ardam, formerly CDK9 Raw, wrote this guide because so many Australian dog owners underestimate how much "puppy fat" really matters. New Year is often when people resolve to make changes to their own health, but it is worth asking whether your dog needs a change too. The rate of overweight and carrying-extra-weight dogs has climbed steadily over recent decades, and it is one of the most preventable welfare issues we see in growing puppies.
A Growing Problem, Literally
Survey data collected over several decades shows a clear upward trend in the proportion of dogs carrying excess weight, moving from roughly one in five in the 1980s to around four in ten by the mid-2000s, and higher again more recently in some populations. Put simply, a large share of dogs today are carrying more weight than is ideal for their frame. Interestingly, these increases have tracked closely alongside the rise of commercial dry dog food as the default feeding choice for most households.
What is striking is how few owners see this as a genuine concern. In one widely cited survey of pet owners, roughly a third reported their pet as carrying extra weight, yet only a handful considered it a problem worth addressing. That gap between perception and reality is exactly why this topic deserves more attention, especially during the growth phase when a puppy's skeleton is still developing.
Why Growth-Phase Weight Matters More Than You Think
One of the most common concerns for growing puppies, especially larger breeds, relates to how quickly they are allowed to gain weight. Research has consistently linked higher energy intake, meaning food packed with easily digestible carbohydrate energy, to a greater incidence of skeletal development issues during growth. Feeding a puppy more energy than it needs during this window tends to push growth toward maximal rather than optimal, and bones and joints that are forced to support more frame than they are ready for can develop problems that last a lifetime.
Beyond joint and skeletal stress, carrying excess weight through the growth phase has also been associated with a wider range of general health concerns as dogs age, along with a higher chance of complications during any future veterinary procedures requiring sedation. All of this adds up to a strong argument for keeping a puppy at a healthy, lean body condition rather than assuming a rounder puppy is automatically a healthier one.
Why So Many Puppies End Up Overweight
- Dry, processed foods are often energy-dense with fillers that add bulk without adding much nutritional value, similar to a human diet that is mostly bread.
- Low nutrient density in some processed foods can encourage a puppy to keep eating past the point of being genuinely full.
- Some commercial treats look small but carry a surprisingly large calorie load, so treat portions add up faster than owners expect.
- Many kibble formulas rely heavily on corn and other starches in various forms, which contribute calories without much nutritional benefit.
What Actually Helps
The most effective long-term approach is a species-appropriate, biologically balanced diet paired with consistent exercise. A raw diet built around real meat, organ and bone gives a growing puppy the nutrients it actually needs rather than loading up on filler carbohydrates. Because the food is nutrient-dense rather than calorie-dense from starch, portion control becomes far more straightforward. Our broader puppy feeding guide covers how to structure portions and meal frequency in more detail.
- A natural, species-appropriate diet supplies the protein, fat and micronutrient balance a growing puppy needs without excess filler energy.
- Because nutrients are more bioavailable, puppies tend to self-regulate intake better than on heavily processed diets.
- A balanced growth rate supports better long-term mobility and a generally better health outlook through adulthood.
Exercise is the other half of the equation. Regular, age-appropriate activity burns excess energy and provides essential mental stimulation, but as the saying goes, you cannot out-exercise a poor diet. The two need to work together. If you are unsure how much your puppy should be eating at its current age and weight, our free meal planning quiz works out a tailored feeding guide in a couple of minutes, and a sample pack is a low-risk way to trial the switch before committing. Our companion piece on nutrition through every life stage is a useful next read once your puppy reaches adulthood.
Getting Support From a Vet
If you are not sure whether your puppy is carrying extra weight, a vet check is the most reliable way to find out, and they can help set growth and feeding targets specific to your puppy's breed and frame. The Australian Veterinary Association can help you find a registered vet near you, and the MSD Veterinary Manual has plain-English guidance on healthy growth rates for puppies.
Sydney households feeding growing puppies have plenty of local support available, and small, early adjustments to diet and exercise tend to be far easier than trying to correct course once poor habits are established. Give your puppy the best possible start by keeping their growth steady rather than rushed.
It also helps to track your puppy's weight and body condition over time rather than relying on a single snapshot. A simple monthly check, ideally at the same time of day and before a meal, gives you a clearer picture of the trend than weighing sporadically. Photograph your puppy from above and from the side every few weeks. Over time, you should see a visible waist when viewed from above and a gentle upward tuck of the belly from the side. If either of those signs disappears, it is worth adjusting portions before the trend continues.
Owners sometimes worry that reducing portions will leave a growing puppy hungry or under-fed. This is where nutrient density becomes so important. Because a species-appropriate raw diet delivers protein, fat and micronutrients in a form the body can use efficiently, a properly sized portion can meet a puppy's real needs without the extra bulk that comes from starch-heavy fillers. Rather than simply cutting food, the more useful shift for most owners is changing what that food actually contains.
Consistency across the household matters too. If multiple family members are feeding treats or scraps throughout the day, it becomes very easy to lose track of a puppy's true daily intake. Agreeing on a single feeding plan, keeping treats to a sensible portion of total calories, and resisting the urge to reward begging with food are all small habits that add up over months of a puppy's growth.
Reviewed by the ardam team. For veterinary advice on your individual dog, contact Dr. Anna Huynh at Greystanes Veterinary Clinic (26 Carnation St, Greystanes NSW 2145, (02) 9609 1500).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is extra weight a concern in growing puppies?
Excess weight during growth can place additional stress on developing joints and bones, which may contribute to mobility issues later in life.
How do I know if my puppy is carrying extra weight?
A simple check is feeling along the ribs. You should be able to feel them easily without pressing hard. If you cannot, it is worth reviewing portion sizes and activity levels.
Can I switch an overweight puppy to raw food straight away?
A gradual transition over seven to ten days is generally recommended. Introduce new proteins slowly and monitor digestion and energy levels as you go.
Why does kibble contribute to weight gain in some dogs?
Many dry foods are calorie-dense and carbohydrate-heavy, which can make it easier for a puppy to take in more energy than it burns during a growth phase.
How much exercise does a growing puppy need?
This varies by breed and age, but consistent, age-appropriate daily activity paired with a balanced diet supports steady, healthy growth rather than rapid weight gain.
Are commercial puppy treats a hidden source of extra weight?
Yes, some commercial treats are surprisingly calorie-dense for their size. It is worth checking labels and factoring treats into your puppy's overall daily intake.
Does breed size affect how weight impacts a puppy?
Yes. Large and giant breeds are generally more sensitive to excess growth-phase weight because of the added load on developing joints and skeletal structure.
Should I talk to a vet about my puppy's weight?
Yes, a vet can assess your individual puppy's body condition and growth trajectory and help you set a sensible feeding and exercise plan.
