Expert Tips for Managing Your Dog’s Weight

Why does it matter if my dog is overweight?

Obesity and being overweight are linked to a variety of health issues that can shorten a dog’s lifespan and negatively impact their overall quality of life. Excess weight puts stress on a dog’s joints and vital organs, leading to conditions like arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory issues. Obesity can also put your dog at a higher risk for certain cancers.

Dogs that maintain a healthy weight are generally less susceptible to these issues, resulting in a longer, happier life. Studies have shown that dogs with a healthy weight tend to live longer than their overweight counterparts. Some research suggests that maintaining an ideal body condition can even extend a dog’s life by up to 2.5 years.

Does it matter if my dog is underweight?

Being overweight or underweight brings risks and challenges that can compromise your dog’s health. Underweight dogs may suffer from weakened immune systems, muscle loss, and reduced energy levels. Additionally, a chronically underweight dog may experience malnutrition, organ failure, and an increased risk of infections and diseases. That said, your dog needs to maintain a balanced weight through proper diet, exercise, and regular veterinary care.

How does my dog’s weight affect their joint health?

Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial to your dog’s joint health, from reducing strain to supporting joint function and overall mobility. Stress caused by excess weight can not only lead to conditions like arthritis and hip dysplasia and increase pressure on weight-bearing joints such as the hips, knees, and spine. This accelerates the wear and tear on cartilage and ligaments, leading to pain and reduced mobility. For these reasons, weight management is especially important for large breeds, older dogs, and other pups who are already prone to joint issues.

How can Ollie tell if my dog is overweight?

Most vet professionals (including our Ollie Health team) use a dog’s Body Condition Score (BCS) to tell if they’re at a healthy weight. The BCS scale ranges from one to nine, with one being very underweight and nine being very overweight. Ideally, your dog should be at a four or five. 

To assess where a dog falls on the scale, we look at three key areas: ribs, waist, and abdominal tuck. While their ribs should be easily felt, they should not be visible. You should, however, be able to see their waistline and notice a slight tuck from their ribcage to their hips. If these features are absent or excessive, it may indicate that the dog is underweight or overweight. 

Certain breeds may have characteristics that can make a clear assessment trickier. For example, French bulldogs often have prominent rib cages, which can make them look leaner than they are. In instances like this, or anytime you’re in doubt, Ollie’s veterinary experts are happy to help. Submit a photo through our Weight Screening, and we’ll give you our professional analysis.

How is weight management different for larger and smaller breeds?

Generally speaking, the key to weight management is a balance of diet, exercise, and portion control. However, there are specific challenges that differ based on a dog’s size.

Because they’re more prone to joint issues such as hip and elbow dysplasia, larger dogs may find the exercise component of weight management more challenging. Larger dogs also tend to have slower metabolisms, which means it’s important to pay close attention to their diet and prevent overeating. Due to the strain obesity puts on a dog’s heart, Great Danes, Saint Bernards, and other breeds prone to heart issues should be especially mindful of gaining weight.

Smaller breeds have their own weight management challenges. Even small amounts of extra food can lead to obesity, which may contribute to weight gain for pups that need extra meals or treats to prevent hypoglycemia. Many small dogs are picky eaters, which makes it difficult to know how much food they’re actually consuming. Dental issues are also common in small breeds, leading pup parents to feed softer, calorie-dense food. Because their exercise levels are often underestimated, lack of physical activity can also contribute to weight issues.  

Are certain breeds more likely to gain weight than others?

While weight is a concern for all dogs, certain breeds are more likely to put on pounds due to factors like genetics, metabolism, and activity levels. Labrador retrievers, beagles, and dachshunds are particularly susceptible because of their love for food, lower energy levels, and tendency to become less active as they age. Basset hounds, bulldogs, and pugs, with their laid-back nature and stocky builds, are also prone to weight gain. Breeds like cocker spaniels, shih tzus, and Cavalier King Charles spaniels, who may overeat and struggle with getting enough exercise, are also at risk.

Internal research and data collected from our Health Screenings show that Frenchies tend to be leaner than other breeds, with the lowest incidence of overweight scores. Our chihuahuas had the highest distribution of scores 7 and greater, meaning many were overweight.

If your dog is more prone to gaining weight, they’ll need careful portion control, regular exercise, and regular vet check-ups.

How does my dog's diet affect their energy levels and muscle maintenance?

A well-balanced diet is crucial for fueling your dog’s daily activities and supporting healthy muscle mass. Protein is especially important because it provides the necessary building blocks for muscle repair, growth, and maintenance. High-quality animal proteins help build and maintain lean muscle tissue, which supports overall strength and mobility.

Fats are another important component of a nutritious diet. As a concentrated energy source, they’re able to provide the calories needed for dogs with high energy demands. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids also support muscle function and reduce inflammation, which can help prevent joint issues that often come with physical exertion.

Carbohydrates provide a quick source of energy for active dogs, especially during exercise. Whole grains like brown rice or sweet potatoes offer a steady release of energy, preventing spikes and crashes in blood sugar.

Vitamins and minerals also play a crucial role in energy production and muscle maintenance. For example, B vitamins help with energy metabolism, while calcium and phosphorus are important for bone health and muscle function. Ideal levels of vitamin E and selenium help protect muscles from oxidative damage.

What are some signs that my dog needs more or less food?

There are a couple of things to look out for if you think your dog might need their portion size adjusted. For example, you may notice a change in weight. If excess weight is making it more difficult to feel your dog’s ribs, it may mean they’re getting too much food. On the other hand, weight loss and more prominent ribs might indicate they’re not getting enough food.

Other indicators like an increase or decrease in energy level or appetite may suggest a portion adjustment is needed. Poor stool quality, changes in skin and coat condition, irritability, or food obsession can also be signs. Additionally, lifestyle changes, such as a decrease in activity or age-related factors, may require modifications to their food intake.

Overfeeding or underfeeding can lead to issues like obesity or muscle loss, so it’s important to provide a diet tailored to your dog’s specific needs based on their age, size, breed, and activity level. Always consult a vet if you’re noticing weight fluctuations. They’ll be able to provide personalized recommendations for supporting a healthy weight and your pup’s overall well-being.

How can I stay on top of my dog’s weight management?

Effectively tracking your dog’s weight can help empower you to make informed decisions and support a longer, happier life for your dog. Regular Weight Screenings are an invaluable tool for gaining reassurance and providing concrete data on your dog’s body condition.

By monitoring your dog’s weight consistently, you can identify subtle changes over time to ensure that your pup stays within a healthy weight range. Regular screenings also help catch early signs of weight gain or loss, so you can make adjustments as soon as possible and prevent issues linked with being over or underweight.

Frequent Weight Screenings can also be a great resource for giving both you and your vet valuable insights into the effectiveness of your dog’s current health plan. This ultimately makes it easier to track progress when adjusting your pup’s routine to achieve weight or muscle goals.

Is nutrition more or less important than exercise when it comes to weight management?

Proper nutrition and exercise are both essential parts of your dog’s health. That said, the wrong diet can make it difficult for your dog to maintain a healthy weight regardless of their exercise routine.

A dog’s diet largely determines the number of calories they consume, making it a primary factor in weight management. Even with regular exercise, if a dog’s diet is too calorie-dense or they’re overfed, they can still gain weight.

Proper nutrition ensures the right balance of macronutrients (protein, fats, and carbohydrates) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals), supporting healthy metabolism and weight. Portion control, food quality, and appropriate calorie intake based on a dog’s age, breed, and activity level are crucial for preventing overeating and gaining excess weight.

Which ingredients are helpful in weight management and post-activity recovery for active pups?

By including a combination of certain key ingredients, your dog’s food can promote a balanced diet that supports weight management, muscle recovery, and their overall wellness. Low in fat and full of essential nutrients, lean proteins like chicken, turkey, and beef help dogs feel full longer and promote muscle maintenance without excess calories.

Vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, peas, and pumpkin are full of fiber, which aids digestion, keeps your pup feeling full, and helps control portion sizes. Healthy fats from sources like fish oil provide omega-3 fatty acids, which support healthy joints and skin. They’re also carefully balanced to avoid weight gain.

Fish oil and lean meats are also great for post-activity recovery. Packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids, they help reduce inflammation, repair muscles, and support recovery. With antioxidants that help fight inflammation and oxidative stress, spinach is another great ingredient to have after exercise.

Ollie makes it easy to give your dog the nutrition they need. Our fresh recipes combine these and other carefully selected ingredients to support a longer, happier life for your pup.

Are there treats that are better for weight management?

There are plenty of snacks that can help you prioritize your dog’s weight management while still satisfying their treat tooth. Vegetables like carrot sticks, green beans, cucumber slices, and zucchini are excellent options. Since they’re high in fiber, they’ll keep your dog feeling full without adding extra calories to their diet. Fruits like seedless apple slices and blueberries are also great options that are tasty, low in calories, and full of vitamins and antioxidants.

Homemade treats can also be a healthy way to show your pup some extra love. Ingredients like pumpkin, sweet potato, and oatmeal are delicious, filling, and nutritious. You can also buy low-calorie treats that’ll support your dog’s weight management while still offering nutritional benefits.

While a little treat is always nice, it’s important to make sure treats don’t make up more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. Even healthy snacks should only complement your dog’s regular meals and not replace them to avoid overfeeding.