7 Tips to Keep Your Dog at a Healthy Weight

Keeping your dog at a healthy weight is crucial for their long-term health and happiness. Overweight dogs are at higher risk for health issues, while underweight dogs may be malnourished. Here are our top 7 tips to help your dog maintain a healthy weight.

1. Assess Your Dog’s Current Weight

To determine your dog's ideal weight, assess them in the following ways:

Ribs Check: Look at your dog's rib cage. Can you see their ribs? They should be barely visible. Feel their ribs; you should be able to feel them without a thick layer of fat.
Overhead View: From above, your dog should have a discernible waistline behind their ribs.
Side View: From the side, your dog should have an upward tuck after the ribs near the back legs.

If you're unsure about your dog's weight, use this healthy weight calculator for dogs.

2. Track How Much You’re Feeding Your Dog

Identify if your dog is:

Underweight (needs more calories)
Overweight (needs fewer calories)
Ideal weight (no changes needed)

Write down how much food you give your dog each day to monitor and adjust their diet as needed. Consistency is key, so use a measuring cup for accurate portions. Use a dog food measuring cup to ensure each cup is measured accurately.

3. Weigh Your Dog Regularly

Track your dog's weight along with their food intake. Use a scale for accurate information and record it in the same place where you track their food. This helps you see how dietary changes affect their weight.

4. Avoid Feeding Your Dog Table Food

Table scraps can add unnecessary calories and may lead to picky eating. Instead, choose healthy treats made specifically for dogs, like our Bully Max Soft Chews.

5. Give Your Dog Regular Exercise

Exercise is essential for maintaining a healthy weight and overall well-being. It helps overweight dogs burn calories and stimulates appetite in underweight dogs.

6. Adjust Seasonally and Over Time

Your dog's calorie needs change with their age and activity levels. They may need more food in the summer when they are more active and less as they get older and become less active.

7. Feed Your Dog a Nutritious Diet

A high-quality dog food ensures your dog gets the nutrients they need without overeating. We recommend Bully Max 30/20 High-Performance Dog Food, which is packed with healthy ingredients, vitamins, and 535 calories per cup. It contains no corn, wheat, or soy and is highly rated by DogFoodAdvisor.com.

Check out the ingredients and try it today here.

For more information and additional support, visit the Bully Max Help Center.