Senior dogs
How do I help my senior dog lose weight safely?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Reduce food gradually, by around 10 percent every couple of weeks rather than all at once, measure every meal with a kitchen scale rather than a scoop, and cut back on treats before cutting into the main meal. Gentle, consistent exercise such as two shorter walks instead of one long one supports the loss without stressing joints. Aim for a slow rate, no more than around 1 to 2 percent of body weight lost per week.
Getting the portion right
A kitchen scale is far more accurate than a scoop, since a single scoop can vary by 20 to 30 grams depending on how it is filled, which adds up over a week. Start by reducing the current amount by roughly 10 percent, weigh your dog after two to three weeks, and adjust again based on the trend rather than guessing the whole amount upfront.
Treats often matter more than people expect
A single medium dog biscuit can carry 30 to 40 calories, which sounds small until you realize that is roughly 5 percent of some senior dogs' entire daily calorie budget. Swapping several small treats for a few pieces of plain cooked chicken or a portion taken from the measured meal itself keeps calories under control without cutting out the routine of treating.
Exercise that supports weight loss without strain
Two or three shorter, gentler walks a day, totaling similar distance to one long walk, tend to suit senior joints better than a single extended outing. Swimming, where available, is another low-impact option that burns calories without loading the joints the way walking on hard pavement does.
Patience matters more than speed here. A slow, steady loss of around half a kilogram a month for a medium dog protects muscle mass better than a crash diet, and it is far more likely to stay off once your dog reaches a healthier weight.
Key takeaways
- Reduce food by about 10 percent at a time and reassess every two to three weeks.
- Weigh meals with a kitchen scale rather than relying on a scoop.
- Treats can account for a surprising share of daily calories in a smaller senior dog.
- Split exercise into shorter, more frequent sessions to support weight loss without joint strain.