Short answer: Target body condition score (BCS) 5/9. Reduce calorie intake to 70-80% of maintenance, switch to a high-protein weight-loss diet, eliminate table scraps and high-calorie treats, increase daily walking. Healthy weight loss is 1-2% body weight per week. Recheck monthly.
What you should actually do
- Calorie target: ~70-80% of maintenance energy requirement (use a calculator).
- Diet choice: high-protein, high-fiber, lower-fat – Hill’s w/d, Royal Canin Satiety, Purina Pro Plan OM.
- Treats should be <10% of daily calories – subtract from main meals.
- Exercise: increase gradually (15-30 min more walking daily), avoid extreme exertion in obese dogs.
- Monthly weigh-ins and BCS check; adjust portions every 4 weeks based on actual rate.
Obesity in dogs is associated with shorter lifespan, increased osteoarthritis, diabetes, certain cancers, and reduced quality of life. The Lifespan Study of Labradors (Kealy 2002) showed lean Labs lived ~1.8 years longer than overweight littermates.
Slow and steady wins – rapid restriction causes hepatic lipidosis in cats and is poorly tolerated in dogs too. Plan on 3-6 months for a moderately overweight dog; 6-12 months for obesity.
Dig deeper
⚕️ Medical Disclaimer
The information on this page is intended for educational purposes only and does not replace a hands-on veterinary examination. Drug doses depend on your dog’s complete clinical picture, concurrent medications, and the exact product formulation. Always confirm dosing with your veterinarian before administering any medication, and contact a 24-hour veterinary emergency service or animal poison control immediately if you suspect a medication overdose or adverse reaction. Editorial standards: every drug dose published on PuppaDogs is cross-checked against multiple authoritative veterinary references and reviewed by PuppaDogs Veterinary Editorial Team before publication.
