Overview

• A Texas A&M–led Dog Aging Project analysis reports that roughly 50% of U.S. dogs are overweight, increasing their risk of diabetes, arthritis and skin disease.
• The study finds sporting breeds such as retrievers and spaniels exhibit about 10% higher food motivation than other groups.
• Dogs living in urban areas or multi-dog households show elevated food drive, likely linked to reduced exercise and free-feeding practices.
• Owners who recognize their dogs as overweight are more likely to adjust feeding and monitor diet than when veterinarians alone flag excess weight.
• Gaps in the use of the 1–9 body condition score and inconsistent adherence to weight-loss interventions underscore the need for consistent, breed-specific management strategies.