How to Manage Your Dog's Weight and Avoid Obesity: 12 Tips
Keeping your dog at a healthy weight doesn’t have to be complicated — but it does take consistency and a bit of planning. Over the years, we’ve fine-tuned our approach to managing our dogs’ weight, and here are the key things that have really made a difference.
1. Measure Every Meal
Eyeballing your dog’s food is a recipe for overfeeding. We use a measuring cup (and sometimes a food scale when portioning raw or homemade meals) to make sure we’re giving the right amount. It’s surprising how easy it is to go overboard without realizing it. Tracking meals in a notebook or app helps us stay on top of any changes.
2. Choose Quality Over Quantity
Not all dog foods are created equal. We always look for high-quality food with real ingredients — think whole meats, veggies, and no nasty fillers or artificial junk. If your dog needs to slim down, a lower-calorie food can help, but make sure it’s still nutrient-rich. And if you’re cooking at home, double-check what’s safe for dogs (onions and garlic, for example, are a no-go).
3. Skip the Table Scraps
It’s tempting to share your dinner, especially when your pup gives you those eyes — but resist. Most human food is loaded with salt, sugar, or fat that dogs just don’t need. Instead, offer healthy treats like plain boiled chicken, carrots, or apple slices (no seeds!).
4. Stick to a Feeding Schedule
Free-feeding (leaving food out all day) almost always leads to overeating. Instead, set regular mealtimes and remove any leftovers after 15–20 minutes. Some dogs do better with two smaller meals a day, while others might benefit from three, especially if they’re on a weight-loss plan.
5. Watch the Treats
Treats are great for training, but they can really add up. We try to keep treats under 10% of our dog’s daily calories — and we stick to low-calorie or natural options when possible. If your dog is on a diet, you can even use part of their regular kibble as training rewards.
6. Make Exercise a Habit
Daily movement isn’t just good for weight — it keeps your dog mentally and physically healthy. For most dogs, 30–60 minutes a day is a good target. This can be a mix of walks, playtime, training sessions, or even swimming. Start slow if your dog’s been sedentary, and always check with your vet if there are any health concerns.
7. Use Puzzle Feeders & Toys
We love using slow feeders and puzzle toys, especially for dogs who inhale their food or get bored easily. These tools turn mealtime into a game, slow down eating, and keep your dog’s brain engaged — all of which help prevent overeating.
8. Monitor Their Weight Regularly
We weigh our dogs monthly — it only takes a few minutes and helps catch any weight creep early. If we notice a change, we can adjust food or activity before it becomes a bigger issue. And keep in mind that things like age, hormones, and even weather can impact weight.
9. Talk to Your Vet
If your dog is gaining or struggling to lose weight despite your efforts, it’s time for a vet visit. Conditions like hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease can make weight control difficult — but with the right treatment plan, progress is possible. Your vet can also help create a safe, personalized weight-loss strategy.
10. Be Consistent
Consistency is the glue that holds all of this together. Dogs thrive on routine. Stick to the same feeding times, use the same measuring tools, and carve out time daily for activity. Once it becomes a habit, it’s easier on both you and your pup.
Helping your dog maintain a healthy weight isn’t about perfection — it’s about small, daily choices that add up over time. We’ve found that with a little structure and a lot of love, it’s absolutely doable. And trust me, your dog will feel better, move easier, and likely live longer because of it.