By Dr. Ezra Ameis
It’s easy to love a chubby pup or a round little cat—those big eyes and soft bellies seem extra cuddly. But what we often call “cute” can actually be unhealthy. Pet obesity is one of the most common and preventable health issues in veterinary medicine today.
According to recent studies, over 55% of dogs and 60% of cats in the U.S. are overweight or obese. And it’s not always obvious—extra weight is often hidden under thick fur, making it hard to spot until health problems start showing.
Veterinarians use a Body Condition Score (BCS) to evaluate a pet’s weight. It’s typically a scale from 1 to 9, where each point represents about a 10% difference in body weight from ideal:
BCS 1–3: Underweight (ribs and spine easily seen)
BCS 4–5: Ideal (visible waist, ribs easily felt but not seen)
BCS 6–7: Overweight (ribs palpable with fat covering; 10–20% over ideal)
BCS 8–9: Obese (ribs hard to feel; 30–40%+ over ideal, with serious health risks)
So why does it matter? Overweight pets are much more prone to arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, breathing issues, and even certain cancers. Extra weight also shortens lifespan—some studies estimate by up to two years.
Here’s my quick advice: this is basically a calorie math problem. Most commercial pet diets—especially the most heavily marketed ones—are extremely rich. Think steak and cheesecake every night rich. These brands focus more on taste and advertising than on long-term health.
The easiest change? Pick a food labeled “Weight Control” or “Weight Management.” If you want to keep your current food, try reducing the portion by 20–25% and re-weighing weekly. That said, a veterinarian should help set a goal weight and track progress.
A healthy rate of weight loss is 1–2% of body weight per week for dogs, and 0.5–1% per week for cats.
Want to give treats? Plain, unsalted, air-popped popcorn is a great low-calorie option—about 2 calories per piece. Keep a jar of it handy and toss one as needed!
Try this: Run your hands over your pet’s ribs. If you can’t feel them easily, they might be overweight.
Your pet won’t miss those extra snacks—but you might miss them if they don’t stay healthy.
Dr. Ezra Ameis is an emergency veterinarian and the owner of Paw Priority in West Hollywood, a clinic providing general practice, urgent care, and acupuncture. To suggest a topic or ask a pet-related question, email hello@pp.vet.