New Year’s Resolution: Help Your Dog Achieve a Healthy Weight

Many dog owners in the UK struggle to keep their dogs within ideal weight norms. Over time, a combination of insufficient exercise and too many treats can lead to overweight or obese dogs, which seriously affects their health and lifespan.

In fact, a significant number of owners are unable to correctly identify when their dog is overweight. This is especially common for breeds prone to weight gain, such as the pug, where overweight dogs sadly outnumber those at a healthy weight.

As 2025 begins, a valuable resolution for every dog owner is to get their dog to a healthy weight and keep them there for life. This guide walks you through assessing your dog’s weight, setting realistic goals, making dietary and exercise changes, monitoring progress, and maintaining healthy weight long-term.

Assessing Your Dog’s Weight and Setting Goals

Determining if your dog is overweight isn't just about scale numbers; it depends on breed-specific weight ranges and their body condition score (BCS). The BCS system is the most reliable way to assess fat coverage and overall condition.

Body condition scoring involves palpating your dog’s ribs, observing their waist from above, and looking for abdominal tuck from the side. A score between 4 and 5 on the 9-point scale indicates ideal weight.

For an accurate assessment and to establish a target weight, contact your local vet. Most UK veterinary practices offer free weight clinics, providing tailored advice based on your dog's breed, age, and health.

Making a Weight Loss Plan

Weight loss for dogs must be slow, steady, and safe—avoiding crash diets or extreme food restrictions. Depending on how much weight your dog needs to lose, plan for gradual weight reduction over several months. Aiming for 1-2% weight loss per week is ideal.

Your plan should factor in diet changes, increased exercise, and regular weight monitoring. Collaborate with your vet to create a personalised, realistic plan that fits your dog’s needs.

Dietary Changes to Support Healthy Weight

There are two main strategies for reducing calorie intake: feeding smaller portions of the same food or switching to a lower-calorie, weight management diet. Transition diets gradually to avoid digestive upset and always measure food portions precisely using scales.

UK vets often recommend prescription weight-loss diets like Hill’s Prescription Diet Metabolic or premium options such as Lily’s Kitchen, which are formulated to maintain nutrition while supporting fat loss.

Managing treats is crucial: limit treats to no more than 10% of daily caloric intake. Choose low-calorie, healthy treats, and incorporate their calories into your dog’s total daily allowance to avoid overfeeding.

Increasing Exercise for Weight Loss and Wellness

Exercise plays a vital role in safe weight loss. While overweight dogs might find physical activity challenging at first, gradually increasing daily walks and playtime boosts calorie burn and muscle tone. This helps reduce fat while keeping your dog happier and healthier.

Adjust exercise routines according to your dog’s breed, age, and health, and always increase intensity and duration slowly to prevent injury.

Monitoring Progress and Adjustments

Regular monitoring through weekly or monthly weigh-ins and BCS assessments helps track progress and ensures healthy, sustainable weight loss. Avoid rapid weight loss, which can be dangerous, and communicate regularly with your vet to adjust the plan if needed.

Maintaining a Healthy Weight for Life

Achieving goal weight is a milestone, but maintaining it requires ongoing effort. Implement a maintenance feeding plan with appropriate portion sizes, consistent exercise, and regular check-ups. Lifelong commitment prevents weight regain and supports your dog’s long-term health.

Your local vet remains a valuable partner in weight maintenance, offering support and advice as your dog’s needs evolve with age.