Dog Weight Calculator
Check if your dog is at a healthy weight for their breed and get personalized recommendations.
Maintaining a healthy weight helps your dog live a longer, happier life
Why Weight Matters:
Dogs at a healthy weight live up to 2 years longer than overweight dogs. They have less joint stress, lower disease risk, and better quality of life. Use this calculator to check your dog's weight status and get actionable recommendations.
Check Your Dog's Weight
Understanding Body Condition Score (BCS)
Beyond the number on the scale, veterinarians use a 9-point Body Condition Score to assess your dog's weight. Here's how to check your dog at home:
Underweight (BCS 1-3)
- * Ribs easily visible
- * Obvious waist and abdominal tuck
- * Little to no body fat
- * Spine and hip bones prominent
Ideal (BCS 4-5)
- * Ribs easily felt with slight fat cover
- * Visible waist from above
- * Abdominal tuck visible from side
- * Thin layer of fat over body
Overweight (BCS 6-9)
- * Ribs hard to feel under fat
- * No visible waist
- * Belly hangs down or sags
- * Fat deposits on neck, legs, spine
How to Check at Home
- 1.Feel the ribs: Place your thumbs on your dog's spine and spread your fingers across the ribcage. You should feel ribs with a thin layer of fat, similar to the back of your hand.
- 2.Look from above: You should see a visible waist behind the ribs. The body should have an hourglass shape.
- 3.Look from the side: The belly should tuck up behind the ribcage, not hang down or be level with the chest.
Weight Management Tips
For Weight Loss
- * Measure food precisely with a cup or scale
- * Reduce portions by 10-25% based on goal
- * Swap treats for low-calorie options (carrots, green beans)
- * Increase exercise gradually (add 5 min/day)
- * Avoid free-feeding; use scheduled meals
- * Consider a weight management dog food
For Weight Gain
- * Rule out health issues with your vet first
- * Increase portions by 10-15%
- * Feed smaller, more frequent meals
- * Add healthy fats like fish oil
- * Consider puppy food for extra calories
- * Add toppers like scrambled eggs or lean meat
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my dog is overweight?▼
You can check your dog's weight by feeling their ribs - you should be able to feel them easily without pressing hard. View from above: your dog should have a visible waist behind the ribs. From the side, the belly should tuck up. If ribs are hard to feel under fat, there's no visible waist, or the belly hangs down, your dog may be overweight.
What is a healthy weight for my dog's breed?▼
Healthy weight varies significantly by breed. For example, a healthy Labrador weighs 55-80 lbs, a French Bulldog 16-28 lbs, and a Great Dane 110-175 lbs. Use our calculator above to find the ideal weight range for your specific breed and gender.
What is Body Condition Score (BCS)?▼
Body Condition Score is a 9-point scale used by veterinarians to assess whether a dog is underweight, ideal, or overweight. A score of 1-3 indicates underweight, 4-5 is ideal, 6-7 is overweight, and 8-9 is obese. It's based on visible ribs, waist definition, and fat coverage.
How can I help my overweight dog lose weight?▼
To help your dog lose weight: 1) Reduce food portions by 10-25%, 2) Switch to a weight management formula, 3) Eliminate or reduce treats, 4) Increase exercise gradually, 5) Avoid table scraps, 6) Feed measured portions instead of free-feeding. Aim for 1-2% body weight loss per week.
Why is maintaining a healthy weight important for dogs?▼
Dogs at a healthy weight live longer (up to 2 years more), have less joint stress and arthritis, lower risk of diabetes, reduced heart disease risk, better mobility and energy, easier breathing, and improved quality of life. Obesity in dogs is linked to many preventable health conditions.
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Regular grooming is part of keeping your dog at a healthy weight. Find trusted groomers near you.
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