What's the healthy weight for my Pomeranian? Is 11 lbs too much?

Hello and thank you for reaching out to PetCoach. Congratulations on the puppy! It can be overwhelming to start caring for a new pup. Rather than depend on weight, we will determine if a dog is at a healthy body condition score (BCS) by using a chart that gives a dog a BCS anywhere from 1 to 9, with 4-5 being ideal. This website helps explain this system: https://www.thedrakecenter.com/services/pets/blog/fit-or-fat-your-pets-body-condition-score-bcs I recommend feeding Leo whatever the recommended amount is on the puppy food bag. Leo should be eating a kibble dog food that is formulated for puppies or "growth". As much exercise as he wants to get is perfect! Puppies are very high energy, so this is nothing to worry about. He will eventually settle down, so enjoy the energy for now! I hope this is helpful!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Love is adorable! She is also a very good body condition. I would NOT try to make her gain anymore weight. I would try to keep her the weight she is for the rest of her life. Obesity in pugs exacerbates their breathing problems and puts extra stress on bones and promotes arthritis. Obesity causes many health conditions and shortens the life of dogs. Being lean is a good thing. You just don't want to feel or see hip bones. I prefer Royal Canin. Have a great weekend!

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! The ideal weight depends on the skeletal size of the dog. Below is a link on body condition scoring. Rat terriers range between 10-25 lbs. The mini is 10-13 inches and the standard is 13-18 inches in height. https://www.wsava.org/WSAVA/media/PDF_old/Body-condition-score-chart-dogs.pdf Have a good day!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! He is adorable! It has been proven that dogs live a longer life when they are lean. I would get him to lose weight to 12 lbs. Cut out the chicken, beef, bread and keep the treats to bare minimum. And try to increase exercise. If he doesn’t lose weight change to a prescription weight loss diet and consider checking his thyroid. Good luck!

Rather than a particular weight, we want to go for an ideal body condition score. Now with young puppies (just like kids) they are growing and the body condition scoring doesn't matter as much, but we still don't want her to be very overweight. Here is a helpful guide to checking body condition at home : https://www.aaha.org/public_documents/professional/guidelines/weightmgmt_bodyconditionscoring.pdf and your vet can also weigh in on this.

Hello. Your picture seems to show a very healthy young dog, but without being able to feel how prominent the ribs & backbone can be palpated, it is impossible to ascertain his condition. A dog, under a year of age, should have some muscle & fat protecting the underlying skeletal structure. With just a little pressure, you should be able to feel ribs & backbone, not sharp points. That is a better way to tell than just by weight because size & bone structure can affect things. If there is a fairly good layer of flesh on your dog, he should be just fine. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! The picture quality isn't great but Duke appears a bit think. I think I can see his hip bones. Please look at this ideal body condition chart and aim for a 4-5 body condition score. https://oregonvma.org/files/Purina-Dog-Condition-Chart.pdf I hope this helps!