May 19, 2022
Weight Loss For Pets
Reviewed by Dr. Lauren Stayer, DVM on September 3, 2026
Many pets struggle with being overweight, and for some, there are significant health side effects that come with it. When the issue isn’t acknowledged and addressed early on, it can become progressively harder for a pet to lose the extra weight.
Health Risks of Excess Weight in Pets
Carrying extra weight puts pets at higher risk for a range of health concerns, including:
- Arthritis
- Cruciate ligament tears and other soft tissue injuries
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Worsening of airway disease
- Bladder and urinary tract infections
How to Help Your Pet Lose Weight
There are two main adjustments that make the biggest difference for pet weight loss. In most cases, weight loss should happen slowly, sometimes over as long as six months depending on how much needs to come off.
Increase Activity Gradually
Ramp up activity slowly so your pet doesn’t sustain injuries from overexertion. For dogs, start with short leashed walks and gradually build up to longer walks, runs, and eventually off-leash activity. For cats who need to lose weight, try adding interactive toys, a cat tree to climb, and puzzle feeders that make them work for their food.
Decrease Calorie Intake
Sometimes you can stick with the same food and simply decrease the portion. Keep in mind that most bags of pet food overestimate the amount needed to maintain a healthy weight, and it’s important to feed based on your pet’s goal weight, not their current weight.
Over-the-counter weight management or “light” diets work for some pets, while others need a prescription diet for more significant weight loss. If you’re changing your pet’s food, transition gradually over 7 to 10 days by mixing the old and new food together.
When to Involve Your Veterinarian
Some metabolic conditions, such as hypothyroid disease or Cushing’s disease, can cause pets to gain or retain weight regardless of diet and exercise. If your overweight pet isn’t losing those extra pounds despite consistent effort, a veterinary consult is worthwhile to rule out an underlying condition.
Weight loss can be hard, and there’s no single strategy that works for every pet. Don’t give up. Keep trying different approaches, and feel free to bring your pet in for weight checks, since it can be difficult to track gradual progress on your own. If you need help or have concerns about your pet’s weight, call us at Pawtown. We’re happy to help.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Weight Loss
How long should pet weight loss take?
It depends on how much weight needs to come off, but gradual weight loss over several months, sometimes up to six months, is generally safer than rapid weight loss.
Should I just feed less of my pet’s current food?
That can work for some pets, especially since most bags of food overestimate portions needed to maintain weight. Feeding based on goal weight rather than current weight is important, and some pets benefit more from a weight management or prescription diet.
What if my pet isn’t losing weight despite diet and exercise changes?
This is a good reason to schedule a veterinary consult, since underlying conditions like hypothyroid disease or Cushing’s disease can make weight loss difficult regardless of diet and exercise.
How should I transition my pet to a new food?
Transition gradually over 7 to 10 days by mixing increasing amounts of the new food with decreasing amounts of the old food to avoid digestive upset.
Medically Reviewed By
Dr. Erin Miller, DVM & Dr. Lauren Stayer, DVM
Owners & Veterinarians, Pawtown Veterinary Care — Bend, Oregon