How do I calculate a weight loss plan for both my cat and my dog without visiting a vet or buying a smart scale?

Paws & Pounds is 100% software-based. Use your regular home scale, complete our visual 9-point BCS assessment, and our algorithm calculates the exact RER/DER daily calories and portion size in grams. No smart scale, no vet visit required for initial assessment.

Is the Paws & Pounds app free to use?

Yes! The free tier lets you manage 1 pet, track unlimited weight entries, use the visual BCS tool, and get a daily feeding plan. Paws & Pounds Pro ($4.99/month or $29.99/year) unlocks unlimited pets, household collaboration, advanced analytics, and CSV export.

Can my partner also log feeding times?

Absolutely. Paws & Pounds Pro includes Household Collaboration — invite family members by email, and everyone in the household can log feedings, record weights, and see real-time status so nobody accidentally double-feeds your pet.

What is a Body Condition Score (BCS) and why is it better than weight alone?

Body Condition Score is a veterinary-standard 9-point scale that evaluates your pet's fat coverage through visual and hands-on checks. Unlike weight alone, BCS accounts for breed, frame size, and muscle mass. A 12-pound Maine Coon may be underweight while a 12-pound Siamese could be obese — BCS captures this difference.

How does Paws & Pounds compare to PetDesk, Pet Weight Tracker, or spreadsheet tracking?

Unlike general-purpose apps or spreadsheets, Paws & Pounds combines visual BCS assessment, veterinary-grade RER/DER calorie math, and a daily feeding plan in grams — all in one app. It covers 270+ breeds across cats and dogs, supports household collaboration, and gives you actionable portion sizes instead of just weight charts.

Which breeds does Paws & Pounds support?

Paws & Pounds includes a database of over 270 dog and cat breeds with breed-specific ideal weight ranges. If your pet is a mixed breed, you can enter a custom target weight based on your vet's recommendation.

How accurate is the calorie calculation?

Paws & Pounds uses the same RER (Resting Energy Requirement) and DER (Daily Energy Requirement) formulas used by veterinary nutritionists worldwide: RER = 70 × (body weight in kg)^0.75. We then apply species-specific, age, and neutered/intact multipliers to compute the daily calorie target.

Can I use Paws & Pounds for a puppy or kitten?

Yes. The app includes life-stage multipliers for kittens and puppies, which have higher energy requirements than adults. Select the appropriate life stage during pet setup and the feeding plan adjusts automatically.

Is my pet's data secure?

All data is stored in a secure, encrypted Supabase database with row-level security. Data is bound to your household — only invited household members can access it. We never sell or share your data with third parties.

What if my pet has a medical condition affecting their weight?

Paws & Pounds provides general nutritional guidance based on established veterinary formulas. If your pet has diabetes, thyroid issues, kidney disease, or other medical conditions, always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes. The app's feeding plan is a starting point, not a replacement for professional veterinary advice.

Dog Weight Loss Plan: A Step-by-Step Guide for 2026

If your veterinarian has told you your dog needs to lose weight, you're not alone. Studies suggest that over 50% of dogs in developed countries are overweight or obese. The good news is that with a structured approach, you can help your furry friend achieve a healthier weight.

Step 1: Assess the Current Situation

Before starting any weight loss program, establish your baseline:

Current weight: Use a pet scale or weigh yourself holding your dog, then subtract your weight
Body Condition Score: Rate your dog on the 9-point scale
Target weight: Work with your vet to set a realistic goal
Timeline: Healthy weight loss is 1-2% of body weight per week

Step 2: Calculate Daily Calorie Needs

For weight loss, we typically use this approach:

Calculate RER for the target weight (not current weight)
Multiply by an appropriate factor (usually 1.0-1.2 for weight loss)

For example, if your dog's target weight is 25 kg: - RER = 70 × (25)^0.75 = 783 calories - Weight loss calories = 783 × 1.0 = 783 calories/day

Step 3: Measure Food Precisely

Eyeballing portions is one of the biggest causes of overfeeding. Invest in a kitchen scale and measure food in grams, not cups. This ensures accuracy and consistency.

Step 4: Choose the Right Food

Look for foods that are: - **High in protein**: Maintains muscle mass during weight loss - **Moderate in fat**: Provides essential fatty acids without excess calories - **High in fiber**: Promotes satiety - **Nutrient-dense**: Ensures nutritional needs are met with fewer calories

Step 5: Establish a Feeding Schedule

Feed 2-3 measured meals per day
Avoid free-feeding (leaving food out all day)
Use puzzle feeders or slow-feed bowls to extend meal times
Remove uneaten food after 15-20 minutes

Step 6: Account for Treats

Treats are often the hidden saboteur of weight loss plans:

Limit treats to 10% of daily calories
Choose low-calorie options (carrots, green beans, ice cubes)
Reduce meal portions to account for treat calories
Use a portion of daily kibble as training treats

Step 7: Increase Activity Gradually

Exercise burns calories and builds muscle, but start slowly:

Week 1-2: Add 5-10 minutes of walking
Week 3-4: Increase to 15-20 minutes
Ongoing: Build up to 30-60 minutes of daily activity

Consider swimming for overweight dogs, as it's low-impact on joints.

Step 8: Monitor Progress Weekly

Weigh your dog at the same time each week
Record the weight in a journal or app
Assess body condition monthly
Adjust calories if weight loss stalls or is too rapid

Step 9: Stay Consistent

Weight loss takes time. A dog losing 1% of body weight per week would take: - 10 weeks to lose 10% of body weight - 20 weeks to lose 20% of body weight

Patience and consistency are key.

When to Consult Your Vet

Reach out to your veterinarian if: - Weight loss exceeds 2% per week - No weight loss after 4 weeks of consistent effort - Your dog seems lethargic or unwell - You're considering a prescription weight loss diet

The Reward

A healthy weight adds years to your dog's life and life to their years. Dogs at ideal weight have better mobility, reduced joint pain, improved energy levels, and lower risk of diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.

Your commitment to your dog's health is a gift that will pay dividends for years to come.