As dog owners, we naturally want to give our dogs the very best. We love to spoil them, but did you know it can be pretty tricky to tell whether your dog is really at a healthy weight? Especially with breeds like the Beagle, an extra kilo can creep on without you noticing.
You've probably heard of the Body Mass Index (BMI) for humans. For dogs, we use a similar, scientific method: the Body Condition Score (BCS). This score runs from 1 (very thin) to 5 (obese).
Just looking at the number on the scales usually isn't enough. Every dog is unique in age, breed and build. That's why we look at your dog's shape. In this short guide, we explain the basics:
How do you check your dog's condition?
-
The ribs: Run your flat hands along the sides of the ribcage. Can you feel them easily, or is there a thick layer of fat over them?
-
From above: Look straight down at your dog's back. Does your dog have a clear, hourglass-shaped waist, or does the shape run straight back?
-
From the side: Look at the belly line. Does it slope nicely upwards from the ribcage towards the back legs, or is there a little tummy hanging down?
A healthy dog at its ideal weight glows inside and out, and that's what we call the 'Golden Glow'! High-quality, plant-based food can make a world of difference in keeping your dog slim, energetic and fit.
Download the complete BCS guide (PDF) here
Want to know exactly how your dog scores and curious about handy tips for reaching the ideal weight? I've drawn up the full visual guide for you, complete with helpful illustrations. Any questions? Send us a message, we're happy to help!