How to make sure your dog attains his ideal weight and maintains a healthy weight for life.
1. Track your dog's weight
Losing weight can propel your dog toward better health, but only if the weight is lost in a healthy, controlled manner. To make sure your dog is losing weight at a normal pace, make sure to weigh your pet regularly, use a weight tracking chart to track your dog's progress, and assess your dog's body condition score regularly.
Most veterinarians' offices have a scale available to use free of charge. If you have a small dog you can use your own scale holding your dog and subtracting your weight.
2. Include healthy activity
When you feed Hill's Science Diet, or Prescription Diet dog food you know your dog will be eating healthy. However, your dog's weight management program isn't complete without a healthy amount of physical activity. Whether it's a game of fetch or a walk in the park, make sure your dog is getting the physical activity he needs to get and stay healthy.
3. Visit your veterinarian often
Make frequent visits to your veterinarian to ensure that your dog’s weight management program is going smoothly. Your veterinarian knows your dog’s ideal weight, how fast he should be losing weight and which foods are best for each stage of the weight management plan.
4. Maintain an ideal weight for life
Your dog's weight management plan shouldn't be temporary. Once your dog has attained his ideal weight, switch to a simple weight maintenance plan that consists of regular exercise and proper nutrition.
Your dog may gain or regain weight more easily than others. Breed, age, food selection, state of health and a variety of other factors can determine how quickly a dog gains weight, and what kind of nutrition he needs to help control it. If you think your dog might be in need of a weight management program, ask your veterinarian for advice.
One of our staff authors prepared this article for you
Delicious roasted chicken paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous coat
Chicken & barley entree with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
For the faster metabolism of Small & Mini dogs
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet Small & Mini dog food
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health, tailored for unique needs of Small and Mini puppies
Supports healthy joints, lean muscle, and beautiful coat for large breed dogs
Supports lean muscle and beautiful coat for adult dogs
Chicken & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy.
Chicken & Barley recipe with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to help your puppy build immunity and strong bones
This weight management and mobility support dog food was created with Hill’s unique understanding of the biology of overweight dogs
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful coat
Beef & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy.
Supports healthy joints, immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful coat
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome for dogs age 7+. Delicious food in a small bite size
Chicken & Rice Stew with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Clinically proven kibble technology to reduce plaque & tartar build-up, specially designed for small & mini dogs
Discover what holiday foods to avoid feeding your dog, such as chocolate and nuts, and copy down these homemade holiday dog treat recipes to share with him
Learn important features and considerations when choosing a dog harness, including the style, material, proper fit and durability.
Concerned about a heart murmur in dogs? Learn more about what might be causing it and what you can do to help your dog.
Learn the underlying causes of urinary issues and incontinence in dogs, why he might be peeing in the house, as well what you can do to help.
Why do dogs sniff each other's butts? In short: It's their most effective option for a meet and greet. Learn more about this common dog behavior.
Are you looking for a way to keep your dog safe? There are many options for dog enclosures, and it's important to know what to look for.
Learn how to create your own backyard dog park, possibly with materials you already have, so that your dog can enjoy the benefits of a dog park at home.
Learn why comparing wet vs. dry dog food doesn't have to be an overwhelming decision. You might even serve your pup a mix of both. Here's how to choose.
Learn how to recognize the signs that your puppy is becoming an adult dog, as well as how you can help meet their developmental & nutritional needs.
Here are three steps to take if you find that your dog is vomiting blood.
Is turkey meat safe for dogs? Learn whether it's OK to feed your dog turkey and important info about certain spices, turkey skin & turkey bones.
Learn the underlying reasons why your dog is vomiting, helping you understand when to be concerned that a larger health issue is at play.
Learn training tips for getting your dog to use a doggie door, including how they might react at first and how you can encourage them to embrace it.
Learn how common tapeworms in a dog are, how to spot the signs of tapeworms on your dog (or in their poop), and tips about prevention & treatment.
Reduce the chances of your puppy developing a growth disorder by discovering the issues that cause this dog disease and taking steps to combat it.
Discover the clinical symptoms of anemia in dogs, why the condition occurs, how its diagnosed & treated, and how you can help with prevention in your dog.
Learn why some dog breeds are not strong swimmers, which specific breeds might struggle in water, and water safety tips if you have one of those breeds.
Learn how to spot bullying behavior in dogs, including signs like being pushy, aggressive and stealing other dogs' food, and tips for putting a stop to it.
Learn why cars can be a very dangerous place to leave your dog, including how quickly temperatures can get too hot or cold & alternatives to leaving them.
Having trouble with your dog's bad behavior? Learn how to effectively discipline your dog with this helpful list of do's and don'ts.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
©2025 Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. As used herein, denotes registered trademark status in the U.S. only; registration status in other geographies may be different. Your use of this site is subject to the terms of our Legal Statement. About our Ads. Cookie Consent Tool