How to choose dog food and get help managing weight in the UK

Katerina Galkina · EN · 07/10/2026

Start with the dog's age, health and existing diet. For weight loss, obtain an individual plan from a vet or veterinary nurse first. Switching brands at random or sharply restricting food is unreliable. PDSA: obesity in dogs ↗.

Check that the food is complete

Look for “complete” and an appropriate life stage, such as puppy or adult. A complementary product does not replace a complete diet by itself. PDSA recommends a commercially balanced diet; wet, dry or mixed feeding requires the correct total amount. PDSA: your dog's diet ↗.

Ask the vet about condition-specific or therapeutic diets. Compare daily feeding cost using the recommended portion rather than kilogram price alone. Before buying a large bag, establish suitability and storage arrangements.

Prepare for a weight assessment

Record everything eaten over several days: meals, treats, chews and family handouts. Bring packaging or photographs, medication doses and activity information.

Weight is assessed alongside body condition, age and health. Ask the professional to demonstrate assessment and establish a target weight. Report unexpected weight change or other symptoms rather than assuming food is the sole explanation.

Obtain a specific plan

Establish daily grams, meal distribution, permitted treats and appropriate exercise. Weigh food and agree who controls the daily allowance. Include every calorie source; longer walks do not remove the need to plan intake.

A vet may recommend a weight-reduction diet for some dogs. Do not apply another animal's plan to a puppy, older dog or one with illness. PDSA: individual weight-loss plans ↗.

Arrange monitoring in advance

Agree a review date, expected progress and weight-clinic costs. Many practices offer veterinary nurse support, but local arrangements vary. Keep records and adjust the plan with the professional. Do not use human slimming products or fasting. Contact a vet about refusal of food or illness.