Dog Ideal Weight & Body Condition Score – What Should My Dog Weigh?
Scales alone don't tell you much. Score your dog with your hands and eyes, and we'll turn that into an ideal weight target.
Pick the picture that matches your dog
5/9 – Ideal
Ribs felt easily without pressing. Waist visible from above and tummy tucked up from the side.
Estimated ideal weight
30 kg
Your dog is in ideal condition – keep doing what you're doing.
Scoring is subjective – your vet nurse can check your score for free at most practices.
What the nine-point scale means
Vets score body condition from one to nine. One is emaciated, nine is severely obese, and five is exactly right. The scale works because it is based on what you can feel rather than what the scales say: a lean whippet and a stocky staffie can both score five at completely different weights. Each point above five represents roughly ten per cent more body weight than the dog should be carrying, which is what lets us turn a score into a kilogram target.
How to score your dog in a minute
- Ribs: run flat hands along the ribcage. You should feel the ribs easily, like the back of your hand, with a thin covering.
- From above: look down. There should be a clear waist behind the ribs, not a straight or bulging outline.
- From the side: the tummy should tuck up towards the back legs rather than running level.
- Tail base and spine: feel for fat pads either side of the tail base – a common early sign of weight gain.
Worked example: a 30 kg Labrador scoring 7/9
Seven is two points above ideal, so about twenty per cent over. Divide 30 by 1.20 and you get an ideal weight of 25 kg – five kilograms to lose. At a safe rate of one to two per cent of body weight a week, that is roughly three to six months of careful feeding. Popping 25 kg into the dog food calculator on weight-loss mode gives the daily calories to aim for.
Making weight loss actually work
- Weigh food on scales and account for every treat, chew and scrap.
- Swap food rewards for a game, a fuss or a favourite toy where you can.
- Use low-calorie bulk such as green beans, courgette or a little tinned pumpkin.
- Build exercise gradually – an overweight dog can overheat or strain joints.
- Weigh in every two weeks and rescore monthly, adjusting food by about ten per cent at a time.
When it isn't just food
Some dogs gain weight despite sensible feeding. Underactive thyroid, Cushing's disease and some medications all make weight loss much harder, and arthritis makes exercise painful. If your dog is gaining weight on a measured diet, is lethargic, has a thinning coat or drinks more than usual, ask your vet for a check and blood test before blaming the portion size.
Frequently asked questions
What is a body condition score?
It is a nine-point scale vets use to judge whether a dog is the right weight. Five out of nine is ideal: ribs easy to feel, a waist visible from above and a tummy that tucks up from the side.
How do I work out my dog's ideal weight?
Each point above five is roughly ten per cent over ideal. Divide the current weight by 1 plus 0.10 for every point above five – so a 30 kg dog at seven out of nine has an ideal weight of about 25 kg.
Is body condition better than the breed weight chart?
Yes. Breed charts describe averages, but individual dogs vary in frame size. What you can feel and see on your own dog is far more useful.
How do I score a fluffy dog?
Use your hands, not your eyes. Run flat palms along the ribcage and down the spine – coat hides everything, but you cannot fake what you feel.
How fast should my dog lose weight?
One to two per cent of body weight a week. Faster loss risks muscle wastage, and sudden weight loss without dieting always needs a vet check.
My dog is very overweight. Can I just cut the food in half?
No. Big cuts risk nutrient deficiency. Feed for the ideal weight using our food calculator in weight-loss mode, and ask your vet about a prescription weight-loss diet.
How often should I score my dog?
Once a month. It takes a minute and catches gradual gain long before it shows on the scales.
Estimates only – not a substitute for advice from your vet.
Last reviewed: 22 September 2026