is-your-dog-at-a-healthy-weight

Is your dog at a healthy weight?

A simple guide to your dog’s body condition

A shiny coat, bright eyes and a joyful wag say a lot about your dog’s wellbeing – but one of the most important health markers is something many of us quietly overlook: body condition.

At ESSENTIAL FOODS, we talk a lot about our outstanding grain-free meals and about keeping blood sugar stable with our BOF philosophy. But even the most irresistible, world-class meal needs one essential finishing touch: the right amount in the bowl for your dog.

That’s where Body Condition Score (BCS) comes in

– a simple, hands-on way to understand what your dog’s body is really telling you. With a gentle touch and a quick look, you can feel if your dog istoo thin, just right, or carrying a little extra.

Our dogs don’t read scales – they speak through their ribs, waist and movement.

Think of this blog as your quiet, go-to check-in to see if everything is on track – or if it’s time to fine-tune meals, treats and activity for more healthy, joyful days together.

Why Body Condition matters more than the number on the scale

Imagine two dogs standing side by side.

They weigh exactly the same – but one glides with effortless, athletic ease, while the other moves a little heavier, a little slower, a little less comfortable in their own body.

The scale would tell you they’re identical.
Their body condition tells a very different story.

That’s where Body Condition Score (BCS) becomes your discreet, world-class advisory tool. Instead of staring at kilos, you gently read what truly matters: the balance between fat and muscle, how the ribs feel beneath your fingertips, how the waist curves, how freely your dog moves through everyday life.

A healthy body condition is one of themost exquisite, feel-good gifts you can give your dog– a quiet luxury that doesn’t shout, but shows itself in supple movement, restorative rest and more brilliant, joy-filled days together.

Keeping your dog close to an ideal BCS has been linked to:

Longer lifespan

Less strain on joints

Less strain on heart

Better mobility & energy

Lower risk of lifestyle-related diseases

A quiet luxury that never needs to shout – it simply reveals itself in supple, effortless movement.

What Is Body Condition Score (BCS)?

Body Condition Score (BCS) is a simple 1–9 scale used by vets to describe how much body fat a dog is carrying – in other words, how close they are to their healthiest shape.

Think of it as a refined wellbeing scale: a quick, feel-good check that looks beyond kilos and into true condition. On the 1–9 scale, the scores are typically interpreted like this:

1-3 Too Thin

Viewed from above:
A very sharp “hourglass” shape with a narrow waist. Ribs and spine may be clearly visible.

Viewed from the side:
A very strong abdominal tuck – the belly pulls up steeply behind the ribcage and can make the dog look frail.

4-5 Ideal Body Condition

Viewed from above:
Visible waist behind the ribcage – a gentle, elegant “hourglass” without sharp lines.

Viewed from the side:
A clear abdominal tuck – the belly slopes smoothly upwards from ribs towards the hind legs.

6-7 Over Ideal (Carrying Extra)

Viewed from above:
Waist is only faintly visible or almost straight. The body looks more oval than hourglass.

Viewed from the side:
Abdominal tuck is reduced – the belly line is more flat and may begin to round slightly downwards.

8-9 Obese

Viewed from above:
No visible waist. The body looks rounded or barrel-shaped, sometimes like a “sausage”.

Viewed from the side:
No abdominal tuck – the belly hangs down and may sway, giving a heavy, low-slung outline.

Home Check: Look, Feel, Observe

You don’t need special equipment – just your eyes, your hands, and a quiet moment together.

The body tells the true story far better than the food bowl ever will. The most reliable way to know whether to serve a little more, a little less, or keep everything just as it is, is tolookat – and gentlyfeel– your dog’s physical condition.

The chart below is created as a calm, confidence-giving tool: a touch of everyday luxury in your routine, helping you fine-tune meals with the same care and finesse you put into the rest of your dog’s world.

UNDERWEIGHT

BCS 1–3

Make a fist and gently glide the fingers of your other hand over your knuckles. If your dog’s ribcage feels like this – very sharp and easy to feel, with little to no padding – their body condition is underweight.

IDEAL WEIGHT

BCS 4–5

Open your hand, palm facing down, and softly glide your fingers over your knuckles. If your dog’s ribcage feels like this – easy to feel with a thin, smooth layer of padding – their body condition is in the ideal range.

OVERWEIGHT

BCS 6-7

Open your hand, palm facing up, and gently glide your fingers over the base of your fingers. If your dog’s ribcage feels more like this – you can feel the ribs, but only with some pressure and there is a noticeable softness – their body condition is overweight.

OBESE

BCS 8–9

With your palm still facing up, now glide your fingers over the base of your thumb. If your dog’s ribcage feels like this – difficult to feel at all under a thick layer of fat – their body condition is obese.

What to do if your dog is not at an ideal body condition

If your dog is underweight?

First and always: speak to your vet. It’s important to rule out medical causes and confirm how much your dog should be eating.

Increase Meal Portion: Start by increasing the feeding amount by 10-15% more than your current amount. You may also use our feeding guide shown in each product page or at the back of the bag as a reference guide.

Observe & Adjust: After a week, observe your dog's BCS again and determine if the increased amount is sufficient. Otherwise, continue to increase the amount in 10-15% increment.

If your dog is overweight?

If you suspect your dog is overweight, start by checking in with your vet and agreeing on a healthy target weight.

From there, small changes can make a big difference:

Measure, don’t guess – use a cup or scale for every meal.
Tame the “little extras” – treats, chews, lick mats and table scraps all count. Try swapping to leaner treats.
Adjust portions gently – a small reduction (for example 5–10%) over time, always in dialogue with your vet or our advisors.
Move with joy – add a little extra, low-impact activity your dog genuinely enjoys.

When a lighter meal is needed, Our finest CONTOUR is our go-to:
A high-protein (30% protein, 12% fat, 5% fibre), lean BOF recipe created for neutered dogs and weight control, offering real satiety, stable blood sugar and no grains, no fillers.

A smart daily choice for adults with a tendency to gain weight.

SHOP CONTOUR

How our first-class meals support a healthy body condition

High content of meat, eggs & fish

Low-GI carbohydrates to help stabilise blood sugar

Carefully selected vegetables, berries, seeds & herbs

Gentle cooking to protect nutrients

Did you know?

Stable blood sugar and high nutritional density help your dog feel satisfied and balanced, which makes it easier to maintain an ideal body condition – especially when combined with correct portions. That is why our recipes are formulated according to our BOF principle.

explore BOF Principle

FAQ

How often should I check my dog’s body condition?

Once a month is a great starting point for most dogs. Check a little more often if you are currently changing something – such as switching food, increasing training, or working on weight loss or weight gain.

My dog always seems hungry – does that mean they’re too thin?

Not necessarily. Many dogs love food, no matter what their body condition says. Always trust your hands and eyes first: ribs, waist, and belly tell the truth. If your dog appears constantly hungry, talk to our Nutritional Advisors
and discuss:

• Meal size and calorie content
• Number of treats per day
• Whether your dog is mentally and physically stimulated enough

Can treats ruin a good body condition?

Treats are part of the joy of living with dogs – but they count.

Most dogs receive treats daily, and many get them more than once a day.
A simple rule of thumb:
• Keep treats to max. 10% of daily calories
• Choose high-quality treats that fit your dog’s main diet
• On heavy treat days, slightly reduce the main meal instead of simply “adding on top”

When should I involve my veterinarian?

Contact your vet if:
• Your dog is clearly underweight and not gaining, despite eating well
• You suspect obesity (BCS 8–9/9) or very rapid weight gain
• You notice sudden changes in weight, appetite, thirst, or energy

Your vet can:
• Confirm the BCS
• Screen for underlying disease
• Help design a tailored weight management plan that fits your dog’s age, lifestyle, and any medical needs

Does body condition scale apply to puppies too?

Yes, but with a little nuance.
Puppies go through growth spurts and can look a bit “gangly” or “chunky” at times. We still aim for visible waist, easy-to-feel ribs and an abdominal tuck, but growth must never be restricted without speaking to your vet.

If you’re unsure about your puppy’s condition, share photos and details with us and reach out for guidance on portions and meal choice.

My dog is very fluffy – how can I tell?

For long-haired or very fluffy dogs, your hands are more important than your eyes.

Always rely on touch:
• Feel ribs with flat fingers
• Feel spine and hips
• Feel around the tail and if you can’t feel structures clearly without pressing firmly, your dog may be above ideal body condition.

Is a “little extra” really that bad?

We understand – it often comes from a place of love.
But even a few extra kilos can:
• Put significant strain on joints
• Increase the risk of long-term health issues
• Reduce overall quality of life

Think of keeping your dog at an ideal BCS as a daily act of care, not restriction. It’s a way of saying: “I want you to stay by my side for as long as possible – feeling good in your own body.”

What if my vet’s opinion differs from what I see here?

Your vet knows your dog’s medical history and should always have the final say.

Use this guide as a supportive tool for everyday awareness – and bring your observations and questions to your vet.

Many owners find it helpful to say:
“I’ve checked my dog’s body condition at home, and I think we’re here on the 1–9 scale. Do you agree?”

This turns the conversation into a partnership.

Can ESSENTIAL FOODS help me adjust my dog’s portions?

Yes. Our team is always happy to help you:
• Choose the most suitable ESSENTIAL meal
• Estimate starting portions based on weight, age, activity and body condition
• Fine-tune along the way

We believe personal guidance + high-quality meals + your daily care is the winning combination.