How to Manage Your Dog's Weight — A Simple Guide

A dog carrying extra weight isn’t just an aesthetic concern — it’s a genuine health issue. Excess weight puts strain on joints, increases the risk of diabetes and heart disease, reduces energy and shortens lifespan. The good news is that weight management in dogs is usually straightforward once you understand the key factors involved.

Why Dogs Gain Weight

• Overfeeding — feeding guidelines on packaging are averages; a less active dog may need significantly less

• Too many treats — treats add up quickly, especially during training

• Low-quality food with fillers — cereal-heavy recipes add calories without nutritional value

• Neutering — reduces metabolic rate; many owners don’t adjust feeding amounts

• Age — older dogs burn fewer calories but are often still fed the same amounts

How to Tell If Your Dog Is Overweight

Run your hands along your dog’s ribcage — you should be able to feel the ribs easily. From above, a healthy dog should have a visible waist. From the side, the belly should sit higher than the chest.

Getting the Food Right

• Weigh portions rather than scooping — ensures you’re feeding the right amount

• Choose a high-protein, lower-calorie recipe — our Senior / Lite Dog Food is specifically formulated for less active and overweight dogs, with lower calorie content and added L-Carnitine

• Reduce treats — or switch to our single-protein training treats, which are small and nutrient-dense enough to use sparingly

How Long Does It Take?

Healthy weight loss in dogs is 1–2% of body weight per week. Weigh monthly rather than daily — daily fluctuations are normal and misleading.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I switch to a diet food or just reduce portions? Both have a role. Reducing portions is the starting point, but our Senior / Lite recipe is more sustainable long-term — designed to keep your dog satisfied on fewer calories.

When should I switch to a senior or lite food? For weight management, a lite recipe is appropriate at any age for dogs who are overweight. Senior-specific recipes are generally recommended from around 7 years of age. See our Senior / Lite Dog Food for full details.

Delivered throughout Northern Ireland from our base in Comber, Co. Down.