A Texas A&M University study of nearly 14,000 dogs found that certain breed groups, larger body size and city living were linked to higher food motivation and a greater likelihood of being judged overweight or obese by a veterinarian. Approximately 59% of dogs in the US are classified as overweight or obese, highlighting the severity of the issue as this figure continues to rise.

The findings matter because overweight dogs face measurable health risks and because the study points to social and environmental factors that might influence weight, researchers said. The work draws on veterinary body condition scores and owner-reported measures of food behaviour to identify which animals appear most at risk. Dog obesity prevalence is approximately 50-60% in the UK and US, which is higher than adult human obesity rates of around 42% in the US and about 28% in the UK.

The study used a food motivation score to capture behaviours such as responsiveness to food, pickiness and apparent fullness; a “High food motivation score indicated that a dog liked to eat food (a lot) and was judged to be overweight by a vet,” the researchers reported. This metric plays a crucial role in understanding the factors that lead to canine obesity.

Researchers highlighted patterns across breed groups. The analysis lists sporting breeds such as spaniels, retrievers, setters and pointers among those examined, as well as hound breeds including greyhounds, dachshunds, beagles and basset hounds. Non-sporting breeds in the dataset included poodles, bulldogs, dalmatians and terriers. In veterinary practices, these insights can assist in identifying which breeds may be at greater risk and help tailor intervention strategies.

Size and setting also mattered. Larger dogs were more likely to have high food motivation scores, and city-dwelling dogs were also more at risk of being overweight compared with their rural counterparts, the study found. Additionally, factors such as living space can limit exercise opportunities, further compounding the obesity issue.

Dr. Kate Creevy, chief veterinary officer for the Dog Aging Project and Texas A&M University, framed the findings in clinical terms: “Overweight dogs are prone to numerous health problems, including skin disease, diabetes and arthritis,” she said. Creevy emphasized that assessment tools have a role in conversations between veterinarians and owners: “A BCS plays a key role in helping veterinarians communicate with owners about their dog’s weight, which is why we need to continue increasing use of these scores.” For dog owners, practical preventive measures include feeding measured portions on a regular schedule instead of free-feeding and limiting treats, which can significantly impact their pet’s weight.

The research suggests behaviour and environment may affect both access to food and exercise. “It’s likely that these factors influence the amount of exercise that dogs get in addition to their access to food,” Creevy said, linking the study’s behavioural measures to everyday routines that influence weight. This is particularly important as inadequate exercise can lead to a greater likelihood of obesity.

The study was described in reporting by Science Focus, which summarized the breed and environmental patterns identified by the Texas A&M researchers.

Beyond breed lists and scores, the researchers noted practical implications for veterinary practice. “It is imperative that veterinarians develop a better understanding of canine obesity and whether it may be linked to social, environmental or demographic factors so that we can give every dog the best possible quality of life,” Creevy said, urging more routine use of body condition assessment and attention to the contexts that influence feeding and activity.

The study adds to a growing body of evidence that weight in companion dogs is shaped by a mix of biology and daily life, from appetite and size to where a dog lives. For clinicians and owners, the authors argued, identifying those patterns can sharpen advice about feeding and exercise for individual animals and breeds.

Source

Original reporting: view the original article.