Weight loss / gain

Why isn’t your dog’s weight changing even when you seem to do everything right?

Sometimes the diet seems perfect: calories counted, good food, recommendations followed – yet the dog’s weight still doesn’t change. That’s normal: weight is affected by much more than “main meals”.

You may not be counting treatsSnacks and treats often wipe out a calorie deficit or surplus

The most common reason is snacking.

Many owners count only the main diet but forget about:

  • treats on walks
  • table scraps
  • chew snacks
  • training rewards
  • oils, pastes, and supplements

Some treats are very calorie-dense. Even small extras can significantly change total daily intake.

For example:

  • a few pieces of cheese
  • dried lung
  • peanut butter
  • fatty chew treats

can add hundreds of extra calories per day.

Activity level may be set too highCalm walks and resting at home often burn less than it seems

Owners often think their dog is very active while actual energy expenditure is lower.

For example:

  • calm leash walks burn less energy than they seem to
  • long stops and sniffing are not the same as active running
  • some dogs rest at home most of the day

If weight isn’t changing:

  • try revising activity level in the app (you choose activity when logging weight – edit the latest entry and recommended calories will recalculate)
  • or gradually increase real activity
Please remember that not every dog should live a super-active life. Senior dogs, underweight dogs, and dogs recovering from illness need gentler care. Dogs with significant excess weight should increase activity carefully to avoid strain on the heart and joints.
Check spay/neuter status is correctAfter surgery, calorie needs often decrease

After spaying or neutering, many dogs:

  • need fewer calories
  • have a changed appetite
  • gain weight more easily

That doesn’t mean the dog will necessarily become overweight, but energy needs may be lower.

If this setting is wrong (in the pet profile – tap the pencil in the top-right corner to view/edit full details), the app may overestimate recommended calories.

Weight may change more slowly than expectedSafe pace is 0.5–2% of body weight per week; look at the trend

Weight change is not instant.

are completely normal.

That’s why it’s important to look at the trend over several weeks, not a single weighing.

A safe pace for:

  • weight loss
  • weight gain
  • recovery from underweight

is usually quite slow (0.5–2% of body weight per week), and should be!

Small weight fluctuations due to:

  • water
  • meal timing
  • gut fullness
  • activity
Check portion accuracy“About 200 g” often turns out to be 260–300 g

Even small weighing errors can strongly affect results.

For example:

  • “about 200 g” often turns out to be 260–300 g
  • oil and fatty foods are especially calorie-dense
  • volume measures are less accurate than kitchen scales

If weight hasn’t changed when it should, try weighing food as precisely as possible for a few days.

Some dogs simply need more or fewer caloriesFormulas are a starting point; temperament and health matter a lot

Formulas are only a starting point. Dogs of the same weight can use very different amounts of energy.

So calorie recommendations always need observation and adjustment based on real weight trends. We plan to add AI for more advanced recommendations.

This is influenced by:

  • breed
  • age
  • temperament
  • stress level
  • metabolic rate
  • health status
If weight still doesn’t changeLong plateaus or sudden changes – talk to your vet

If:

  • weight stays the same for a long time
  • the dog is losing weight rapidly
  • or, conversely, gaining weight quickly

despite a correct diet and tracking, discuss it with your veterinarian. Sometimes weight is affected by:

  • GI disease
  • hormonal disorders
  • parasites
  • poor nutrient absorption
  • other health conditions

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