Veterinary-Assessed Prevalence Survey

2016 U.S. Pet Obesity Prevalence Survey

APOP’s 2016 clinic-based prevalence survey assessed body condition in dogs and cats using veterinary-assessed 5-point Body Condition Score. The survey found that 54% of dogs and 59% of cats were classified as overweight or having obesity.

Veterinary-Assessed BCS 5-Point Scale 1,906 Pets Evaluated 187 U.S. Veterinary Clinics
Data context: This survey used a 5-point BCS scale. Combined overweight and obesity refers to pets with BCS 4–5/5. Overweight is defined as BCS 4/5, and obesity is defined as BCS 5/5. These results should not be directly compared with surveys using the 9-point scale.
Dogs 54%

Classified as overweight or having obesity. Based on 1,224 dogs evaluated.

Cats 59%

Classified as overweight or having obesity. Based on 682 cats evaluated.

Dogs

n = 1,224
Thin
n = 23
1.9% BCS 1–2
Ideal
n = 542
44.3% BCS 3
Overweight
n = 417
34.1% BCS 4
Obesity
n = 242
19.8% BCS 5

Cats

n = 682
Thin
n = 28
4.1% BCS 1–2
Ideal
n = 252
37.0% BCS 3
Overweight
n = 191
28.0% BCS 4
Obesity
n = 211
30.9% BCS 5

Prevalence estimates are derived from veterinary-assessed BCS evaluations at participating U.S. veterinary clinics. This 2016 survey used a 5-point BCS scale and should be interpreted separately from later surveys using the 9-point BCS scale.

2016 APOP Pet Obesity and Nutrition Opinion Survey

Association for Pet Obesity Prevention · 2016 · n = 1,172 pet owners · 445 veterinary professionals
Overview

The 2016 APOP Pet Obesity and Nutrition Opinion Survey is a cross-sectional survey assessing perspectives, awareness, and self-reported practices related to companion animal body condition, nutrition, and weight management among U.S. pet owners and veterinary professionals. Respondents reported on dogs and cats, including perceptions of body condition, feeding practices, and sources of dietary guidance. Findings reflect self-reported perceptions and behaviors rather than veterinarian-assessed body condition score (BCS).

Key Findings
  • Body condition perception: 81% of pet owners and 87% of veterinary professionals reported pets were a normal or healthy weight.
  • Recognition of obesity as a problem: 98% of veterinary professionals and approximately 87% of pet owners agreed that pet obesity is a problem in the United States.
  • Health awareness: More than 95% of respondents agreed that excess weight increases the risk of pain and suffering and that proper nutrition can extend life expectancy.
  • Food selection drivers: Quality was the primary factor influencing purchasing decisions for over 80% of pet owners and 82% of veterinary professionals. Price (16%) and convenience (7%) were less commonly reported.
  • Concern about nutrition: 55% of both pet owners and veterinary professionals reported concern about the long-term health impact of pet food quality.
  • Communication gap: Over 93% of pet owners reported visiting a veterinarian within the past year, yet only 49% recalled discussing their pet’s ideal weight. In contrast, more than 60% of veterinary professionals reported having these discussions.
  • Comfort discussing weight: Fewer than 4% of pet owners reported feeling uncomfortable when their veterinarian discussed their pet’s weight.
  • Diet recommendations: 42% of pet owners agreed that veterinarians should recommend a maintenance diet, compared to over 64% of veterinary professionals. Only 39% of pet owners recalled receiving such recommendations, while approximately 48% of veterinary professionals reported providing routine diet recommendations.
  • Sources of nutrition advice: 46% of pet owners identified online sources as their primary source of dietary guidance, compared to 19% of veterinary professionals.
  • Perceived healthfulness of diets and ingredients: Pet owners and veterinary professionals differed substantially in their views on whether specific diets and ingredients are healthier:
    • Low- or no-grain diets considered healthier: 61% of pet owners vs 25% of veterinary professionals
    • Raw diets considered healthier: 35% vs 15%
    • Organic pet food considered healthier: 43% vs 23%
    • Corn considered a healthy ingredient: 27% of pet owners vs 48% of veterinary professionals

These findings highlight differences in perception, communication, and decision-making between pet owners and veterinary professionals and provide directional insight into opportunities for improving education and alignment in companion animal nutrition and weight management.