That Belly Isn’t Just Cute—It Could Be a Problem
You love everything about your dog - from the floppy ears to the goofy zoomies - but lately, you’ve noticed they’re a little slower, a bit less playful, and their collar fits more snug than it used to. Sound familiar?
Just like us, dogs can quietly pack on weight over time. And while a chubby pup might seem adorable, excess weight can seriously affect their health, happiness, and even how long they’re with you.
The good news? With a mindful, loving approach, you can help your dog lose weight - without stress, starvation, or guilt. And we’re here to show you exactly how.
Why Dog Obesity is More Serious Than You Think
Dog obesity isn’t just about appearance. Extra weight puts strain on your dog’s joints, heart, and lungs—and increases the risk of chronic diseases like:
- Diabetes
- Osteoarthritis
- High blood pressure
- Respiratory issues
- Some cancers
Research shows that dogs with obesity tend to live up to 2.5 years less than dogs with a healthy weight (German et al., 2012). That’s a lot of missed belly rubs and park days.
Over 55% of dogs in the U.S. are classified as overweight or obese (Association for Pet Obesity Prevention [APOP], 2021), yet many owners don’t even realize it—making education and early action even more important.
How to Tell If Your Dog Is Overweight
Before jumping into solutions, let’s pause and check: Does your dog actually need to lose weight?
It’s not always obvious—especially with fluffy breeds or larger builds—so here’s a quick at-home guide many vets recommend:
- Rib Test
Run your hands along your dog’s sides. You should be able to feel their ribs without pressing too hard—but not see them. If you can’t find them under a thick layer of fat, that’s a sign they may be overweight (WSAVA, 2021). - Waistline Check
Look at your dog from above. A healthy dog should have a slight hourglass shape, with a defined waist behind the ribs. If their body is more oval or sausage-like, they may be carrying extra weight. - Energy Levels
Is your dog panting more than usual, reluctant to go for walks, or less playful than they used to be? These could be subtle signs that excess weight is slowing them down (German, 2006).
If you're still unsure, your vet can help you evaluate your dog’s Body Condition Score (BCS)—a simple 1–9 scale that’s much more accurate than just weighing them.
The 5-Step Plan to Help Your Dog Lose Weight (Safely)
1. Visit Your Vet First
Before starting anything, book a check-up. Your vet can:
- Rule out hormonal or medical causes
- Help set a safe goal weight
- Recommend a tailored calorie plan
📌 Pro tip: Ask for your dog’s Body Condition Score (BCS)—a helpful 9-point scale used by vets to assess healthy weight (WSAVA, 2021).
2. Switch to a Purposeful Diet
Weight loss isn’t just about less food—it’s about better food. Look for:
- High-protein, low-fat kibble or wet food
- Formulas with added fiber (helps your dog feel full!)
- Vet-recommended or therapeutic weight-control diets
- Studies suggest that diets higher in protein and fiber are more effective for canine weight management, as they support satiety and preserve lean mass (German, 2006).
- Always transition gradually to avoid tummy troubles.
3. Control Portions (Like, Seriously)
Eyeballing it? Time to stop. Use a digital kitchen scale and measure every meal. Feeding guidelines on the package are just starting points—many dogs need less than what’s printed.
📌 Pro tip: Split meals into 2–3 servings a day to reduce begging and support metabolism (Laflamme, 2006).
4. Rethink Treats
Most commercial dog treats are calorie bombs. Instead:
- Use green beans, carrot sticks, or blueberries as low-cal rewards
- Count treat calories as part of daily intake
- Use affection, toys, or praise in place of food rewards when possible
- Veterinary studies recommend that treats should make up no more than 10% of total daily calories (Freeman et al., 2011).
5. Move Together—Every Day
Gentle movement is key, even if your dog is out of shape. Try:
- Short walks 2–3 times a day
- Puzzle feeders or treat balls indoors
- Light games of tug or fetch
- Start slow, then build up. Exercise not only burns calories but also boosts joint health and emotional well-being (Linder et al., 2016).
Track Progress—and Be Patient
Aim for a 1–2% weight loss per week (Laflamme, 2005), and weigh your dog every 2–4 weeks. Celebrate progress with belly rubs and play—not extra snacks.
Consistency matters more than perfection. And remember, you’re not alone. Your effort means everything to your dog—and their long-term well-being.
A Healthier Pup Starts Today
Helping your dog lose weight isn't about being strict or taking the fun away—it's about giving them the best life possible. More walks. More energy. More years of unconditional love.
👉 Ready to take the first step?
Download our free guide to healthy homemade dog treats or browse our collection of sustainably made, movement-friendly pet wear that makes daily walks safer and comfier for your pup.
References
Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. (2021). Pet Obesity Awareness Survey Results. Retrieved from https://www.petobesityprevention.org/
Freeman, L. M., Chandler, M. L., Hamper, B. A., & Weeth, L. P. (2011). Current knowledge about the risks and benefits of raw meat–based diets for dogs and cats. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 238(5), 585–592. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.238.5.585
German, A. J. (2006). The growing problem of obesity in dogs and cats. The Journal of Nutrition, 136(7), 1940S–1946S. https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/136.7.1940S
German, A. J., Holden, S. L., Moxham, G. L., Holmes, K. L., Hackett, R. M., & Rawlings, J. M. (2012). A simple, reliable tool for owners to assess the body condition of their dog or cat. Journal of Nutrition, 142(9), 1730S–1736S. https://doi.org/10.3945/jn.111.155028
Laflamme, D. (2005). Nutrition for aging cats and dogs and the importance of body condition. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 35(3), 713–742. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvsm.2005.01.005
Laflamme, D. P. (2006). Understanding and managing obesity in dogs and cats. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 36(6), 1283–1295. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvsm.2006.08.005
Linder, D. E., Freeman, L. M., Morris, P., & German, A. J. (2016). Dog obesity: Owner attitudes and behavior. Veterinary Record, 179(11), 281. https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.103264
WSAVA. (2021). Body Condition Scoring Charts. Retrieved from https://wsava.org/global-guidelines/global-nutrition-guidelines/body-condition-score/