Help Reduce the Risk of Pet Obesity
Our Goal
By 2023
Our top 10 markets across Europe will be supporting our prevention partnerships and programmes.
Our Point of View
Research tells us that pet obesity is the single biggest pet health issue, with 33-58% of cats and dogs measured as overweight. Modern lifestyles and a tendency to over feed pets with snacks and treats (out of ‘too much love’) are some of the root causes of problems.
This epidemic of overweight pets is resulting in health problems which not only put enormous pressure on joints and internal organs but also have a severe impact on quality of life.
At Purina, we have a long history in promoting a healthier diet and lifestyle for our pets, and bringing breakthrough innovations to the pet food industry – many of which have redefined industry standards.
These include our clinical diets, the first diets on the market specially formulated to help with weight loss and the maintenance of a healthy weight.
We have also pioneered the "body condition score" – now widely adopted and used not only in the scientific studies, but also used by vets and pet care charities as the gold standard to evaluate the body condition of pets and whether they are overweight or obese.
We continue to work closely with vets to help pet owners better understand how they can make a positive change to their overweight pets’ health by changing their own behaviour.
While prevention is the key to reducing pet obesity, studies show that despite the past efforts of vets, associations, and the food industry, the awareness of pet obesity among consumers is still low. Tackling pet obesity is even more challenging when many pet owners don’t even realise that their pets are overweight.
Our goal is to help reduce the risk of pet obesity through collaborative prevention programmes – working with key players in pet nutrition and public health to affect real change.
We recognise that the depth of the problem means we can’t do it alone. We need to work within our industry and with other key stakeholders to make a difference.
Building on Nestlé CSV
Nestlé Commitment: Promote healthy diets and lifestyles, including physical activity.
Objective: By 2015 – Nestlé Healthy Kids Global Programme will be ongoing in 80 countries
Our pet partnerships…
At Purina, we believe we have an important role to play in promoting high standards of pet care, and to help prevent animal cruelty. That’s why in the UK, we are proud to support, in a variety of ways, leading pet charities who share our values. Our charity partners include Cats Protection, Canine Partners and the Dublin Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. We assist these outstanding organisations through ongoing programmes, national campaigns, special projects and local community events. For more information visit our Purina Charity Partnerships page.
Our other commitments
Create jobs at Purina for young people across Europe
We recognise that attracting and retaining great people is critical for the future of our business.
Promote pets in the workplace
We want to use our expertise in allowing pets in our offices to help other companies do the same.
Remove artificial colourants from our products
Many of our products are already free from artificial colourants. By 2023 all will be.
Deliver accessible product information and pet care advice
We believe in empowering consumers to make informed choices.
Promote responsible pet ownership programmes for children
We want to help educate more children across Europe to learn about responsible pet ownership.
Implement responsible sourcing
We’re committed to ensuring that we and our suppliers act in a responsible and sustainable way.
Lead the industry in pet nutrition and health research
As a company of pet lovers we are dedicated to leading the way in keeping pets healthy and happy, through industry leading nutrition and pet understanding.
Improve the environmental performance of Purina’s packaging
We have an obligation to reduce our environmental impact and encourage recycling.
Promote pet adoption through collaborations and partnerships
We want to help more pets find loving homes.