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.

What is a healthy adult weight for a Labrador Retriever?

A practical adult range is roughly 29–36 kg (64–80 lb) for males and 25–32 kg (55–70 lb) for females. Working-line Labs can be leaner; show-line Labs often sit at the upper end of the range.

What is the famous Kealy lifespan study about?

Kealy et al. (Purina, 2002) followed Labrador littermates and showed that lean-fed dogs lived a median of 1.8 years longer with delayed onset of osteoarthritis compared with control-fed dogs. Lifelong portion control is one of the highest-impact interventions in this breed.

How should I plan portions for a Labrador?

Weigh food in grams, plan calories from a BCS-appropriate target weight, and split daily food into two measured meals. Treats should not exceed 10% of daily calories.

Should I cut food if my Labrador is above the range?

Do not cut aggressively based on the scale alone. Score body condition, calculate calories from a target weight, weigh food, and consult your veterinarian — especially if your dog has joint, cardiac, or endocrine history.

Dog breed weight guide

Labrador Retriever Weight Guide

Labradors are athletic, food-motivated dogs flagged as obesity-prone in our breed snapshot. Read the range, score body condition honestly, and plan portions in grams — not handfuls.

By Paws & Pounds Research Team — reviewed against WSAVA/AAHA guidelines. Last updated April 27, 2026.

Quick answer

A typical adult Labrador Retriever target range is about 25–36 kg (55–79 lb), with males larger than females. Confirm with Body Condition Score and consult your veterinarian before changing your dog's diet.

Ideal weight range: line and frame matter

Working-line Labradors built for retrieving and field work often run leaner — a healthy female may sit closer to 25 kg. Show-line Labradors are typically heavier-framed and ride near the top of the range.

Use the dog Body Condition Score tool to confirm fat coverage before reacting to a number.

Why this breed needs portion discipline

A subset of Labradors carries a POMC gene variant linked to higher appetite and lower satiety. Combined with a friendly, food-driven personality, weight creep is the rule rather than the exception without measured feeding.

The Kealy 2002 lifespan study compared Labrador littermates with and without portion control and found a median 1.8-year lifespan benefit and delayed osteoarthritis in the lean-fed group. Build a measured plan with the dog calorie calculator and weigh kibble in grams.

Recalculate after key life events

Spay or neuter typically drops energy needs 20–30%. Switching food brand changes calorie density per gram. Reduced exercise during recovery from injury also calls for a fresh plan.

Treat 10% rule: keep treats under 10% of daily calories, and swap that volume from meals — do not add it on top.

Four-step assessment protocol

Read the range, then check the frame

Working-line Labradors are noticeably leaner than show-line Labradors. The breed range is wide because frame and line vary.

Score body condition

Feel ribs through a light fat cover. From above, the waist should be visible behind the ribs. Side view should show a clear abdominal tuck.

Calculate calories from a target weight

If BCS is 6/9 or higher, build the calorie plan from the target weight rather than today's weight.

Trend weekly, adjust slowly

Weigh weekly. Aim for 1–2% body weight loss per week. Treats: 10% of daily calories maximum, swapped from meal volume — not added on top.

Labrador Retriever weight FAQ

What is a healthy adult weight for a Labrador Retriever?: A practical adult range is roughly 29–36 kg (64–80 lb) for males and 25–32 kg (55–70 lb) for females. Working-line Labs can be leaner; show-line Labs often sit at the upper end of the range.
Why are Labradors so prone to weight gain?: Labradors are food-motivated and a portion of the breed carries a known POMC gene variant linked to higher appetite and lower satiety. Free-feeding and frequent treats accelerate the pattern.
What is the famous Kealy lifespan study about?: Kealy et al. (Purina, 2002) followed Labrador littermates and showed that lean-fed dogs lived a median of 1.8 years longer with delayed onset of osteoarthritis compared with control-fed dogs. Lifelong portion control is one of the highest-impact interventions in this breed.
How should I plan portions for a Labrador?: Weigh food in grams, plan calories from a BCS-appropriate target weight, and split daily food into two measured meals. Treats should not exceed 10% of daily calories.
Should I cut food if my Labrador is above the range?: Do not cut aggressively based on the scale alone. Score body condition, calculate calories from a target weight, weigh food, and consult your veterinarian — especially if your dog has joint, cardiac, or endocrine history.

Sources & further reading

WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines and Toolkit — World Small Animal Veterinary Association, 2021
2014 AAHA Weight Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats — American Animal Hospital Association, 2014
Effects of diet restriction on life span and age-related changes in dogs (Kealy et al.) — JAVMA / Purina lifespan study, 2002
Labrador Retriever Breed Standard — American Kennel Club