How fast should my dog lose weight?
Excess weight is the most powerful — and most fixable — driver of arthritis pain in pets. A practical guide to body condition scoring and safe weight loss for dogs, cats, horses and camelids. In dogs, studies show weight loss of 6-9% of body weight measurably reduces lameness — an effect comparable to starting an NSAID. The mechanics are simple: less load per stride, thousands of strides per day. The same principle holds for cats, horses and camelids.
Last updated 2026-07-04. This is general information, not a substitute for personalised medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
How fast should my dog lose weight?
About 1-2% of body weight per week. A 30 kg Labrador losing 300-600 g weekly will reach a 4 kg target in roughly 2-3 months.
What's the easiest first step?
Measure meals with digital scales instead of a scoop, and swap treats for part of the daily food ration or vegetables like carrot (dogs). Measuring alone typically cuts 10-20% of calories.