Less Active Pets

Keeping a less active pet in good shape

Less Active Pets

Some pets are naturally more laid-back than others — and there is nothing wrong with a dog or cat that prefers a quiet day at home. With a little more attention to diet and daily routine, it is entirely possible to keep a less active pet at a healthy weight throughout their life.

How you feed matters as much as what you feed

For pets that are not burning much energy throughout the day, having unlimited access to food makes weight management much harder. Free feeding means it is difficult to track exactly how much your pet is eating — and easy to miss the early signs that something has changed. If you have more than one pet at home, it adds another layer of complexity, as pets often eat from each other's bowls.

Moving to set mealtimes with measured portions gives you a much clearer picture of your pet's daily intake, and makes it easier to spot any changes in appetite early on.

Siberian husky puppy sitting indoors beside an empty metal bowl
French bulldog lying on artificial grass as a hand points nearby

Choosing the right food

Less active pets need fewer calories, but they still need complete, balanced nutrition. Formulas designed for less active or indoor pets tend to have a reduced fat content, which helps manage energy intake without compromising on the nutrients your pet needs. Higher fibre content is also worth looking for — it helps your pet feel satisfied between meals, which makes portion control easier in practice. L-carnitine is another useful ingredient, supporting the body's natural fat-burning process over time.

Your local Husse advisor can help you find the right formula for your pet's age, activity level, and individual needs.

Yellow labrador carrying a stick and splashing at the water's edge

A note on treats

Treats are a natural part of caring for a pet, but they contribute to the daily calorie total just like meals do. As a general guide, treats should make up no more than 20% of your pet's daily energy intake. Quality matters here too — look for snacks with simple, natural ingredients and a lower fat content, so every treat supports rather than undermines your pet's overall diet.

Encouraging a little more movement

Even the most relaxed pet benefits from some activity each day. For less motivated dogs and cats, you may need to experiment a little to find what works. Variety helps — different toys appeal to different pets, and it is worth trying a few to see what captures their interest. When choosing toys, always consider size and weight. Something too small can be a safety risk, while something too large or heavy can be uncomfortable, particularly for smaller pets.

Small, consistent moments of play throughout the day add up — and over time, they make a real difference.

Dr Anna Plummer
Dr Anna Plummer Veterinarian & Blogger

Recommended Products

Sensitive Weight Management Adult

For sensitive dogs managing their weight

Gluten-free, mono-protein nutrition for adult dogs of all breeds who benefit from managing their weight alongside ext...
€69,00
€69,00

Adult Weight Management

Tailored nutrition for dogs prone to weight gain

Complete nutrition for dogs of all breeds who benefit from managing their weight. With reduced fat content and balanc...
€42,00
€42,00