That hopeful face beside the biscuit tin. The nose nudging your elbow at dinner. The look that says, “Surely there’s one more?”

Our dogs are remarkably good at asking for food. And we’re remarkably good at finding reasons to give it to them.

But a little extra in the bowl, a daily chew and a few scraps can quietly add up. If you’re wondering, “Is my dog overweight?”, a quick check of their shape is a useful place to start.

At McDug Nutrition, we want dogs to enjoy their food and feel good on their paws. Here’s how to spot excess weight, understand the habits behind overfeeding and make changes that help.

How to tell if your dog is overweight

The scales tell part of the story. Your dog’s body shape tells you more. Dogs of the same breed can have different builds, so a breed weight chart alone won’t give you the full picture.

Try these three simple checks while your dog is standing comfortably:

• Feel their ribs. You should be able to find them with a gentle touch beneath a light covering of fat. If you need to press firmly, your dog may be carrying excess weight.
• Look from above. There should be a noticeable waist behind the ribs. A straighter, wider outline can suggest weight gain.
• Look from the side. Their tummy should usually tuck upwards towards their back legs, rather than hang level with the chest.

A thick coat can hide changes, so use your hands as well as your eyes. These checks form part of a body condition assessment; your vet or vet nurse can help you interpret them for your dog’s build.

Slowing down on walks or struggling with stairs can also warrant a closer look. However, these changes can have other causes, including pain. Don’t assume every reluctant walk means your dog needs a diet.

Why do we overfeed dogs we love?

For many of us, food is a way of showing care. We cook for people we love, offer a biscuit when someone needs cheering up and enjoy seeing a meal appreciated. It’s easy to carry that habit into life with our dogs.

There’s a reward for us, too: we give a treat, they look delighted, and we feel good. Repeat that often enough and the biscuit tin becomes part of the relationship.

Perhaps we feel guilty after a busy working day. Perhaps we mistake every request for food as hunger. Or perhaps everyone in the house gives “just one”, without knowing what everyone else has already offered.

That’s how a well-fed dog can end up eating more than they need, even when nobody thinks they’re overfeeding.

Try making attention the treat sometimes. A favourite game, a gentle grooming session or time together can show affection without adding calories. PDSA also recommends alternatives such as play, toys and extra fuss.

How to help an overweight dog lose weight

Start with a plan you can keep up, with your vet practice helping to set an appropriate target weight and daily allowance.

Weigh meals. Kitchen scales make portions more consistent than estimating by eye or topping up a scoop.

Count the extras. Chews, training rewards, table scraps and bedtime biscuits all contribute to the day’s intake. PDSA recommends keeping treats within 10% of the daily allowance and adjusting meals to account for them. For a weight-loss plan, ask your vet what fits your dog’s calorie target.

Get the household involved. Set aside the day’s food and reward allowance so everyone knows what’s available. You can use part of the measured kibble portion for training.

Keep movement comfortable. Build activity around your dog’s age, fitness and joint health, with veterinary advice where needed.

Track progress. Regular weigh-ins help you see whether the plan is working and adjust it. If weight gain is unexplained, or comes with increased thirst, coat changes or unusual tiredness, arrange a vet appointment.

McDug Weight Control & Joint Care: nutrition with a purpose

Our McDug Health & Wellness – Weight Control & Joint Care recipe brings weight management and joint support together.

Carrying less excess weight reduces the load on joints. Providing thoughtful nutritional support alongside a measured feeding plan makes sense for dogs who need help with both their waistline and their mobility.

Hydrolysed white fish for digestible protein

The recipe contains 26% freshly prepared hydrolysed white fish and 11.5% hydrolysed dried white fish.

Our Freshtrusion® HDP process uses an enzyme to break protein into smaller pieces called peptides. This supports protein digestibility and provides amino acids your dog needs.

Protein to support lean muscle

With 29% crude protein and 9% crude fat, the recipe is formulated to support weight management while helping maintain lean muscle. Successful weight control needs to consider muscle as well as the number on the scales.

Fibre to support fullness and digestion

The recipe provides 8.5% crude fibre, with sources including lignocellulose, beet pulp and pea fibre. This blend is included to support a feeling of fullness and digestive function, helping make a controlled feeding routine more manageable.

Ingredients selected for joint support

Fish-derived collagen peptides and green-lipped mussel are included to support joint health. The recipe also contains salmon oil. Together, these ingredients complement its focus on healthy weight and mobility.

Feeding guidance for losing weight and maintaining it

The manufacturer provides separate guides for weight loss and weight maintenance. Use the appropriate guide with your vet’s advice, then adjust according to your dog’s progress. Introduce the recipe gradually over around two weeks and keep fresh drinking water available.

Less weight, more wag

Helping your dog reach a healthier weight can start with a gentle rib check, accurately measured meals and a household agreement about treats.

You can still enjoy mealtimes together. You can still reward good behaviour. And you can still spoil them with your time.

Explore McDug Weight Control & Joint Care and give your dog nutritional support alongside a sensible weight-management plan.

Questions about overweight dogs

Does begging mean my dog is hungry?

Not necessarily. Begging can become a habit when it regularly results in food. Check your dog’s measured allowance and body condition rather than using begging alone to decide whether they need more.

Can I still give my dog treats during weight loss?

Yes, if they fit within the agreed daily allowance. Using some of their measured kibble as rewards can help you keep track.

Will weight-control dog food work on its own?

It still needs to be fed in suitable portions. Treats, activity and regular monitoring all matter. Your vet practice can help tailor the plan to your dog.