Is your furry friend carrying a little extra “fluff”? You’re not alone. Dog obesity is a growing issue across the country.

But don't worry, with the right approach, you can help your pup shed unhealthy pounds, boost their energy, and extend their happy, tail-wagging years.

In this guide, we’ll cover how to tell if your dog is overweight, the health risks of carrying extra weight, and practical (and realistic!) ways to help your dog slim down.

Plus, we’ll share products and strategies that make the journey easier.

Understanding Obesity in Dogs

An overweight dog is typically 10-20% over their ideal body weight, while obesity means 20% or more above ideal. It doesn’t always look dramatic, sometimes it’s just a little “missing waist” or ribs you can’t feel.

Veterinarians often use a Body Condition Score (BCS) chart to measure this. A healthy weight means you should be able to feel your dog’s ribs easily (without digging) and see a defined waist when looking from above.

Of course, different breeds carry weight differently. A Whippet’s healthy shape looks very different than a muscular Pit Bull. That’s why it’s always smart to confirm with your veterinarian what a healthy weight looks like for your dog.

Why Extra Weight Matters

Carrying extra pounds doesn’t just make walks slower, it can seriously impact your dog’s health. Overweight dogs are at a higher risk for:

• Diabetes

• Arthritis & joint pain

• Heart disease

• Certain cancers

• Shortened lifespan

Excess weight also puts extra strain on their joints, making exercise less enjoyable and sometimes even painful. The sooner you help your dog back to a healthy weight, the better their long-term outlook.

How to Help Your Dog Lose Weight

Helping your pup shed pounds isn’t about crash diets, it’s about building healthier, sustainable routines. Here are four core areas to focus on.

1. Diet & Portion Control

• Measure meals carefully. Free-pouring kibble and free-feeding almost alway leads to overfeeding, especially as your dog ages and their metabolism slows. Use a measuring cup or kitchen scale to be precise.

• Track calories. Treats count too! They can easily make up 10–15% of your dog’s daily intake without you realizing it.

• Switch to more nutrient-dense foods. Many high-carb kibbles load dogs up on calories without providing enough nutrition. At Black Dog Barkery, we carry canine nutritionist-approved brands that focus on lean proteins, balanced fats, and low-glycemic carbs. These foods support weight loss while keeping your dog satisfied.

  👉 Explore our Food Partners

💡 Tip: If you feed freeze-dried or dehydrated food, fully rehydrate it before serving. The added moisture helps your pup feel fuller on fewer calories.

2. Exercise & Activity

• Start slow. For overweight dogs, low-impact activities like short walks or swimming are best to avoid injury.

• Build gradually. Add a few minutes to daily walks each week, or increase play sessions as your dog builds stamina.

• Make it fun. Games of fetch, tug, or even hide-and-seek indoors burn calories and strengthen your bond.

Remember: consistency beats intensity. A 20-minute walk every day is better than one exhausting weekend hike.

3. Treats & Enrichment

• Rethink treats. Replace high-calorie biscuits with fresh veggies (carrots, green beans, cucumber) or freeze-dried single-protein treats.

• Use part of meals as rewards. Save a portion of your dog’s daily food to use during training instead of piling on extras.

• Slow it down. Dogs that gulp food tend to overeat. Slow feeders, lick mats, and puzzle toys stretch mealtime and provide mental enrichment, too.

💡 Pro Tip: We stock a variety of slow feeders, puzzle toys, and lick mats designed to make meals last longer while burning mental energy. Ask us about options that fit your dog’s diet and personality.

4. Monitoring & Vet Partnership

• Regular weigh-ins. Weigh your dog monthly to make sure you’re on track. Even small changes are worth celebrating.

• Work with your vet. Every dog is different—your vet can help determine a safe calorie range and rule out medical causes of weight gain (like hypothyroidism).

• Be patient. Healthy weight loss is slow—just 1–2% of body weight per week. The goal is steady progress, not overnight change.

Best Diet Options for Weight Loss

Nutrition plays the biggest role in weight management. Here are some things to consider:

• Avoid high-carb kibbles if possible. Many commercial foods are heavy on fillers that add calories without nutrition.

• Look for protein-first formulas. Lean meats + balanced fats keep your dog fuller longer.

• Try fresh, raw, or gently cooked diets. These often provide better nutrient density per calorie.

👉 We’ve curated foods at Black Dog Barkery that are both weight-conscious and nutrient-rich—because cutting calories shouldn’t mean cutting nutrition.

Maintaining a Healthy Weight Long-Term

Reaching a healthy weight is a milestone—but keeping it off is the real success. Long-term strategies include:

• Sticking to consistent portions (don’t creep back into free-pouring)

• Regular daily exercise suited to your dog’s age and breed

• Ongoing monitoring-check body condition regularly, not just the scale

• Choosing quality nutrition from trusted, balanced brands

Weight management isn’t about perfection—it’s about creating routines that both you and your pup can stick with.

Final Thoughts

Helping your dog lose weight isn’t just about numbers on the scale, it’s about giving them the energy, mobility, and longevity to enjoy more years by your side.

At Black Dog Barkery in Bristol, TN, we’re here to support you every step of the way. From nutritionist-approved foods to slow feeders and enrichment toys, we carry tools to make weight management easier (and more fun!).

Every dog is unique, so start with your vet, make small adjustments, and stay consistent. With patience and the right plan, you’ll see your pup transform into a healthier, happier version of themselves.