Small weight changes are usually fixed by updating your pet's weight, body shape and activity in My Pets so the daily amount is recalculated. Sudden or unexplained weight loss needs a vet.
Is this normal?
The daily amount we calculate is a starting point. Every pet is different, so some gain or lose a little in the first weeks while the portion settles. Changes in activity, neutering, age and even the seasons (less exercise in the summer heat) can also shift what your pet needs.
Check your pet's body shape
| Shape | What you'll notice |
|---|---|
| Too thin | Ribs, spine or hip bones easy to see; very little fat cover. |
| Ideal | Ribs easy to feel under a light covering; a visible waist from above; tummy tucks up from the side. |
| Carrying extra | Ribs hard to feel; no clear waist; a rounded tummy. |
These match the body shapes in Build My Box: Underweight, Athletic, Standard, Chubby and Overweight.
Update the portion in your dashboard
Log in to your dashboard. Open My Pets
- Go to My Pets and choose Edit Pet on your pet's card.
- Update the current weight, body shape and activity.
- Save, then choose Update Subscription so the new daily amount applies to your plan (or Update Profile Only to change the profile without changing the plan).
Full guide: my pet's needs have changed.
If your pet is gaining
- Weigh portions with a kitchen scale rather than by eye.
- Count the treats. A common guideline is to keep treats under about 10% of daily calories.
- Choose a lighter recipe. For dogs, Chicken and Surf & Turf are the lighter options; Surf & Turf is our lowest-calorie dog meal. Rabbit is our richest recipe, so it's not the one for weight loss. See calories per recipe.
- Add a little more activity, at cooler times of day in summer.
If your pet is losing
- Check they finish every meal. If not, see picky eaters.
- Update the profile if they've become more active, or are still growing: puppies and kittens.
When to call your vet: sudden or unexplained weight loss; losing weight while eating normally; weight change together with other signs such as drinking much more, vomiting, diarrhoea or low energy; or a cat that has stopped eating. If your vet has set a weight plan, follow their advice first.
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