For many owners, slipping a few extra treats into the food bowl feels like the ultimate act of love but according to new figures, more than half of the UK’s dogs are now overweight – and the problem often starts with owners who don’t even realise they’re overfeeding.
The PDSA’s most recent PAW Report revealed up to 65 per cent of dogs are carrying more weight than is healthy. That means millions of pets are at greater risk of avoidable conditions like joint pain, diabetes and heart disease – all issues that can quietly shorten a dog’s life.
Sean McCormack, Head Vet at Tails.com, says the key is to stop thinking of feeding as just a daily routine and start treating it as the foundation of your dog’s long-term health. “Nutritional needs vary hugely depending on a dog’s size, age, activity level, metabolism and overall health,” he explains.
“Tailoring your dog’s diet is essential for weight management, digestion, dental health and muscle tone, as well as reducing the risk of preventable conditions.”
It’s easy to assume a handful of kibble or a tin of wet food will work for any dog but the reality is much more complex. Foods for large breeds often include carefully balanced calcium and phosphorus to support bone development and reduce the risk of hip dysplasia. Small-breed formulas, on the other hand, tend to be more calorie-dense, reflecting the fact that smaller dogs often burn through energy at a faster rate.
Puppies complicate the picture further, needing more frequent meals to sustain growth. By contrast, most adult dogs are best kept to two meals a day – although some with medical conditions or special requirements may benefit from smaller, more frequent feeds.
Owners sometimes miss the obvious signals their dog’s diet isn’t quite right. Weight gain is the clearest red flag, but behaviour can tell its own story. Dogs that appear sluggish, restless or seem to tire quickly may be getting too much food – or the wrong kind. Conversely, underfed dogs may look listless or lack the energy to keep up with normal play.
McCormack warns against assuming every whine or glance at the kitchen cupboard means genuine hunger. “If a dog seems hungry all the time, it’s important to rule out medical issues like diabetes or digestive disorders,” he says. “But if no health problem is found, then it may be behavioural rather than nutritional.”
Just as humans benefit from consistency, dogs thrive on predictable meal times. Serving food at the same time each day helps regulate appetite and digestion. For active dogs or those that burn through calories quickly, portions can be adjusted slightly, but dramatic changes should always be checked with a vet first.
Weighing your dog regularly is one of the simplest ways to keep an eye on things. Many vets will also show owners how to perform a “body condition score” – a quick hands-on method to judge whether a pet is in ideal shape. Done routinely, it can help catch problems long before they become serious.
For owners who struggle with portion control, food subscription services are increasingly popular. These provide pre-measured meals tailored to a pet’s size, breed, age and activity level, reducing the temptation to overfill bowls. They also remove the guesswork, making it easier to maintain a healthy weight over the long term.
Overfeeding is often an accident born out of love, but it can have consequences that no owner wants to face. By focusing on portion sizes, regular routines and the specific needs of your dog, you can help them stay in peak condition – and avoid adding unnecessary years of ill health.
As McCormack puts it, every dog deserves a diet designed around them. “Feeding isn’t just about stopping hunger,” he says. “It’s about giving your pet the best chance of a healthy, happy life.”
