Understanding the Ideal Healthy Weight for Your Dog

Is your dog "just right"?

Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most important ways to keep your dog feeling great and living a long, active life. Just like humans, dogs can suffer from being overweight—or underweight. But what does a healthy weight really look like for your dog, and how can you tell if they’re at the right size?

Let’s break it down.

🐾 Why Weight Matters

Excess weight puts stress on your dog’s joints, organs, and overall energy levels. It increases their risk of:

• Arthritis and joint problems

• Diabetes

• Heart disease

• Reduced life expectancy

• Skin issues and fatigue

Being underweight can also signal an underlying health issue and may lead to a weakened immune system or nutrient deficiencies.

🦴 Body Condition Score: The Best Way to Check

Veterinarians often use something called a Body Condition Score (BCS)—a scale from 1 to 9 that helps assess whether a dog is underweight, overweight, or ideal.

• BCS 1–3 = Too thin

• BCS 4–5 = Ideal

• BCS 6–9 = Overweight or obese

  
  

Here’s what a healthy weight looks and feels like:

✅ Ribs can be felt but not seen

✅ Waist is visible from above

✅ Tummy tucks up when viewed from the side

✅ No heavy fat deposits at the base of the tail or behind the shoulders

You should be able to feel your dog’s ribs easily with light pressure but not see them protruding. From above, their body should taper in just slightly at the waist—like an hourglass.

🥩 Food Matters: The Role of Diet in Weight Management

A fresh, species-appropriate raw diet (like the ones we support at Unifour Natural Pet Foods) plays a huge role in helping dogs stay lean, strong, and satisfied. Processed kibble diets often include high-carb fillers and excess calories with minimal bioavailable nutrition (nutrients that are easily absorbed and used by the body).

Raw diets offer:

• Higher protein content to maintain lean muscle

• Naturally low carbohydrate levels

• Balanced fats to support metabolism and energy

• Fewer additives and preservatives that can interfere with digestion

🏃‍♂️ Don’t Forget Movement

Daily exercise helps your pup maintain a healthy weight—and also keeps them mentally happy. Long walks, off-leash play, hikes, and swimming are all great options depending on your dog’s age, breed, and energy level. It's also a great way to bond with your pup and get some fresh air for yourself!

⚖️ Weigh-Ins & Adjustments

Weigh your dog monthly or visit your vet for routine check-ins. If you’re feeding raw and notice weight gain or loss, slight adjustments to portion size can help get your dog back to a healthy weight. There are many raw food calculators to give you an idea of where to start but be sure you adjust to what your dog needs, not what the internet says.

🐶 Every Dog Is Different

Remember, "healthy weight" doesn’t mean "skinny." A working Border Collie and a senior Bulldog will look and feel very different when healthy. Pay attention to your individual dog’s body, behavior, and energy levels. Zayla's metabolism is very high even at 10 years old and Freya, who is younger, has a very slow metabolism. ADJUST ACCORDINGLY.

❤️ Feed for Health, Not Just Fullness

At Unifour Natural Pet Foods, we believe your pet deserves to thrive, not just survive. Feeding a biologically appropriate diet is one of the best steps you can take toward a healthier, longer life for your best friend.