At a Glance
How to Check
Ribs should be easily felt, not seen, under a thin layer of fat.
Safe Loss Rate
Gradual — about 1–2% of body weight per week.
First Step
A vet check to rule out underlying causes like thyroid issues.
Did You Know?
Studies following dogs over their lifetimes have found that lean dogs live meaningfully longer, on average, than overweight littermates fed more freely.
Extra weight shortens a dog’s life and worsens joint problems more than almost any other single factor an owner can control — the good news is that it’s also one of the more fixable ones.
Measure, Don’t Eyeball
Free-feeding and "eyeballing" a scoop are the most common causes of canine weight gain — a kitchen scale or measuring cup, paired with a vet’s calorie recommendation, removes the guesswork.
Treats Count Too
Treats often go unaccounted for in a dog’s daily calorie total, despite adding up quickly — swapping some treats for a piece of plain vegetable, like carrot, cuts calories without cutting the reward.
Exercise Matched to the Dog
A daily walk helps, but the right amount and intensity depends on the individual dog’s age, breed, and joint health — a vet can help set a realistic, safe activity target.
Related Reading
Dog Gifts
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