Survey: nutrition, body condition and activities of dogs in Switzerland

Interest in species-appropriate activities and nutrition of dogs increases. A huge variety of feedstuff available, myths and different feeding theories confuse dog owners and lead to inadequate nutrition of their pets. As one result, obesity in pets can be observed with a high incidence in veterinary practice. Although comorbidities of obesity are well known, only few pet owners realize consequently the necessity of weight reduction to support their pet's health. We hypothesized that pet owners in Switzerland underestimate body condition of their dogs and are unsure about how to manage nutritional challenges. This study assessed the current nutrition, owner's perception of body weight and body condition score (BCS) of their dog. At a dog exhibition, dog owners filled in a questionnaire on age, breed, activity, housing, nutrition and source of information for questions concerning nutrition. Owners evaluated the BCS with the help of a poster and determined the ideal weight of their dog. Body weight was measured and BCS evaluated by two veterinarians. The study included 43 bitches [25 (58%) spayed] and 35 male dogs [21 (60%) neutered] with an age of 4.7 ± 3.6 years (mean ± STD). Average current body weight was 18.9 kg ± 14.1 and corresponded approximately to the ideal body weight estimated by the owners (18.6 kg ± 14.1). Four (5%) of the dogs were judged by the owners to be underweight, 55 (70%) ideal, 14 (18%) overweight and five (6%) obese. Owner's evaluation of BCS averaged 4.54 ± 1.13; veterinary's evaluation was significantly higher with 5.20 ± 1.20 (difference of 0.77 ± 0.59; P < 0.05). Although the awareness of the importance of adequate nutrition and activity for pets is rising among pet owners, they are overwhelmed by the variety of diets and sources of information available. This might lead to malnutrition and identifies a clear need for competent specialists of pet nutrition.