- 9 in 10 respondents reported their dog's happiness and mental well-being is part of their pet’s health.
“Dog obesity is a growing health crisis, leading to joint issues, heart disease, and shortened life spans—yet many owners don't realize their pets are overweight. This serves as a wake-up call for dog parents to take control of their pets' health with help from brands like Ollie, which offers personalized meal plans and portion control to ensure dogs maintain a healthy weight,” wrote Ollie in a company release.1
Obesity in pets
According to the Morris Animal Foundation, dogs are not the only animals with high obesity rates. Sixty percent of cats are also overweight or obese, and approximately 30% of horses are also considered obese.3 Additionally, certain dog breeds appear more prone to obesity, indicating a potential genetic influence on weight gain.3
Research in the United Kingdom identified a genetic mutation linked to overweight or obese Labrador retrievers and flat-coated retrievers, particularly among dogs from service dog lineages.3 Additionally, a 2021 report by the Royal Veterinary College examined dog obesity in the UK and identified 8 breeds with a higher risk of being overweight compared to crossbred dogs in the same sample.
Those breeds were:3
- Pugs
- Beagles
- Golden Retrievers
- English Springer Spaniels
- Border Terriers
- Labrador Retrievers
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
- Cocker Spaniels
Researchers have also found that older pet owners, those who exercised less weekly, and owners with lower income levels were all linked to a greater risk of obesity in companion animals.3
References
- New survey by leading fresh dog food brand Ollie reveals common misunderstandings about pet health. News release. Ollie. October 9, 2024. Accessed October 9, 2024. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-survey-by-leading-fresh-dog-food-brand-ollie-reveals-common-misunderstandings-about-pet-health-302270993.html
- Ollie’s 2024 Wellness Report. Ollie. Accessed October 9, 2024. https://www.myollie.com/2024-dog-wellness-report/
- Understanding obesity, weight loss in dogs and cats. Morris Animal Foundation. August 3, 2023. Accessed October 9, 2024. https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/article/weight-loss-in-cats-and-dogs#:~:text=Recent%20statistics%20classify%20the%20majority,above%20their%20ideal%20body%20weight
