Feeding your dog based on their body condition is adjusting the amount and type of food to ensure your dog stays in peak body condition.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐝𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧?

Body condition score is a system used to assess an animal's body fat and muscle mass using a scale and can determine if an animal is too thin, too fat, or at an ideal weight.

Generally, peak body condition and an ideal weight for a dog is:

• Ribs, spine, and hip bones are easily felt and may be visible (breed, coat length, density, and texture may      interfere with visibility both making it harder to see or easier to see).

• A waist and abdominal tuck are seen when viewed from above and the side.

• A thin layer of fat can be felt around ribs, spine, and hip bones.

The importance of keeping your dog at peak body condition is well documented, including improved health and longevity and prevention of obesity related diseases.

You can download the World Small Animal Veterinary Association Body Condition Chart here:https://wsava.org/.../2020/01/Body-Condition-Score-Dog.pdf

When feeding, take into consideration:

• Age/stage of life

• Activity level/type

• Weather/season

• Current body condition

For example, some dogs may need more food at colder times of the year (it takes more energy to keep warm), or less food at the peak of summer when not doing too much exercise due to the heat.

Feeding guide charts on processed food packaging or breed standard weight guides are just that – a guide. You should aim to feed based on body condition.

We all want our dogs to live longer and have healthy lives, keeping them at peak body condition is one of the best ways to achieve this.

📸Pic of Twist by the very talented Charlotte Reeves Photography