Canine obesity is one of the biggest welfare issues facing UK dogs. According to UK Pet Food (2024), 50% of UK dogs are overweight or obese — up from 45% in 2014. Worryingly, 77% of owners believe their pet is a healthy weight, while 100% of vets expressed concern about rising obesity. Excess weight shortens lives, causes joint pain, and increases the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
Body Condition Score (BCS)
The BCS is a simple hands-on test scored 1–9 (ideal: 4–5). Each point above ideal ≈ 10% overweight.
- Feel ribs: You should be able to feel them easily with light pressure. If you have to press hard, your dog is overweight
- Waist from above: A visible narrowing behind the ribs when viewed from above
- Tummy tuck from side: The belly should tuck upward from the ribs to the hind legs
80% of UK owners don’t know their dog’s BCS. Ask your vet to show you at the next check-up.
How Much to Feed
- Always weigh food with kitchen scales — never estimate. A “scoop” can vary by 50%+
- Packaging guidelines are a starting point, not gospel — adjust based on your dog’s condition, age, and activity
- If treats are given, reduce meal portions accordingly. Treats should be ≤10% of daily calories
- Complete elimination of table scraps
Weight Loss Plan
- Vet check first: Rule out medical causes (hypothyroidism, Cushing’s). Get a target weight
- Weight-loss food: Lower calories, higher protein and fibre — keeps your dog feeling full
- Gradual exercise increase: Start with 5-minute walks for very overweight dogs. Build to 30+ minutes daily. Swimming is excellent (low joint impact)
- Weigh monthly: Aim for 1–2% body weight loss per week
FAQs
How many calories does my dog need?
There’s no single answer — it depends on breed, age, activity level, neuter status, and metabolism. As a rough guide, a moderately active adult medium-sized dog (15–25kg) typically needs 600–1,000 kcal per day. Your vet can calculate your dog’s specific resting energy requirement (RER) and create a tailored feeding plan. For weight loss, they’ll typically reduce intake to 60–80% of the calories needed to maintain the target weight.
Reviewed by Dr. Sarah Jenkins, MRCVS
Dr. Jenkins is a fully practicing veterinary surgeon in the UK with over 15 years of clinical experience in small animal medicine and canine behaviour. She reviews and verifies our health content to ensure medical accuracy.
