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Maintaining your dog’s healthy weight is more than a matter of appearance. It directly impacts their energy, mobility, immunity, and lifespan. In a country like India, where we show love through feeding, it’s important to understand if your dog is overweight or underweight. How can you know if you’re feeding your dog right?
This guide explains how to assess your dog’s body condition, why weight management matters, and what you can do to support your pup with balanced nutrition and daily care.
How to Check Your Dog’s Weight: The Body Condition Score (BCS)
Veterinarians often use the 9-point Body Condition Score (BCS) system to evaluate what the ideal dog weight is for your dogs:
- 1–3: Underweight
- 4–5: Ideal weight
- 6–7: Overweight
- 8–9: Obese
You can try this at home:
- Feel the ribs – They should be easy to feel under a thin fat layer.
- Look from above – A healthy pup shows a visible waist behind the ribs.
- Check from the side – The abdomen should “tuck up” rather than hang down.
Body Condition Score (BCS) for Dogs
If your dog is just one point off (like 3 or 6), adjusting calories by about 10% and reassessing after a month may help. For extreme scores (1–2 or 7–9), consult your veterinarian.
Why Dog Weight Matters
Even being 10% over ideal weight can make your dog overweight, and 20% or more means obesity. Both underweight and overweight dogs face health risks:
Obesity in dogs:
- Just 10–20% excess body weight increases risk of joint problems, arthritis, and reduced mobility.
- Obese dogs have a shorter lifespan by up to 2 years compared to dogs at ideal weight (Purina Lifespan Study, 2002).
- Obesity raises chances of diabetes mellitus (up to 4x higher), heart disease, and anesthesia complications.
Chronic underweight dogs:
- Low immunity → higher infection risk
- Muscle wasting → reduced strength & energy
- Nutrient deficiencies (iron, protein, Omega-3) → delayed wound healing.
- Underweight can signal underlying disease (e.g., GI issues, thyroid disorders).
Balanced weight supports stronger joints, better digestion, and longer, healthier lives.
Feeding Right: How Much Food Does Your Dog Need?
- Start with the label – Dog food feeding charts suggest daily portions by weight.
- Fine-tune with BCS – Feed slightly less for weight loss, more for weight gain.
- Calculate scientifically:
There are two types of energy requirements that you can calculate: Resting Energy Requirement (RER) is the amount of energy (calories) your dog’s body needs to perform basic life functions while at rest - like breathing, blood circulation, cell repair, and maintaining body temperature.
It does not include calories burned through exercise, play, or other activities - those are added later when calculating Maintenance Energy Requirement (MER).
- RER (Resting Energy Requirement) = 70 × (weight in kg)^0.75
- MER (Maintenance Energy Requirement) = RER × activity factor (1.0 for weight loss, ~1.7 for weight gain).
Tracking calories and using proper measuring cups avoids accidental overfeeding.
Did you know?
Over 50% of pet dogs worldwide are overweight or obese—and many pet parents don’t even realize it until health issues arise.
Why does this matter?
Excess weight puts strain on joints. Obese dogs are at higher risk of arthritis, hip dysplasia complications, and reduced mobility.
Weight Loss Plan for Dogs
- Switch diets mindfully: Choose a high-fibre diets that have L-carnitine for weight management, like Carniwel’s Fresh Chicken and Veg Superfoods(Vegan Dog Food). These foods are easy to digest as their high-quality protein comes from lean sources.
- Control portions: Use a kitchen scale or measuring cup. If your dog tends to eat quickly, then use a slow feeder. This is a great way to control post-meal bloating.
- Increase activity: Begin with 15–30 minute walks, then add play, fetch, or swimming.
- Cut extras: Minimize treats and scraps. Use your dog’s kibble as training rewards instead.
Weight Gain Plan for Underweight Dogs
- Choose calorie-dense foods: Puppy food or diets rich in protein and fat great way to give your dog the pet food they need. Carniwel’s range of dog food contains high-quality protein from fresh sources.
- Feed smaller, frequent meals: Reduces digestive strain and boosts calorie intake.
- Introduce gradually: High-fat meals can upset the stomach if added too quickly.
If you’re looking for an easy-to-digest, protein-rich formula that supports both healthy weight loss and safe weight gain, Carniwel Fresh Chicken dog food is an excellent choice. Made with fresh chicken and boosted with Antarctic krill-based Omega-3, it helps:
- Maintain lean muscle
- Improve digestion
- Support energy balance
- Protect joints and
- Improves skin and coat
When to Visit the Vet
See your veterinarian if:
- Your dog’s weight changes suddenly or without explanation.
- No improvement happens after a month of diet/activity adjustments.
- Signs of medical conditions like hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease appear.
Final Word: Love Is in the Details
Supporting your dog’s healthy weight is one of the most caring acts you can do as a pet parent. By using the Body Condition Score, feeding mindfully, and keeping your dog active, you set them up for a longer, happier life filled with tail wags and shared adventures.
Explore Carniwel’s range of fresh, premium, & Healthy dog food because every healthy choice today leads to more joyful tomorrows.
1. How do I know if my dog is overweight or underweight?
Check your dog’s ribs, waistline, and tummy tuck using the 9-point Body Condition Score (BCS). A score of 4–5 means ideal weight, while 1–3 is underweight and 6–9 is overweight to obese. Feeding dog food that provides the best balance of nutrients, like Carniwel Fresh Chicken, helps maintain a healthy body condition.
2. What is the ideal dog weight?
The ideal weight depends on breed, age, and size. Instead of focusing only on numbers, veterinarians recommend the BCS scale. Keeping your dog in the 4–5 range requires you to find the best nutritional balance to keep them active, energetic and happy. The best way to do this is with Carniwel’s Fresh Chicken dog food which contains fresh, high-quality proteins.
3. Is Carniwel good for weight management?
Absolutely. Carniwel Fresh Chicken & Superfoods is formulated with lean protein, krill-based Omega-3, and L-carnitine, making it one of the best dog foods for both weight loss and safe weight gain. It supports lean muscle, joint health, digestion, and energy balance.
4. Can puppy food help an underweight adult dog gain weight?
Yes, temporarily. Puppy food is calorie-dense and can support weight gain in underweight adults. However, long term you should switch to a balanced adult formula like Carniwel Fresh Chicken Dog Food, which ensures easy digestibility and muscle support.
