Obesity in Companion Animals: A Growing Concern
Pet obesity has quietly become one of the most pressing health issues facing our companion animals today. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), over 61% of cats and 59% of dogs (1) in the United States are now classified as overweight or obese. While lack of exercise, overfeeding, and portion control certainly play a role, the root cause often lies in what we’re feeding our carnivore companions—highly processed commercial pet food.
Many pet foods on the market today are packed with excessive carbohydrates, fillers, and low-quality proteins, all of which are biologically inappropriate for carnivores. These diets not only promote weight gain but also fail to meet the fundamental nutritional needs of dogs and cats, leading to a cascade of health problems over time (2).
Ironically, even “weight management” or “low-calorie” pet foods, marketed specifically to combat obesity, are frequently part of the problem. These formulas often rely on increased carbohydrate content and fillers to lower calorie density, while sacrificing protein quality and overall nutritional integrity. To make matters worse, terms like “Weight Control” and “Healthy Weight” remain unregulated marketing buzzwords (3), with no enforced adherence to AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) standards. Pet owners trust these labels, but the result is often continued weight gain, muscle loss, and long-term metabolic damage (4, 5 ,6 ).
In contrast, a species-appropriate raw diet offers a path to genuine health and sustainable weight management. Built on a foundation of high-quality animal proteins, healthy fats, and essential nutrients, raw diets eliminate the unnecessary carbohydrates and fillers found in processed pet foods. This approach not only supports a healthy weight but also promotes better digestion, healthier energy levels, and improved overall health.
The Average Life of the Modern Carnivore Companion
Modern American carnivore companions, once naturally active hunters and explorers, now lead largely sedentary lives shaped by their owners' routines and habits. Many dogs, especially small breeds, are carried in bags or confined to crates while their owners work long hours, while cats are often restricted to small indoor spaces with limited opportunities for exercise. Even regular walks or occasional outdoor time rarely counterbalance the high-calorie diets fueled by excessive treats, table scraps, and free feeding. Free feeding, in particular, encourages overeating, as most carnivore companions lack the ability to self-regulate their intake, especially when consuming highly processed kibble that often leaves them unsatisfied. Treats, though small and seemingly harmless, can also quietly add significant calories, fats, and carbohydrates to a pet's diet, compounding the issue. Without mindful feeding practices and adequate physical activity, these habits contribute to widespread obesity and related health issues among carnivore companions in American households.
Misguided Solutions: Weight Management Diets
When pet owners recognize their animals are overweight, they often switch to weight management or "lite" diets. AAFCO-approved terms include “Lean,” “Light,” “Lite,” and “Low Calorie,” which require adherence to specific calorie and fat restrictions, as well as listing both minimum and maximum fat content. However, these diets are frequently ineffective. According to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), a weight management diet for dogs must have 3,100 kilocalories per kilogram or less, while for cats, the limit is 3,250 kcals/kg for products with less than 20% moisture aka kibble the most common pet food type (3). Yet, many commercial diets labeled as "weight management" exceed these thresholds.
Additionally, weight management formulas often rely on increased fiber content to reduce calories (7, 8). While fiber can create a feeling of fullness, it typically comes from high-carbohydrate ingredients like barley, rice, and oatmeal. These carbohydrates have moderate to high glycemic index values, meaning they can cause spikes in blood sugar levels and contribute to fat storage.
Outside of the amount of kilocalories in a pet food, it’s also important to look at the ingredients in these diets. What most companies do is while they reduce the fat content in weight management diets compared to their adult formula, the fiber content is increased. Check out these two guaranteed analyses and ingredient lists. One is an adult diet, the other is the same company’s weight management diet.
Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid), White Rice, Oatmeal, Fish Meal (a Source of Fish Oil), Beet Pulp-Dried, Turkey and Chicken Flavor, Flax Seeds, Dried Brewers Yeast, Salt… (we’ve removed the vitamin and minerals for ease)
Protein 27.5%
Fat 16.3%
Fiber 2.6%
Chicken, Chicken Meal, Barley, Brown Rice, Beet Pulp-Dried, Pea Fiber, Natural Turkey and Chicken Flavor, Oatmeal, Tomato Pomace, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid), Rice Bran, Pea Protein, Dried Brewers Yeast, Fish Meal (a Source of Fish Oil), Flax Seed, Salt…
Protein 25%
Fat 9%
Fiber 14%
So what is the problem here? Although fiber bulks up a meal and fills you up faster, fiber is mainly grains and carbohydrates. Not only are cats, dogs and ferrets unable to properly digest and utilize carbohydrates, many are moderate to high in sugars. Sugar, especially simple sugars turn right into fat. The following are the carbohydrates in the weight control diet and their glycemic index number:
Glycemic Index Value Barley: 30
Beet Pulp (Dried): Low GI (exact value not well-documented)
Flax Seed: 35
Oatmeal: 55–70
Pea Fiber: 30
Rice Bran: 50
Tomato Pomace: Low GI (exact value not well-documented) (9)
Reference Numbers:
Low 0-55
Medium is 56-69
High 70-100
(10, 11)
As you can see four of the six ingredients are moderate to high on the glycemic index. Compared to the adult diet, the weight management is 7.3% lower in fat, but the fiber is 11.4% higher.
Many commercial pet foods don’t just contain one of these carbohydrate-rich ingredients—they often include several. Since pet food companies aren’t required to disclose the carbohydrate or sugar content of their products, this creates an additional layer of concern.
Don’t assume grain-free diets are automatically a safer option. In fact, many grain-free commercial pet foods can contain more sugar than grain-inclusive diets. Ingredients like corn, potatoes, lentils, and others are high in starch, which converts to sugar during digestion.
Independent third-party testing has revealed concerning results:
Popular grain-inclusive diets often contain 40–50% sugar.
Some grain-free diets have sugar levels reaching 35–40%.
Even veterinary and prescription diets have been shown to contain 53–58% sugar (12).
Excessive sugar consumption increases the risk of not only obesity but cancer (13), hip and joint issues (14), diabetes (15, 16), yeast overgrowth (17), and other health problems.
If you ask your pet food company about the sugar content in their food, they’ll likely tell you there’s none because it's not listed on the package label. However, you can estimate it yourself:
Add up the percentages of protein, fat, moisture, and ash listed on the label.
Subtract the total from 100.
*If ash isn’t listed, use a general estimate of about 6% for the calculation (12).
Let’s take popular veterinary prescription weight management diet
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Weight Control Large Breed Dry Dog Food, 24.2-lb bag on Chewy $109.99
3,287 kcal/kg (over the AAFCO standard amount)
Meat by product in this product. Aside form vitamins and minerals, it is made of all carbohydrates, starches and fiber which convert to sugar
Corn, Chicken By-Product Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Barley, Powdered Cellulose, Pea Fiber, Chicken Fat, Wheat Gluten, Natural Flavors, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Fish Oil, Vegetable Oil, Sodium Silico Aluminate, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Powdered Psyllium Seed Husk, Calcium Carbonate, Fructooligosaccharides, Choline Chloride, Dl-Methionine, Taurine, Vitamins [Dl-Alpha Tocopherol Acetate (Source Of Vitamin E), L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source Of Vitamin C), Biotin, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Acetate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Niacin Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement], Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Trace Minerals [Zinc Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Zinc Oxide, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate, Copper Proteinate], L-Carnitine, Chondroitin Sulfate, Rosemary Extract, Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols And Citric Acid.
Protein 26%
Fat 9%
Moisture 10%
Ash 6% (value not available)
100- 26+ 9 + 10 + 6 = 49% sugar
If you are on a diet to help lose weight you most likely are not going to eat pasta, cereal and bread to lose it right? It’s the same concept with dogs, cats and ferrets who unlike humans can’t even properly process carbohydrates. Because of this instead of safely helping your companion lose weight you are simply filling them with bulk ingredients that provide almost no proper nutrients which often can lead to other health concerns.
The focus on reducing fat in these diets is also misguided. Healthy fats are a vital nutrient, providing energy (18), supporting cellular functions (19), and improving palatability (20). Low-fat diets often leave carnivore companions hungry and unsatisfied, which can lead to overeating (21, 22, 23).
For fat-related terms, dog foods labeled as “Lean” or “Low Fat” must not exceed 9% crude fat for products with less than 20% moisture. Cat foods must not exceed 10% for the same moisture levels. Labels must also include a maximum crude fat guarantee in the Guaranteed Analysis section (3).
Products claiming “Less Fat” or “Reduced Fat” must state the comparison product, specify the percentage of fat reduction, and include a maximum crude fat guarantee.
AAFCO-approved terms include “Lean,” “Light,” “Lite,” and “Low Calorie,” which require adherence to specific calorie and fat restrictions, as well as listing both minimum and maximum fat content. In contrast, non-AAFCO-approved terms such as “Weight Management,” “Healthy Weight,” “Fit and Trim,” and “Weight Control” lack regulatory restrictions on calories or fat levels, allowing greater flexibility in formulation without mandatory compliance to calorie or fat limits (3).
Many of these companies feel deceived when they use these unregulated terms, you pet owners are thinking they are getting a product that is helping their pet lose weight when in reality prices go up and ingredient quality comes down.
While some may already know the truth about commercial weight loss foods and choose not to use them, some may take matters into their own hands and drastically reduce the amount of food they are giving their companion in attempts to promote weight loss. While maintaining a healthy weight is essential for carnivore companions, rapid or uncontrolled weight loss can pose serious health risks. Weight management must be approached carefully to ensure carnivore companions lose weight gradually, with a nutritionally balanced diet and appropriate veterinary oversight. Below are the primary risks associated with rapid weight loss in carnivore companions and why a slow, controlled approach is crucial.
Fatty Liver Disease (Hepatic Lipidosis)
One of the most significant risks, particularly in cats, is hepatic lipidosis, commonly known as fatty liver disease. When a cat experiences rapid weight loss, the body starts breaking down fat reserves for energy (24, 25). However, a cat's liver is not equipped to handle large amounts of mobilized fat efficiently. This can lead to fat accumulation in the liver, impairing its function and potentially causing liver failure. Hepatic lipidosis is a life-threatening condition and often requires intensive veterinary care to reverse.
Protein Starvation and Muscle Loss Feeding a low-fat or lean protein-only diet during a weight-loss program can result in protein starvation (27, 28). Carnivore companions require adequate amino acids for muscle maintenance and organ function (29). Inadequate protein intake during weight loss can cause muscle wasting, weakening not only skeletal muscles but also vital organs such as the heart (30). This leads to a weakened physical state and compromises overall health.
Nutritional Deficiencies Rapid weight loss often correlates with reduced food intake, which can mean fewer essential vitamins, minerals, and micronutrients. These deficiencies can affect bone health, skin condition, coat quality, and metabolic functions (27, 31). Over time, these imbalances may lead to chronic health problems, including brittle bones, poor wound healing, and metabolic disorders (31, 32).
Weakening of the Immune System Proper nutrition is essential for maintaining a strong immune system. Severe or rapid weight loss can impair immune function, leaving carnivore companions vulnerable to infections, illnesses, and slower recovery times after injury or surgery (33, 34). carnivore companions with weakened immune systems may experience recurring infections and chronic health issues.
Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar) In small dogs and cats, rapid weight loss can result in hypoglycemia, or dangerously low blood sugar levels (35). This condition can cause weakness, lethargy, disorientation, and even seizures (36). Hypoglycemia is particularly dangerous because it can occur suddenly and may require immediate veterinary intervention to prevent severe outcomes.
Decreased Energy and Vitality As carnivore companions lose weight rapidly, their bodies enter an energy conservation mode, resulting in lethargy and reduced activity levels. carnivore companions may become uninterested in playing, exercising, or engaging with their owners. This lack of activity can further contribute to muscle loss and weakened cardiovascular health, creating a cycle of declining physical fitness.
Cardiac Stress The heart is a muscle that relies on a steady intake of protein and essential nutrients to function properly. Rapid weight loss can place excessive strain on the heart (37), especially in older carnivore companions or those with pre-existing heart conditions. Over time, this stress can contribute to heart disease, arrhythmias, or even heart failure.
Kidney Damage In cats, kidneys rely heavily on a steady intake of quality protein for proper function (38). During rapid weight loss, the breakdown of fat and muscle tissue can increase the workload on the kidneys, potentially causing renal strain or kidney damage (39). Cats already prone to kidney disease are especially vulnerable in these scenarios. While this can occur in canines too, it is a much bigger problem in cats.
Gastrointestinal Issues Sudden changes in diet and rapid weight loss can disrupt the gastrointestinal system, causing issues such as vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation (40). The digestive tract needs time to adjust to changes in nutrient intake, and abrupt reductions in food quantity or quality can lead to significant discomfort and poor nutrient absorption.
Behavioral Changes Hunger and nutrient deprivation can also have significant effects on a pet's mental and emotional health. Carnivore companions undergoing rapid weight loss may exhibit irritability, mood swings, anxiety, or food aggression (41). These behavioral changes can strain the bond between carnivore companions and their owners and may require additional behavioral interventions to correct.
The Raw Diet Solution
When it comes to weight loss in carnivore companions, a slow, steady, and nutritionally balanced approach is essential to prevent a variety of health complications. A species-appropriate raw diet naturally is designed for weight management, not only supports optimal health but also mitigates the risks associated with rapid weight loss. Unlike restrictive or low-quality diets, raw feeding prioritizes bioavailable nutrients, balanced macronutrients, and natural sources of essential vitamins and minerals to ensure overall well-being throughout the weight-loss journey. By focusing on gradual weight reduction through controlled portions and nutrient-dense ingredients, caregivers can safeguard their pet's health while helping them achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
A balanced raw diet provides high-quality, bioavailable protein and essential fats, ensuring the body does not need to excessively break down fat stores for energy. This gradual weight loss prevents sudden fat mobilization, reducing the risk of liver strain and fatty liver disease (hepatic lipidosis). Additionally, the rich protein content in raw diets supplies essential amino acids that preserve muscle mass, supporting skeletal and cardiac health while preventing protein starvation and muscle loss. Protein also requires more energy for digestion, effectively boosting the metabolic rate and promoting fat metabolism (42).
Raw diets are inherently nutrient-dense, containing organ meats, bones, and other vital ingredients that deliver essential vitamins and minerals (43, 44). These components prevent nutritional deficiencies often associated with calorie-restricted diets, ensuring strong bones, healthy skin, and optimal metabolic functions. Furthermore, natural antioxidants and vitamins present in raw diets bolster the immune system, reducing vulnerability to infections and improving recovery times during weight loss (45). This nutrient density also maintains consistent energy levels, ensuring pets remain active, playful, and engaged rather than succumbing to lethargy during calorie restriction (46).
Stabilizing blood sugar is another key advantage of raw feeding. Balanced macronutrients in raw diets prevent hypoglycemic crashes—a concern particularly for smaller pets. Unlike carbohydrate-heavy kibble, raw diets maintain steady blood glucose and insulin levels, reducing the likelihood of insulin surges that promote fat storage (47). This stable metabolic environment fosters consistent energy levels and effective weight management. Additionally, raw diets naturally contain L-carnitine, an amino acid that plays a crucial role in converting fatty acids into usable energy, further supporting fat metabolism and sustainable weight loss (48).
Cardiac and kidney health are vital considerations during weight management, and raw feeding supports both. Adequate protein and taurine in raw diets maintain heart muscle function, reducing the risk of cardiac stress (49). Similarly, the digestibility of high-quality proteins minimizes strain on the kidneys, supporting optimal renal function (50). This is especially critical for cats, who are more prone to kidney issues during rapid weight loss.
Digestive health also benefits from raw diets, as they are naturally gentle on the gastrointestinal tract. Highly digestible raw food reduces the likelihood of vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation, which are common side effects of sudden dietary changes or low-quality commercial diets (51). Additionally, the satiety provided by nutrient-dense raw meals helps prevent behavioral issues such as food aggression, irritability, and anxiety, which often arise from hunger or nutrient deprivation.
Hydration is another essential factor in weight management, and raw diets excel in this area. With moisture content typically exceeding 70%, raw food closely mirrors the hydration levels found in natural prey animals (52, 53). This not only promotes satiety but also supports digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall metabolic efficiency (54).
The bioavailability of nutrients in raw diets ensures that every calorie consumed delivers maximum nutritional benefit (55). Because raw diets provide nutrients in their natural, unprocessed forms, carnivore companions can better absorb and utilize essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. This reduces the need for excessive feeding to meet basic nutritional requirements and prevents the metabolic imbalances commonly seen with processed kibble diets.
Carbohydrate content is another defining difference between raw and kibble diets. Raw diets are inherently low in carbohydrates, avoiding the blood sugar spikes and insulin surges caused by starchy fillers like corn, potatoes, or lentils. Elevated insulin levels not only promote fat storage but also hinder fat breakdown, making weight loss significantly harder (56). By minimizing carbohydrate intake and focusing on protein and healthy fats, raw diets create an optimal metabolic environment for sustained fat burning and energy balance.
The impact of raw feeding on weight management is also supported by data. According to the Raw Feeding Veterinary Society (RFVS), 82% of pet owners reported improved weight management after transitioning their carnivore companions to a raw diet. Studies have shown that raw-fed pets can experience a 10–20% reduction in body fat within 3–6 months when fed a balanced raw diet tailored for weight loss (57). Unlike highly processed kibble, raw food aligns with the natural dietary needs of carnivores, emphasizing nutrient density, metabolic balance, and satiety.
In essence, a species-appropriate raw diet ensures carnivore companions receive adequate protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals while maintaining a caloric deficit. This approach not only prevents common health issues but also supports muscle preservation, liver and kidney function, immune health, and overall vitality. Weight loss on a raw diet isn't merely about reducing numbers on a scale—it's about fostering longevity, resilience, and optimal wellness for beloved pets. By addressing the root causes of obesity, raw feeding offers a holistic and sustainable path to healthier, happier carnivore companions.
Obesity in companion animals is a multifaceted issue rooted in poor dietary practices, sedentary lifestyles, and misleading marketing tactics by the pet food industry. While pet owners may have the best intentions when selecting weight management diets or following feeding guidelines, the prevalence of high-carbohydrate, fiber-heavy commercial pet foods often undermines their efforts. These diets not only fail to address the core nutritional needs of carnivorous animals but can also contribute to long-term health issues such as diabetes, metabolic disorders, and reduced quality of life.
The reliance on carbohydrate fillers and fiber to reduce caloric density in weight management diets highlights a fundamental misunderstanding of canine and feline biology. These animals thrive on protein-rich, species-appropriate diets that align with their evolutionary needs. Raw diets, built on high-quality animal proteins, healthy fats, and minimal carbohydrates, offer a sustainable and biologically appropriate solution for weight management. Evidence from pet owners and independent studies consistently supports the benefits of raw feeding, including improved weight control, higher energy levels, and overall better health outcomes.
As responsible pet owners, it is essential to approach pet nutrition with a critical eye, question marketing claims, and prioritize quality ingredients over buzzwords like 'weight control' or 'low calorie.' By combining a balanced, species-appropriate diet with consistent exercise, mindful portion control, and a clear understanding of pet nutritional needs, we can combat the growing obesity epidemic in our companion animals and ensure they lead longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives.
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