Guide, 5 steps

Is my puppy at a healthy weight? (body condition)

You need

Step 1: With your puppy standing and relaxed, place your palms on both sides of the chest. If they struggle or try to bite, stop and try another time; if it's hard, ask your vet to check at a visit.
Step 2: Slide your hands gently: you should feel the ribs easily, with a thin layer of fat over them, without pressing.
Step 3: Look from above: there should be a waist behind the ribs.
Step 4: Look from the side: the belly should tuck up toward the back legs, not hang down. Very young puppies normally have a rounder belly; if you're unsure, ask at your next visit.
Step 5: Compare with the scale: 4–5 out of 9 is ideal. Ribs visible from across the room means too thin; can't feel them means too much fat.

You can see ribs, spine or hip bones from a distance.
You can't feel the ribs without pressing.
The belly looks swollen or feels hard.
You're unsure whether to adjust the portion — your vet can assess it at a visit.

This is general information, not a diagnosis, and it doesn't replace your vet, who always has the final say.