Extra weight is one of the most common health issues in dogs and cats, and one of the easiest to miss. It creeps on a few hundred grams at a time, and because you see your pet every day, the change is hard to spot.
The good news: weight is also one of the things you have the most control over. You choose what goes in the bowl, how many treats get handed out and how often you head out for a walk. Small, steady changes add up.
Why a few extra kilos matter
A little extra padding might look cute, but it puts real strain on your pet's body. Carrying extra weight is linked to:
- Sore joints. Every extra kilo adds load to hips, knees and elbows, which can speed up stiffness and arthritis.
- Diabetes, especially in cats.
- Breathing difficulties, particularly in flat-faced breeds like Pugs, French Bulldogs and Persians.
- Less energy for walks, play and the things they love.
- A shorter life. Pets kept lean tend to stay active and healthy for longer.
A lean pet is not a hungry pet. With the right food and routine, your dog or cat can feel full and satisfied while slowly getting back into shape.
How to tell if your pet is overweight
The scale only tells part of the story, because a healthy weight depends on breed and frame. Vets use a hands-on check called body condition scoring, and you can do a simple version at home in under a minute.
For cats, also check for a swinging pouch of fat low on the belly. A small loose flap is normal in many cats, but a full, heavy pouch usually means extra weight.
Try it once a month and jot down what you feel. You will spot changes long before they show in photos.
Why pets gain weight
Most of the time it comes down to a few everyday habits:
- Guessing portions. A "scoop" is not a measurement. Overfilling the bowl by even a little each day adds up over months.
- Treats and table scraps. Treats are an act of love, but they carry calories that often go uncounted. A few bites of toast or cheese can make up a surprising share of a small dog's daily needs.
- Free feeding. Leaving food out all day makes it hard to know how much your pet actually eats.
- Less activity. Winter, a busy work season or an older pet slowing down can all mean fewer calories burned.
- Sterilisation. Spayed and neutered pets often need fewer calories than before, so portions may need adjusting.
- Age. Older pets usually move less, so their energy needs drop.
Sometimes weight gain is linked to a medical condition, such as an underactive thyroid in dogs. If your pet is gaining weight without any change in food or routine, chat to your vet.
Practical steps to a healthier weight
Choosing a food that supports a healthy weight
Feeding less of your pet's usual food can work, but cutting portions too far can also cut the protein and nutrients they need. A food made for weight management is usually the easier route: fewer calories per cup, so your pet still gets a satisfying bowl.
Look for:
- High protein from real meat, which helps maintain lean muscle while your pet loses fat.
- Fibre, which helps your pet feel full between meals.
- Controlled fat and calories, so you can feed a normal-looking portion.
Prefer Hill's? Browse the Hill's Science Plan Perfect Weight range for dogs and cats.
When you switch foods, mix the new food into the old over about seven to ten days to avoid tummy upsets. Then follow the feeding guide on the new bag, because calories per cup can differ a lot between foods.
Cats need a gentler approach
Cats should never go on a crash diet. If a cat stops eating or eats far too little, it can develop a serious liver condition called hepatic lipidosis. Weight loss in cats must be slow and steady, ideally with your vet's guidance.
- Add wet food. High-moisture food like Weruva adds volume and water to meals, which helps cats feel full. Count it as part of the daily total, not an extra.
- Feed small, frequent meals instead of one big bowl left out all day.
- Make them hunt. Puzzle feeders, treat balls or hiding small portions around the house tap into natural hunting instincts and burn a few calories.
- Play every day. Two or three short sessions with a wand toy go a long way.
- Watch multi-cat homes. If one cat is finishing everyone's food, try feeding cats in separate rooms.
When to see your vet
Book a vet visit before starting a weight-loss plan if:
- your pet needs to lose a lot of weight
- your pet is gaining weight without any change in food or routine
- your pet is a senior or has an existing health condition
- your pet seems unusually tired, thirsty or short of breath
- your cat has stopped eating or is eating much less than usual
Your vet can confirm your pet's ideal weight, rule out medical causes and set a safe target for you to work towards.
Frequently asked questions
How quickly should my pet lose weight?
Slowly. Gradual loss over several months is safer and more likely to last than a quick drop. Your vet can give you a target for your pet.
Can I just feed less of my pet's current food?
A small reduction can work for a pet that is only slightly overweight. For bigger changes, a weight-management food is usually better, because it keeps protein and nutrients up while bringing calories down.
Are weight-management foods only for overweight pets?
No. Many are also suitable for less active or sterilised adult pets that tend to gain weight easily. Check the feeding guide and life stage on the bag.
My pet always seems hungry. What can I do?
Split meals into smaller portions through the day, use a slow feeder or puzzle toy, and choose a food with more fibre and protein to help them feel full.
Do treats have to stop completely?
Not at all. Keep them small, count them as part of the day's food and stick to roughly 10% of daily intake.
