Is your dog at a healthy weight?
A simple guide to your dog’s body condition
A shiny coat, bright eyes and a joyful wag say a lot about your dog’s wellbeing – but one of the most important health markers is something many of us quietly overlook: body condition.
At ESSENTIAL FOODS, we talk a lot about our outstanding grain-free meals and about keeping blood sugar stable with our BOF philosophy. But even the most irresistible, world-class meal needs one essential finishing touch: the right amount in the bowl for your dog.
That’s where Body Condition Score (BCS) comes in
– a simple, hands-on way to understand what your dog’s body is really telling you. With a gentle touch and a quick look, you can feel if your dog is too thin, just right, or carrying a little extra.
Our dogs don’t read scales – they speak through their ribs, waist and movement.
Think of this blog as your quiet, go-to check-in to see if everything is on track – or if it’s time to fine-tune meals, treats and activity for more healthy, joyful days together.
Why Body Condition matters more than the number on the scale
Imagine two dogs standing side by side.
They weigh exactly the same – but one glides with effortless, athletic ease, while the other moves a little heavier, a little slower, a little less comfortable in their own body.
The scale would tell you they’re identical.
Their body condition tells a very different story.
That’s where Body Condition Score (BCS) becomes your discreet, world-class advisory tool. Instead of staring at kilos, you gently read what truly matters: the balance between fat and muscle, how the ribs feel beneath your fingertips, how the waist curves, how freely your dog moves through everyday life.
A healthy body condition is one of the most exquisite, feel-good gifts you can give your dog – a quiet luxury that doesn’t shout, but shows itself in supple movement, restorative rest and more brilliant, joy-filled days together.
Keeping your dog close to an ideal BCS has been linked to:
Longer lifespan
Less strain on joints
Less strain on heart
Better mobility & energy
Lower risk of lifestyle-related diseases
A quiet luxury that never needs to shout – it simply reveals itself in supple, effortless movement.
Our nutritional advisors are here for you
– free of charge and with no obligation
In a short consultation, we’ll help tailor meals and portions, guide everyday menu planning, support healthy weight and special needs
What Is Body Condition Score (BCS)?
Body Condition Score (BCS) is a simple 1–9 scale used by vets to describe how much body fat a dog is carrying – in other words, how close they are to their healthiest shape.
Think of it as a refined wellbeing scale: a quick, feel-good check that looks beyond kilos and into true condition. On the 1–9 scale, the scores are typically interpreted like this:
1-3 Too Thin
Viewed from above:
A very sharp “hourglass” shape with a narrow waist. Ribs and spine may be clearly visible.
Viewed from the side:
A very strong abdominal tuck – the belly pulls up steeply behind the ribcage and can make the dog look frail.
4-5 Ideal Body Condition
Viewed from above:
Visible waist behind the ribcage – a gentle, elegant “hourglass” without sharp lines.
Viewed from the side:
A clear abdominal tuck – the belly slopes smoothly upwards from ribs towards the hind legs.
6-7 Over Ideal (Carrying Extra)
Viewed from above:
Waist is only faintly visible or almost straight. The body looks more oval than hourglass.
Viewed from the side:
Abdominal tuck is reduced – the belly line is more flat and may begin to round slightly downwards.
8-9 Obese
Viewed from above:
No visible waist. The body looks rounded or barrel-shaped, sometimes like a “sausage”.
Viewed from the side:
No abdominal tuck – the belly hangs down and may sway, giving a heavy, low-slung outline.
Home Check: Look, Feel, Observe
You don’t need special equipment – just your eyes, your hands, and a quiet moment together.
The body tells the true story far better than the food bowl ever will. The most reliable way to know whether to serve a little more, a little less, or keep everything just as it is, is to look at – and gently feel – your dog’s physical condition.
The chart below is created as a calm, confidence-giving tool: a touch of everyday luxury in your routine, helping you fine-tune meals with the same care and finesse you put into the rest of your dog’s world.
UNDERWEIGHT
BCS 1–3
Make a fist and gently glide the fingers of your other hand over your knuckles. If your dog’s ribcage feels like this – very sharp and easy to feel, with little to no padding – their body condition is underweight.
IDEAL WEIGHT
BCS 4–5
Open your hand, palm facing down, and softly glide your fingers over your knuckles. If your dog’s ribcage feels like this – easy to feel with a thin, smooth layer of padding – their body condition is in the ideal range.
OVERWEIGHT
BCS 6-7
Open your hand, palm facing up, and gently glide your fingers over the base of your fingers. If your dog’s ribcage feels more like this – you can feel the ribs, but only with some pressure and there is a noticeable softness – their body condition is overweight.
OBESE
BCS 8–9
With your palm still facing up, now glide your fingers over the base of your thumb. If your dog’s ribcage feels like this – difficult to feel at all under a thick layer of fat – their body condition is obese.
What to do if your dog is not at an ideal body condition
If your dog is underweight?
First and always: speak to your vet. It’s important to rule out medical causes and confirm how much your dog should be eating.
When your vet has given the all clear, Our finest STAMINA is a strong choice for dogs who:
- Need healthy weight gain or struggle with a poor appetite
- Live a high-activity or working lifestyle
- Simply need more calories in every bite
Our finest STAMINA meal is rich in protein, energy-dense and built on BOF. With no grains or empty fillers, it delivers concentrated, high-quality nutrition to help your dog back towards a healthier, more optimal body condition – one delicious meal at a time.
If your dog is overweight?
If you suspect your dog is overweight, start by checking in with your vet and agreeing on a healthy target weight.
From there, small changes can make a big difference:
- Measure, don’t guess – use a cup or scale for every meal.
- Tame the “little extras” – treats, chews, lick mats and table scraps all count. Try swapping to leaner treats like ESSENTIAL TURKEY DELIGHTS or using part of the daily meal as rewards.
- Adjust portions gently – a small reduction (for example 5–10%) over time, always in dialogue with your vet or our nutrition advisors.
- Move with joy – add a little extra, low-impact activity your dog genuinely enjoys.
When a lighter meal is needed, Our finest CONTOUR is our go-to:
A high-protein (30% protein, 12% fat, 5% fibre), lean BOF recipe created for neutered dogs and weight control, offering real satiety, stable blood sugar and no grains, no fillers.
A smart daily choice for adults with a tendency to gain weight.
How our first-class meals support a healthy body condition
High content of meat, eggs & fish
Low-GI carbohydrates to help stabilise blood sugar
Carefully selected vegetables, berries, seeds & herbs
Gentle cooking to protect nutrients
Did you know?
Stable blood sugar and high nutritional density help your dog feel satisfied and balanced, which makes it easier to maintain an ideal body condition – especially when combined with correct portions.
FAQ
How often should I check my dog’s body condition?
Once a month is a great starting point for most dogs. Check a little more often if you are currently changing something – such as switching food, increasing training, or working on weight loss or weight gain.
My dog always seems hungry – does that mean they’re too thin?
Not necessarily. Many dogs love food, no matter what their body condition says. Always trust your hands and eyes first: ribs, waist, and belly tell the truth. If your dog appears constantly hungry, talk to our Nutritional Advisors
and discuss:
• Meal size and calorie content
• Number of treats per day
• Whether your dog is mentally and physically stimulated enough
Can treats ruin a good body condition?
Treats are part of the joy of living with dogs – but they count.
Most dogs receive treats daily, and many get them more than once a day.
A simple rule of thumb:
• Keep treats to max. 10% of daily calories
• Choose high-quality treats that fit your dog’s main diet
• On heavy treat days, slightly reduce the main meal instead of simply “adding on top”
When should I involve my veterinarian?
Contact your vet if:
• Your dog is clearly underweight and not gaining, despite eating well
• You suspect obesity (BCS 8–9/9) or very rapid weight gain
• You notice sudden changes in weight, appetite, thirst, or energy
Your vet can:
• Confirm the BCS
• Screen for underlying disease
• Help design a tailored weight management plan that fits your dog’s age, lifestyle, and any medical needs
Does body condition scale apply to puppies too?
Yes, but with a little nuance.
Puppies go through growth spurts and can look a bit “gangly” or “chunky” at times. We still aim for visible waist, easy-to-feel ribs and an abdominal tuck, but growth must never be restricted without speaking to your vet.
If you’re unsure about your puppy’s condition, share photos and details with us and reach out for guidance on portions and meal choice.
My dog is very fluffy – how can I tell?
For long-haired or very fluffy dogs, your hands are more important than your eyes.
Always rely on touch:
• Feel ribs with flat fingers
• Feel spine and hips
• Feel around the tail and if you can’t feel structures clearly without pressing firmly, your dog may be above ideal body condition.
Is a “little extra” really that bad?
We understand – it often comes from a place of love.
But even a few extra kilos can:
• Put significant strain on joints
• Increase the risk of long-term health issues
• Reduce overall quality of life
Think of keeping your dog at an ideal BCS as a daily act of care, not restriction. It’s a way of saying: “I want you to stay by my side for as long as possible – feeling good in your own body.”
What if my vet’s opinion differs from what I see here?
Your vet knows your dog’s medical history and should always have the final say.
Use this guide as a supportive tool for everyday awareness – and bring your observations and questions to your vet.
Many owners find it helpful to say:
“I’ve checked my dog’s body condition at home, and I think we’re here on the 1–9 scale. Do you agree?”
This turns the conversation into a partnership.
Can ESSENTIAL FOODS help me adjust my dog’s portions?
Yes. Our team is always happy to help you:
• Choose the most suitable ESSENTIAL meal
• Estimate starting portions based on weight, age, activity and body condition
• Fine-tune along the way
We believe personal guidance + high-quality meals + your daily care is the winning combination.
"A well-balanced body is a quiet everyday gift – it lets our dogs move with ease, rest deeply and share more brilliant, joy-filled days by our side.”
Meals for under, ideal & above
- UNDERWEIGHT
- OVERWEIGHT
- SENIORS
- IDEAL WEIGHT
STAMINA, 10KG
free-range British chicken, British country duck, Scottish salmon, trout
STAMINA, 2.5KG
free-range British chicken, British country duck, Scottish salmon, trout
TINY FISH DELIGHTS
sprats from the Baltic Sea & naturally rich in omega-3
THE OMEGA 3 OIL 500ML
salmon. An incredibly rich source of omega-3 & match in heaven for fussy eaters
RABBIT & ROSEMARY SENSATIONS
rabbit. A firm, chewy sensation bursting with natural herbal notes
BEEF & OREGANO SENSATIONS
beef. A firm, chewy sensation bursting with natural herbal notes
CONTOUR, 10KG
free-range British chicken, British country duck, Scottish salmon, trout
CONTOUR, 2.5KG
free-range British chicken, British country duck, Scottish salmon, trout
TURKEY MINI DELIGHTS
turkey. Small treats, big motivation
FINEST SLICED VENISON & DUCK
venison & duck. Just pure luxurious goodness
FINEST SALMON & PARSLEY SMALL SAUSAGES
salmon. Just pure luxurious goodness
FINEST PORK & SAGE SQUARES
pork. Just pure luxurious goodness
SALMON MINI DELIGHTS
salmon. Small treats, big motivation
OLDER, 10KG
free-range British chicken, British country duck, Scottish salmon, trout
OLDER, 2,5KG
free-range British chicken, British country duck, Scottish salmon, trout
ESSENTIAL the MOBILITY BLEND 500ml
Magic in a bottle. Top the kibbles with golden drops of Collagen, MSM & Vitamin C
GRAIN-FREE BEEF & RABBIT DENTAL DELIGHTS
beef & rabbit. Grain-free, tasty teeth cleanser
GRAIN-FREE BEEF & GAME DENTAL DELIGHTS
beef & game. Grain-free, tasty teeth cleanser
COLLAGEN & CURCUMA TEETH DELIGHTS
Semi-moist teeth cleanser with curcuma, collagen & mint
FINEST SLICED LAMB & BLACKBERRY
lamb. Just pure luxurious goodness
LAKE & SEA TINY CRACKERS
freshly prepared salmon, white fish, trout & sweet potatoes
FARM & FIELDS TINY CRACKERS
freshly prepared chicken, duck, turkey & sweet potatoes
SUPERIOR LIVING, 10KG
free-range British chicken, British country duck, Scottish salmon, trout
NAUTICAL LIVING, 10KG
fresh Scottish salmon, fresh trout, seasonal fresh fish
HIGHLAND LIVING, 10KG
free-range fresh turkey and Scottish salmon, Aberdeen Angus beef, wildfowl
ESTATE LIVING, 10KG
grass-fed British free-range lamb, free-range chicken, free-roaming venison
ETERNAL LIVING, 10KG
brown rice, field beans, sweet potato, chickpeas, eggs from free-range hens
GRAIN-FREE CLASSIC DENTAL DELIGHTS
chicken, beef & turkey. Grain-free, tasty teeth cleanser
TURKEY MINI DELIGHTS
turkey. Small treats, big motivation
100% satisfaction or your money back
Free delivery on orders over 150€
3-7 weekdays delivery
Benefit from the advice of our nutrition advisors
Our nutritional advisors are always delighted to assist you with:
- Selecting the most suitable ESSENTIAL meal
- Estimating starting portions based on weight, age, activity and body condition
- Fine-tuning the portions as your dog’s needs evolve
We believe personal guidance + exceptionally high-quality meals + your devoted daily care is the truly winning combination – a world-class partnership for your dog’s wellbeing.
Chat with us
+45 71 99 90 90
Monday-Thursday: 8am - 4pm
Friday: 8am -2pm
