It's not just Kiwi's that are seemingly struggling with expanding waistlines, with their pets facing the same struggle.

A survey by Southern Cross Pet Insurance has found that 19 per cent of Kiwis have put their pets on a diet because of a bit of 'extra padding”.

One in five Kiwi pets are being put on diets Photo: Supplied.

The survey of more than 2000 pet-owners shows 57 per cent diagnosed the weight issue themselves, compared to 43 per cent who had diagnosis by a veterinarian.

The New Zealand Veterinary Association's head of veterinary services Dr Callum Irvine says vets are seeing more overweight and obese pets at their clinics.

He says excess weight is the most common medical condition in pets and there are a number of health and wellness implications that go with this.

Callum says: 'Osteoarthritis, diabetes and pancreatic disorders, cardiac and respiratory issues, increased surgical and anaesthetic risk, higher rates of some cancers, along with a decline in the quality of life, and reduced lifespan. The list goes on.”

'Good nutrition and correct daily portion size is essential, along with appropriate levels of daily exercise.

'The benefits of ensuring that your pet is an appropriate weight includes increased mobility and exercise tolerance, reduced medical needs and an overall higher quality of life,” he adds.

'Your vet will be able to provide the right advice on all aspects of your pet's health, including suitable nutrition which will depend on the animal, the breed and its age.”

Callum says it's also important to choose pet food that has been formulated and preferably tested to meet nutritional standards for cats and dogs.

'While the range of food on the New Zealand market is huge, not all will necessarily meet the nutritional needs of your individual pet,” he says.