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My dog is 17 lbs. Is she overweight? How much food should she eat?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Female | spayed | 5 years old | 17 lbs

Chloe has gotten up to 17.5 pounds again. Should I cut back on her food or does she look ok? What would be the most she should weigh? She gets 2/3 of a cup per day currently along with her chews and treats. She is averaging about 330-345 calories per day. Here's what she gets daily. 2/3 cup kibble-280-295 cal Low fat Biscuits- 25 cal Pill pocket- 8 cal Fish oil- 10 cal Joint Pill- 2 cal Multivitamin- 2 cal Chews- (twice per week) 45-50 cal Thanks!

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3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Emily, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 5th, 2017

Right now she looks OK but I would not want her to gain anymore weight. I recommend rechecking her weight in 2 to four weeks and if she's continuing to gain weight then you will need to decrease her food.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 6th, 2017

    Provided that Chloe is at an ideal body weight, she should consume around 400-450 calories per day depending upon her activity level. This amount will vary if she is highly active, very sedentary or overweight (and the degree of obesity). Please feel free to request a consultation if you have further questions regarding Chloe's calorie requirements. I hope this helps!

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    Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 23rd, 2017

    Hi, sorry I saw someone else answered. Chloe's RER would be around 300 calories per day. For an inactive dog I would aim for 360 calories per day. If she gains then decrease to 300 and if she loses weight you can increase to 560 calories per day. Either food is fine! Try one and see if she likes it and tolerates it!

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