Signs Your Dog Is Carrying Extra Weight
Extra weight can creep on gradually, making it easy to miss until it starts affecting how your dog moves and feels. These are some of the most common signs vets look for.
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No waistline when viewed from above
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Ribs you cannot easily feel
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Puffing on short walks
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Slower, stiffer movement
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Always hungry, always begging
Why Do Dogs Put On Weight?
Weight gain in dogs is rarely about one single thing. It usually comes down to a combination of how much they are eating, what they are eating and how active they are.
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Guessed portions and overfeeding
Feeding by eye or following a generic guide on the bag makes it easy to feed more than a dog actually needs, especially as their activity level changes.
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Calorie dense kibble, treats and scraps
Energy dense food, frequent treats and table scraps can add up to far more kilojoules than most owners realise.
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Not enough daily movement
Less exercise means fewer kilojoules burned, and it is easy for activity to quietly drop off as dogs get older or owners get busier.
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Desexing, age and a slowing metabolism
Desexing and getting older both tend to slow metabolism, meaning the same amount of food can lead to weight gain over time.
Why Portion Controlled Fresh Food Makes Weight Loss Easier
Every 5 Hounds weight management plan is built around your dog's actual goal weight, not a generic bag size, so portions do the work rather than guesswork.
Meal plans are portioned specifically to support gradual, healthy weight loss based on your dog's current weight, goal weight and activity level.
Real, lean protein supports muscle while your dog loses weight, without the cheap fillers that add kilojoules without nutrition.
Fresh, moisture rich meals help dogs feel satisfied on a lower calorie portion, compared to energy dense kibble.
As your dog's weight changes, their portions are adjusted to match, so they keep losing weight safely rather than plateauing or losing too fast.
No lock in contracts, cancel any time
Vet-Formulated for Safe, Steady Weight Loss by Dr Will
“Safe weight loss in dogs is not about crash dieting. It’s about steady, controlled portions that suit their goal weight. I formulated our weight management plans to make that portion control simple, so dog parents are not left guessing.”
Dr Will Maginness, Veterinarian and Founder, 5 Hounds
How Your Dog's Weight Management Meal Plan Works
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Step 1: Take the 2-minute meal plan quiz
Tell us about your dog's current weight, body condition and activity level, and we will help you set a realistic goal weight.
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Step 2: Get calorie controlled portions, measured for you
We calculate exact portions based on their weight goals, so you are never left guessing how much to feed.
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Step 3: Fresh meals delivered to your door
Your dog's meals arrive fresh and ready to serve, taking the guesswork out of weight loss.
No lock in contracts, cancel any time
How to Switch Your Dog to Weight Loss Food Safely
Safe weight loss in dogs is generally around 1 to 2 percent of body weight per week, so steady and gradual always beats fast. We recommend transitioning to the new food over a week to settle their gut.
Days 1 to 2
25% New Food
Mix a quarter fresh food with their current diet to gently introduce new ingredients.
Days 3 to 4
Half and half
Increase to an even split as their gut adjusts to the change.
Days 5 to 6
75% new food
Move to mostly fresh food, keeping a small amount of their old diet.
Day 7 and beyond
Fully Fresh: Weigh In Monthly
Once fully transitioned, weigh your dog monthly to track progress and adjust portions if needed.
Real Results From Dogs on a Weight Management Plan
Stormy will always remain on 5 Hounds
I found it hard to keep weight off Stormy. I would weigh her food and still she would be at least 2kg over weight. From being on 5 Hounds her weight has dropped and she is maintaining a perefct weight for her size. She is calm in her temperament, her coat is shiny and so soft. Every walk she gets a compliment about how shiny she is and of course pretty she is. Absolutely so happy. I did my research and 5 Hounds is the one I would alway go back too. Stormy will always remain on 5 Hounds. To add the customer service answering of any questions is outstanding. Thank you 5 Hounds
After 10 weeks my dog has had a complete transformation
After 12 months of trial and error resulting in our young dog becoming overweight and having constant stomach upsets, I decided to go down the lightly cooked route and came across 5 hounds. After 10 weeks my dog has had a complete transformation, has not had one stomach upset and is in amazing shape. I have also found Dr Will and Dr Sienna to be very helpful and knowledgeable when I had to make a few tweaks in Franklin’s meal plan to support his urinary health.
5 Hounds has transformed her
My kelpie Ruby grew up on pellets and processed meat and was overweight. 5 Hounds has transformed her. She has lost weight and can now jump up on the back of our farm ute and live the farm life she should be living.
My overweight Dachshund is starting to lose her excess weight
My dogs love this food, they fall over their feet to get to their food! My overweight Dachshund is starting to lose her excess weight so I am happy too!
Franklin's Transformation
★★★★★
Amazing 🤩
After 12 months of trial and error resulting in our young dog becoming overweight and having constant stomach upsets, I decided to go down the lightly cooked route and came across 5 Hounds.
After 10 weeks my dog has had a complete transformation, has not had one stomach upset and is in amazing shape.
I have also found Dr Will and Dr Sienna to be very helpful and knowledgeable when I had to make a few tweaks in Franklin’s meal plan to support his urinary health. I think the photo speaks for itself….
- Krissie
Weight Loss Dog Food FAQs
What is the best dog food for weight loss?
What is the best dog food for weight loss?
The best dog food for weight loss is a portion controlled, lean protein diet that supports gradual, steady loss rather than a crash approach. Fresh, moisture rich meals tend to feel more satisfying on fewer calories than energy dense kibble.
5 Hounds weight management plans are vet formulated and portioned specifically to your dog's goal weight, activity level and current condition.
How do I know if my dog is overweight?
How do I know if my dog is overweight?
A quick check is to feel along their ribs, you should be able to feel them without pressing hard, and look at their waistline from above, which should tuck in slightly behind the ribs.
If you cannot easily feel their ribs or there is no visible waist, it is worth discussing your dog's body condition with your vet.
How much should I feed my dog to help them lose weight?
How much should I feed my dog to help them lose weight?
How much to feed depends on your dog's current weight, goal weight, age and activity level, since weight loss portions are usually lower than maintenance portions.
Our meal plan quiz calculates this for you, so you are working from a specific plan rather than guessing or simply feeding less of their usual food.
How long does it take for a dog to lose weight?
How long does it take for a dog to lose weight?
Safe, sustainable weight loss in dogs is generally around 1 to 2 percent of their body weight per week, so a noticeable change usually takes several months rather than weeks.
Slower, steady loss is safer for their joints and organs than rapid weight loss. Regular weigh ins help track progress and adjust portions along the way.
Is low fat dog food better for weight loss?
Is low fat dog food better for weight loss?
Not necessarily. What matters most for weight loss is the total kilojoules in a portion and the quality of the ingredients, rather than fat content alone.
A moisture rich, portion controlled meal can support weight loss just as effectively as a low fat formula, without sacrificing the fat needed for a healthy coat and normal body function.
Can I still give treats while my dog is losing weight?
Can I still give treats while my dog is losing weight?
Yes, but treats should be factored into their overall daily portion rather than added on top of it. Choosing lower calorie treats and using smaller pieces can help you keep giving your dog a treat without derailing their progress.
If you are unsure how to fit treats in, visit our Longevity Treats page to see the equivalent calorie calculation of each treat.
Help Your Dog Get Back to a Healthy Weight
Give your dog portion controlled, vet formulated meals built around their goal weight, not a generic bag size.
Cancel anytime, no lock in contracts.
