A good way to decide the weight goal is through assessing your pet’s body condition. A fit, happy and ideal dog has a slender tucked stomach, proportioned body shape, and slight body fat on tail & ribs. Below is a chart you may use as a guide.
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​Very Thin
Ribs, vertebrae, and hip bones are easily felt with no fat cover, creating a sharp, bony feel. The pet has a visibly narrow waist, deep tummy tuck, and an overall emaciated appearance with minimal muscle tone.
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​Thin
Ribs, vertebrae, and hip bones are easily felt with a thin fat layer, and the waist and tummy tuck are defined but not extreme. The pet appears slim and lean with minimal fat reserves and some visible muscle tone.
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​Ideal
Ribs, vertebrae, and hip bones are detectable under a light fat cover but not overly prominent, with a clear waist and slight tummy tuck. The pet has balanced proportions and a smooth, healthy shape.
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​Overweight
In an overweight pet, the ribs can be felt under a moderate fat cover, requiring slight pressure, and the vertebrae and hip bones are less noticeable due to the fat. The waistline may be visible but is not well-defined, with a minimal tummy tuck
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​Obese
The ribs, vertebrae, and hip bones are difficult to feel due to a thick layer of fat, and the waistline is not visible, with no noticeable tummy tuck. The pet has noticeable fat deposits and a round, bloated appearance with little to no definition
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