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.
