Pet Weight Management Apps: Do They Work?

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By Dallas Hughes | App Reviews Column | The Pet Standard

A chubby cat might be cute and a pudgy pup may seem cuddly, but pet obesity is no laughing matter. According to the British Veterinary Association, nearly 1 in 2 dogs and cats in the UK are overweight or obese.

This extra weight can lead to serious health problems from joint issues to diabetes and even reduced lifespan.

Enter pet weight management apps  a new wave of digital tools designed to help pet owners monitor their animal’s weight, adjust feeding routines, and encourage healthier lifestyles.

But with so many apps available, the question remains: do they actually work?

In this post, we take a closer look at the most popular pet weight management apps available to UK users, their features, and whether they’re worth downloading.

1. PetDialog by Zoetis

Price: Free

Platform: iOS & Android

Best for: Vets and pet owners looking for detailed weight tracking

PetDialog is a vet-backed pet health tracker that includes a dedicated weight management tool. It allows you to enter your pet’s weight regularly, log feeding portions, and keep track of exercise habits. The app then charts your pet’s weight over time and compares it to breed-specific healthy weight ranges.

You can also share progress with your vet great for collaborative care, especially if your pet is on a vet-supervised diet.

Why it’s great:

• Developed by animal health professionals

• Supports multiple pets

• Share data with your vet

Considerations:

• Interface is a little outdated

• Some features depend on vet participation

2. PupTox: Weight Tracker for Dogs

Price:  £1.99 (one-time fee)

Platform:  iOS only

Best for:  Dog owners with overweight breeds

PupTox is a simple but effective weight tracking app tailored specifically for dogs. You can set target weight goals, input daily or weekly weigh-ins, and track progress on a visual graph. It also includes warnings for when your dog’s weight falls outside the healthy range for their breed.

The app is extremely easy to use, with no extra fluff perfect for owners who want something minimalist and focused.

Why it’s great:

• Straightforward interface

• Helpful target setting

• One-off payment, no subscriptions

Considerations:

• No support for cats

• No food or exercise tracking

3. 11pets: Pet Care

Price:  Free (Premium version: £5.99/month)

Platform:  iOS & Android

Best for:  All-in-one pet health, including weight and nutrition

11pets is a comprehensive app for tracking everything from vaccinations to grooming, and it includes a solid weight management feature. You can log your pet’s weight, attach notes or vet instructions, and even upload photos to visually monitor physical changes over time.

The Premium version allows cloud backups, detailed health reports, and cross-device syncing, which is handy for families sharing care responsibilities.

Why it’s great:

• Covers weight, feeding, grooming, and more

• Highly customisable health records

• Excellent support for multi-pet homes

Considerations:

• Some features behind a paywall

• Interface can feel busy for new users

4. Petable

Price: Free

Platform: iOS & Android

Best for: Diet tracking alongside veterinary care

Petable is a vet-developed app focused on preventative care, and it offers a weight log and nutrition tracking tool. The app lets you add daily feeding notes, track calories, and log your pet’s weight with trends shown over time.

It also includes a space to store lab results, medication history, and activity logs all of which contribute to your pet’s weight story.

Why it’s great:

• Vet-developed credibility

• Food, weight and health all in one

• Free to use

Considerations:

• May lack breed-specific benchmarks

• Ad-supported version can be distracting

5. FitBark (for dogs only)

Price: App is free; FitBark device starts at £79

Platform: iOS & Android

Best for: Activity-based weight management

FitBark pairs with a wearable collar sensor to track your dog’s activity levels, calories burned, and rest patterns all critical for weight management. While the app is free, you’ll need the physical FitBark tracker to unlock its full potential.

It’s ideal for active dog owners looking to sync feeding with exercise for more precise weight control.

Why it’s great:

• Syncs with wearable tech

• Detailed health and activity insights

• Great for high-energy breeds

Considerations:

• Upfront cost for the device

• No support for cats

So, Do Pet Weight Management Apps Actually Work?

The short answer? Yes but only if you use them consistently.

These apps can be incredibly helpful in giving pet parents structure and accountability. Most offer visual progress tracking, custom reminders, and in some cases, direct communication with vets.

However, they aren’t magic fixes. Like any health tool, their effectiveness depends on how regularly and honestly they’re used.

Here are a few tips to get the most from them:

• Weigh your pet weekly or fortnightly using the same scale

• Log feeding amounts and treats accurately

• Follow vet advice in conjunction with app recommendations

• Set realistic goals based on breed, age and health condition

• Monitor activity levels (especially with wearable tech like FitBark)

Final Thoughts

Pet weight management doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right app whether it’s a simple tracker like PupTox, a smart wearable like FitBark, or an all-in-one suite like 11pets  you can keep your furry friend healthy, active, and happy.

While no app can replace the advice of a qualified vet, they do work as useful tools for better routines and measurable progress. If you're serious about helping your pet shed a few pounds (or avoid gaining them), it might be time to head to the app store.