National Canine Fitness Month

Canine Fitness Tip: Healthy Weight

04/18/2021 | Valor K9 Academy® |

Did you know that April is National Canine Fitness Month? This annual event is all about raising awareness for canine health and helping every dog—whether a puppy, canine athlete, senior, or family pet—live a longer, healthier life.

What is Canine Fitness?

Canine fitness isn’t just about exercise; it’s about overall quality of life. That means:

  • Maintaining a healthy weight through proper diet

  • Providing daily physical and mental exercise

  • Preventing injuries with smart, structured activity

Valor K9 Academy is passionate about helping dogs stay fit and healthy at every life stage. Throughout the month, we’resharing practical canine fitness tips that every dog owner can use.

Is Your Dog at a Healthy Weight?

One of the first steps in canine fitness is weight management. Do you know what a healthy weight looks like for your dog? Use a canine body condition chart to evaluate your pet’s current condition.

If your dog scores a 6 or higher, it’s time to make some adjustments. Here are Valor K9 Academy’s top tips to help your dog shed extra pounds safely:

dog weight chart

✅ Don’t free-feed – Stick to set meal times so you can monitor food intake.
✅ Feed based on ideal weight – Calculate your dog’s meals according to their ideal weight, not their current weight.
✅ Balance portions by activity level – Offer lighter breakfasts and adjust dinner portions depending on daily exercise.
✅ Choose healthy treats – Skip the cheap, filler-packed snacks. Instead, use single-ingredient treats, freeze-dried raw, or dehydrated options.
✅ Prioritize hydration – Many dogs don’t drink enough water, which impacts weight and overall health.

Hydration Hacks for Dogs

  • Add water to every meal, especially if you feed kibble (since kibble is very dry and can dehydrate dogs).

  • On days with intense activity, add low-sodium bone broth to your dog’s water for extra hydration and flavor.

Final Thoughts

National Canine Fitness Month is the perfect reminder to focus on your dog’s health and well-being. By keeping your pup at a healthy weight, providing structured exercise, and ensuring proper hydration, you can dramatically improve their quality of life.

Stay tuned for our next article on injury prevention for dogs! In the meantime, check out our related post: [All About Dog Agility Training].