Inappropriate weight gain typically arises from persistent dietary caloric intake in excess of
maintenance requirements, leading to increased adipose tissue deposition. It is a major and
ever increasing concern in companion animals and, depending on the degree increased
adiposity, is classified as either overweight or obese. A dog or cat whose weight exceeds
10% of its optimal is classified as being overweight, and the term obese is used to define
animals whose weight is 20% greater than optimal. 1