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Weight management
Quick answer
Around half of UK dogs are overweight or obese, which shortens life and worsens arthritis, diabetes and breathing problems. Use a **body condition score**, weigh food on scales, and work with your vet on a safe target — aim for gradual loss of 1–2% body weight per week.
Key takeaways
- Do not guess. Ask your vet or nurse for a target weight and daily calorie allowance. Measure food with scales, reduce treats to less than 10% of intake, and review progress every 2–4 weeks.
- Exercise helps fitness and wellbeing but weight loss is mainly driven by calorie reduction. Very overweight dogs may need low-impact exercise — sudden intense activity risks joint injury.
The full guide
Causes, symptoms, treatment options and when to call your vet — in the complete plain-English guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I know if my dog is overweight?
- Run your hands along the ribs — you should feel them with a light cover of fat, not see them prominently. From above, a waist should be visible behind the ribs. Your vet uses a body condition score (BCS) from 1–9; ideal is typically 4–5.
- How much should I feed an overweight dog?
- Do not guess. Ask your vet or nurse for a target weight and daily calorie allowance. Measure food with scales, reduce treats to less than 10% of intake, and review progress every 2–4 weeks.
- Can I just walk my dog more to lose weight?
- Exercise helps fitness and wellbeing but weight loss is mainly driven by calorie reduction. Very overweight dogs may need low-impact exercise — sudden intense activity risks joint injury.