Help your dog reach a healthy weight, one day at a time
A feeding plan worked out for your dog, a treat budget that still allows treats, walks that build up slowly, and training for the begging. About ten minutes a day, in the app.
How old is your dog?
This sets the pace of the whole plan.
Most owners of heavier dogs do not see it
More than half of dogs are carrying extra weight, and only about a third of owners say their own dog is.
Words like chubby and chonky make it easy to miss.
Why the bag gets it wrong
The feeding guide on the bag is written for a young, active dog. Most dogs are neither, so most bowls are a little too full. Small amounts add up: a few extra treats a day is a lot of food for a small body.
How it works
- 1
Check your dog's shape
Three quick hands-on checks, the way vets do it.
- 2
Get the numbers
A daily amount for your dog's own food, worked out from a vet-standard formula, and a treat budget.
- 3
Follow the daily plan
One short practice a day, weekly weigh-ins, and the plan adjusts as your dog changes.
What is in the plan
- A daily feeding plan, in grams or cups
- A treat budget
- A weekly weigh-in, and adjustments
- Walks that build up gently, with care for joints and flat-faced breeds
- Training for begging, stealing and gulping
An illustration of body shape, not a promise.
What the research found
In a 14 year study of Labrador Retrievers, the dogs kept lean lived a median of 1.8 years longer.
An honest pace
Safe weight loss is slow: about 1 to 2% of body weight a week. We will tell you how long it should take for your dog, and we will not rush it.
From published veterinary research. Brooks D et al., 2014 AAHA Weight Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats, JAAHA 2014;50(1):1 to 11.
When we send you to the vet first
Some dogs should see a vet before any weight plan: puppies, dogs who are pregnant or nursing, very heavy dogs, dogs with a health condition, and dogs whose weight changed suddenly. The quiz asks, and the vet step is free.
Questions
Do I have to buy a special food?
No. The plan works out amounts for the food your dog already eats. If your dog needs to eat a lot less than the bag says, we suggest asking your vet whether a food made for weight loss would help.
Does my dog need to see a vet first?
Most dogs can start straight away. The quiz tells you if yours should see a vet first, and why.
How fast will my dog lose weight?
Slowly, on purpose. About 1 to 2% of body weight a week is the safe pace. The app checks every week and adjusts.
Can I still give treats?
Yes. Your dog gets a daily treat budget, and training rewards come out of the day's food.
What if my family keeps feeding them?
That is most homes. Agree on the day's treat budget together and keep the treats in one jar, so everyone can see what is left. The begging practice in the plan helps with the asking.
What about walks? My dog is old or has sore joints.
Walks start where your dog is and grow slowly. Dogs with stiff joints or flat faces get gentler options and a nudge to check with the vet before doing more.
Is this veterinary advice?
No. Hound App is an educational training product. If your dog is unwell, in pain, has changed suddenly or has injured someone, see a vet or a qualified behaviorist.
Start your dog's plan today
Answer a few questions and get a healthy weight plan built around your dog, one short practice at a time.
Get startedHound App is an educational training product. It is not veterinary advice. If your dog is unwell, in pain, has changed suddenly or has injured someone, see a vet or a qualified behaviorist.