How to Determine Your Dog’s Ideal Weight

Finding and maintaining your dog’s ideal weight can significantly prolong your pet’s life.

A 14-year landmark peer-reviewed study revealed that…

Dogs kept at ideal body condition lived 1.8 years longer than their overweight litter mates.

This equals nearly 2 additional years of life… simply by maintaining your dog at their ideal weight.

This poses the question…

Discovering Your Dog’s Optimal Weight

To determine the ideal weight for your dog, you can refer to a chart that outlines recommended weights.

However, most charts present this information as a spectrum of weights.

For instance…

Labrador retrievers, as per the American Kennel Club, have a weight range of 65 to 80 pounds.

This represents a significant difference of almost 23%.

Furthermore…

This range can vary based on whether your pet is male or female.

What is Appropriate for Crossbreeds?

Goldendoodles. Puggles. Cockapoos. Along with other mixed breeds.

Where can you discover the recommended weight for non-traditional breeds like these?

You won’t come across such data on a breed table from AKC.

Regrettably…

There isn’t a definitive guide for each unique dog. This is due to the wide variety of body types, shapes, and sizes among dogs.

The Optimal Weight System
Recommended by Veterinarians

Discover a method that is beneficial for all canines.

One effective approach to ascertain your dog’s perfect weight is by utilizing the same technique that veterinarians employ.

This method is known as the Body Condition System (BCS).¹

Body Condition Score

The Body Condition System utilizes observation and tactile assessment to evaluate your dog’s physical state…

By using your sense of vision and touch, you categorize your dog into one of three groups…

Your dog’s BCS rating is determined by comparing her appearance to the provided diagram…

And by examining (feeling) the ribs and structure.

Once your pet achieves a body condition score of 4 to 5 on a 9-point scale… make sure to measure her weight. You have now identified your dog’s optimal weight.

What Should You Do Next?

Maintaining your dog’s optimal weight is crucial for her overall well-being and longevity.

Therefore…

Begin by following the recommended portion size indicated on the Dog Foods package. Monitor your pet’s weight on a monthly basis. Based on the monthly weigh-ins, make necessary adjustments to the serving size to ensure your dog maintains an ideal body condition.