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Obesity message not getting through, says PFMA
Cat with overfull bowl of food
More than 70 per cent of owners said they do not follow professional guidelines on portion size.
Latest report suggests disconnect between owner beliefs and reality

Findings released today by the Pet Food Manufacturers Association (PFMA) suggest there is a disconnect between owner perceptions of pet obesity and the reality.

According to the report - "Pet Obesity: Five years on" - vets feel nearly half (45 per cent) of the pets they see are overweight, while more than 60 per cent of owners believe their pet is the correct weight.

PFMA says the latest findings show existing tools and guidelines on obesity are not reaching the nation's pet owners. While nearly 80 per cent of vets believe obesity is on the rise, worryingly two in three owners feel there are more important problems facing their pets.

Furthermore, despite the fact that the majority (93 per cent) of owners said they would be concerned if their pet was overweight, only one in three know how to check this.

PFMA chief executive Michael Bellingham said: "We need to engage pet owners emotionally, helping them realise that feeding and exercising their pet to the optimum level can result in an extra two years of active life."

Overfeeding was found to be a key issue, with nearly 70 per cent of owners admitting they do not follow professional guidelines when deciding how much to feed their pet.

Nearly half of the owners to respond said they feed their pet a treat more than twice a day, and one in three admitted to using potentially toxic human foods as treats.

When it comes to exercise, PFMA reports one in three owners said they give their pet up to an hour's exercise each day.

However, a "serious shortfall" was identified in the level of rabbits and birds being exercised. The findings show 69 per cent and 78 per cent of owners respectively, believe their pet does not require exercise.

The PFMA says vets have an opportunity to help address the problem by educating owners on pet obesity. The association is urging practices to raise awareness of the issue, motivate owners and offer regular weight-in services.

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.