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Appetite & eating

Senior Dog Weight Management: Portion Control for Older Dogs

By The Old Dog Products team · Published

Not veterinary advice. This article is general information to help you care for your dog at home. It isn’t veterinary advice and can’t replace an exam. If you’re worried about your dog, call your vet.

Older dogs often slow down, and many gain weight without eating any more than they used to. Others start losing weight. Either way, weight is worth watching in a senior dog, and changes are a reason to talk to your vet.

If you only have a minute

  • Check your dog’s ribs with your hands every few weeks, and weigh them regularly.
  • Talk to your vet before starting a weight-loss plan. Don’t just cut the food.
  • Measure every meal, and count snacks as part of the day’s food.
  • If your dog is losing weight without trying, book a vet visit.

Why weight matters for older dogs

VCA’s guide on obesity, written by veterinary nutritionists, says dogs are considered overweight at 10% to 20% above their ideal body weight, and obese above 20%. It lists health problems that are more common in overweight dogs, including diabetes, heart disease, osteoarthritis and anesthetic complications (VCA).

Extra weight can also make it harder for a stiff older dog to get up, manage stairs or get in the car.

Is my dog overweight? A quick hand check

VCA describes a simple check you can do at home. Feel your dog’s ribs just behind the front legs (VCA):

  • Ribs feel like the back of your hand: a good body condition.
  • Ribs feel like your knuckles: your dog may be too thin.
  • Ribs feel like the palm of your hand: your dog may be carrying too much weight.

Your vet will use a body condition score, often on a 1–9 scale, and can work out a target weight for your dog (VCA).

See your vet before cutting food

VCA advises against simply feeding less of your dog’s current food, because that can lead to missing out on important nutrients over time. Instead, work with your vet on the food, the portion size and how often to feed (VCA). VCA also notes that weight gain can sometimes point to a health problem, such as an underactive thyroid (VCA), which is another reason for a check-up first.

If your dog is losing weight instead, read senior dog losing weight.

Portion control habits that help

  • Measure every meal with a proper measuring cup or kitchen scale, not a scoop “by eye”.
  • Count snacks. VCA says snacks should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories (VCA). Ask your vet how that translates for your dog.
  • One person feeds, or keep a simple chart, so meals don’t get doubled up.
  • Skip table scraps.
  • Slow mealtimes down with a food puzzle, using part of the measured meal.
  • Weigh regularly. VCA’s senior care guide suggests weighing on the same scale at least every two months (VCA).

Exercise for an older, heavier dog

Gentle, regular activity helps, but go slowly with an older dog, and ask your vet how much is right. See our guide to gentle exercise for senior dogs.

What about senior foods and supplements?

Senior foods vary a lot in calories and nutrients (VCA). Our guide is senior dog food necessary? explains what to ask your vet. We don’t make health claims about supplements, and this isn’t veterinary advice. Talk to your vet before starting any supplement. This is especially important if your dog has a health condition or takes any medication, because supplements can interact with medicines.

Frequently asked questions

How fast should an overweight dog lose weight?

Slowly, and on a plan from your vet. Your vet will check progress at regular weigh-ins.

My dog seems hungry all the time. What should I do?

Mention it to your vet, especially if it’s new. A food puzzle can make a measured meal last longer.

Sources

Products mentioned

Products don’t treat any condition. They can make the home safer or easier. Ask your vet what suits your dog.

More picks in our product guide: Food & water, Home setup & routine.