If your vet has mentioned your dog could stand to lose a few pounds — or you've just noticed it's gotten harder to feel their ribs — you're not alone. Canine obesity is one of the most common preventable health issues in dogs, and the good news is that managing it is usually more about portion control and consistency than finding one special “diet” food.
Weight Management Is Mostly About Calories In vs. Calories Out
This sounds obvious, but it's the part that's easiest to lose track of day to day. Treats, table scraps, and “just a little extra” at dinner add up fast relative to a dog's total calorie needs — often much faster than they would for a person. Before assuming you need a different food entirely, it's worth taking an honest look at total daily calories from every source, not just the bowl.
Choosing a Recipe
Open Farm doesn't currently market a dedicated “weight management” formula, so the more useful approach is choosing a quality recipe and controlling the portion, rather than looking for a specific diet label:
- A recipe with a clear, simple ingredient list — like Goodbowl Wild-Caught Salmon & Brown Rice — makes it easier to know exactly what you're feeding and calculate calories accurately.
- A higher-protein, grain-free option like Epic Blend can help dogs feel satisfied on a controlled calorie intake, since protein tends to be more satiating than carbohydrate-heavy fillers.
Whichever recipe you choose, the calorie count on the bag and a kitchen scale (rather than eyeballing a scoop) make a real difference in actually controlling intake.
Talk to Your Vet About a Target Weight and Calorie Range
Every dog's ideal weight and calorie needs depend on their breed, age, activity level, and any health conditions — there's no universal formula. Your vet can help you establish a target weight and a daily calorie range to work toward, and can also rule out any medical causes of weight gain (like thyroid issues) before you assume it's purely a diet and exercise problem.
Don't Forget Treats
Treats are one of the most common places weight-management plans quietly fail. If your dog is used to frequent treats, consider using a portion of their measured daily kibble as training rewards instead of adding extra calories on top of their regular meals.
Consistency Matters More Than Perfection
Gradual, steady weight loss — generally no more than 1-2% of body weight per week — is safer and more sustainable than a crash approach. Weigh your dog regularly (many vet offices will let you use their scale between appointments) and adjust portions as needed rather than setting a plan once and forgetting about it.
Shop at The Hungry Puppy
You can find Goodbowl, Epic Blend, and the rest of the Open Farm lineup at The Hungry Puppy. If you add freeze-dried raw into your dog's routine as a controlled-portion topper, orders of $75 or more ship free nationwide, and auto-delivery saves you 6% on every order.
We've been helping Farmingdale-area pet parents navigate weight management since 1987 — if you'd like help thinking through portions or recipe choice, call us at 732-938-4470.