How Diet and Portion Control Impact Your Pet’s Weight

Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most important — and most challenging — aspects of caring for our pets. Extra weight doesn’t just change how your pet looks; it can affect their comfort, mobility and long-term health. The good news? With the right diet and proper portion control, weight management is achievable and sustainable.

Why Weight Matters

Overweight and obese pets are at increased risk of developing conditions such as:

• Arthritis and reduced mobility

• Diabetes

• Heart and respiratory disease

• Urinary tract issues

• Reduced lifespan

Even a small amount of excess weight can place extra strain on joints and organs, especially as pets age. That’s why proactive weight management is far easier — and kinder — than trying to address health problems later.

Diet: More Than Just Calories

Not all calories are created equal. Simply feeding less of a regular maintenance diet can leave pets feeling hungry and nutritionally unsatisfied. Effective weight loss diets are carefully formulated to support metabolism, maintain lean muscle and promote a feeling of fullness.

Hill’s™ Prescription Diet Metabolic

Hill’s™ Metabolic is a clinically proven weight management diet designed to work with your pet’s natural metabolism.

Key benefits include:

• Clinically proven weight loss — many pets lose weight within the first two months

• No extreme calorie restriction — pets can lose weight without feeling constantly hungry

• Supports fat loss while maintaining lean muscle

• Suitable for long-term feeding to help keep weight off

Because Metabolic works with your pet’s individual metabolic rate, it’s a practical option for pets that have struggled with repeated weight gain or slow weight loss in the past.

Portion Control: The Other Half of the Equation

Even the best diet won’t be effective if portion sizes are incorrect. Overfeeding often happens unintentionally — a slightly overfilled scoop each day can add up quickly.

Tips for better portion control:

• Always use a measuring cup or kitchen scales

• Follow your veterinarian’s recommended daily amount, not just the package guide

• Divide daily food into two or more meals to reduce hunger

• Limit treats, or use a portion of your pet’s daily food allowance as treats

• Ensure everyone in the household is feeding the same measured amount

Regular weigh-ins help track progress and allow portion sizes to be adjusted as needed.

Metabolic for Pets with Additional Health Needs

Weight issues often don’t occur in isolation. That’s why Hill’s offers Metabolic formulas tailored to pets with other common health concerns:

Metabolic + Mobility

Ideal for overweight pets with joint disease or arthritis, this diet:

• Supports safe weight loss

• Helps improve mobility and comfort

• Contains nutrients that support joint health

Reducing weight alone can significantly ease pressure on joints — when combined with mobility support, the benefits are even greater.

Metabolic + Urinary

Designed for pets prone to urinary issues, this diet:

• Supports weight loss and maintenance

• Helps maintain urinary tract health

• Reduces the risk of certain urinary crystal formation

This makes it a valuable option for pets who need careful dietary management for multiple conditions.

Long-Term Success Starts with a Plan

Successful weight management isn’t about quick fixes — it’s about consistency. A veterinary-guided plan that includes the right diet, accurate portions, regular weigh-ins and realistic goals gives your pet the best chance at lifelong success.

If you’re concerned about your pet’s weight, speak with our veterinary team. We can assess your pet’s body condition, recommend an appropriate diet such as Hill’s™ Metabolic or one of its specialised combinations, and help tailor portion sizes to your pet’s individual needs.

A healthy weight means more energy, better mobility and more happy years together — and that’s something worth investing in.