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Healthy Weight Management for Dogs: A Practical Guide for Pet Owners in Cape Town

  • Writer: What a Treat Pet Sitting
    What a Treat Pet Sitting
  • Jan 27
  • 4 min read

Maintaining a healthy weight isn’t just about how your dog looks, it’s about how they feel every day.


As professional pet sitters and dog walkers in Cape Town, we spend time with dogs of all shapes, sizes, and lifestyles. One thing we see again and again is how much a dog’s weight affects their comfort, energy levels, and long-term health.


Dogs carrying extra weight are more likely to develop joint pain, reduced stamina, heart and breathing issues, and other chronic health conditions. These links between excess weight and reduced quality of life are well documented in veterinary research and animal health organisations.³⁸


Whether your dog is walked daily, cared for by a pet sitter while you’re away, or joining us for regular dog walking in Cape Town, keeping them at a healthy weight plays a huge role in helping them live a long, happy, active life.


Why Dogs Gain Weight


Weight gain usually comes down to one simple thing, calories in versus calories out, but there are lots of everyday reasons this balance can shift.


Common causes include:

  • Feeding portions that are too large

  • Frequent treats or table scraps

  • Not enough daily exercise

  • Slowing metabolism as dogs age

  • Changes after neutering that lower calorie needs


Because many dogs are highly food-motivated, even small “extras” can quietly add up over time if feeding routines and exercise aren’t adjusted. This is something we regularly notice while pet sitting and dog walking for clients across Cape Town.⁸


How to Check If Your Dog Is a Healthy Weight


You don’t need special tools, just your hands and your eyes.


Veterinarians use something called a Body Condition Score (BCS) to assess whether a dog is underweight, ideal, overweight, or obese.³⁸ You can do a simplified version at home:


  1. Feel the ribsYou should be able to feel your dog’s ribs with gentle pressure under a thin layer of fat. If they’re hard to find, your dog may be carrying extra weight.³⁸

  2. Look from aboveThere should be a visible waist behind the ribs when viewed from above.³⁸

  3. Check from the sideThe belly should tuck up slightly toward the back legs rather than hanging straight down.³⁸


If your dog doesn’t match these cues, it may be time to review their feeding routine, exercise level, or both.


Feeding Guide for Adult Dogs (Step-by-Step)

Feeding the right amount is one of the most effective ways to support healthy weight management.


Here’s a simple approach we often recommend to our pet sitting clients:


1. Start with the food packaging

Most dog foods provide feeding guidelines based on weight. Use these as a starting point, not a strict rule. Every dog’s metabolism and activity level is different.¹⁴


2. Split meals

Divide the daily portion into two meals (morning and evening). This supports digestion and helps avoid overeating in one sitting.¹⁹


3. Adjust for activity level

Less active dogs generally need fewer calories. Dogs that go on long walks, hikes, or regular dog walking adventures in Cape Town may need more.¹⁴


4. Factor in age

Senior dogs usually require fewer calories and may benefit from food that supports joints and digestion. Changes should be gradual.¹⁴


5. Measure portions properly

Use a measuring cup or kitchen scale. Eyeballing food often leads to overfeeding.¹⁴


6. Use feeding charts as guidance

Many foods suggest approximate daily amounts such as:

  • Small dogs (2–10 kg): 40–180 g per day

  • Medium dogs (10–20 kg): 190–370 g per day

  • Large dogs (20–40 kg): 360–600 g per day

Always check your specific brand’s recommendations.¹⁴


7. Monitor and adjust

If your dog gains weight, reduce portions slightly. If they lose weight unintentionally, increase gradually and consult your vet.¹⁴


8. Always provide fresh water

Hydration supports digestion, metabolism, and overall health, whether your dog is at home, out walking, or staying with a pet sitter.⁰


Final Thoughts


Healthy weight management is really about balance, consistency, and paying attention.

With sensible portions, mindful treats, and regular exercise, most dogs can maintain a healthy weight and enjoy an active lifestyle well into their senior years.

If you’re looking for reliable pet sitting in Cape Town or regular dog walking in Cape Town, working with experienced carers can also help keep your dog’s routine consistent while you’re away, from feeding schedules to daily movement and overall wellbeing.


About the Author


This blog was put together by Valmay, one of What a Treat’s trusted pet sitters and dog walkers. Valmay is also a certified canine nutritionist and professional groomer, bringing both knowledge and hands-on experience into supporting healthy routines, balanced diets, and long-term wellbeing for the dogs in our care.


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