best dog food for puppies to gain weight

Whats the Best Dog Food for Weight Gain?

Overweight pets seem to get all the press these days, but what about dogs on the other side of the spectrum? Some dogs have trouble keeping their weight up at a healthy level or have recently lost weight (due to illness, for example) and need to gain it back.

When a dog is healthy, getting them to gain weight can be as simple as feeding them a little bit more of their current diet. This is usually the case for dogs that arent finicky and only need to gain a relatively small amount of weight.

At other times, however, helping a dog gain weight can become more complicated. Heres what your veterinarian will be looking for in a dog food for weight gain and some tips on how you can help your dog gain weight safely.

What Type of Dog Food Is Used for Weight Gain?

A good dog food for weight gain will have several traits that make it not only appealing for dogs, but also healthy and nutritious. Heres a breakdown of what helps a food qualify as good for weight gain.

Palatability

Dogs will be willing to eat more of a food that tastes good. Wet foods tend to be more palatable than dry, as are diets that are higher in fat and protein.

Homemade diets are generally the most palatable option, but if youre going to cook for your dog, make sure youre working with a veterinary nutritionist who can ensure that the diet is nutritionally complete and balanced.

Digestibility

The digestibility of a food is a measure of how much can actually be utilized by the dog in comparison to the amount that is eliminated because its not absorbed.

If a food is highly digestible, a dog does not have to eat as much to reap the nutritional benefits.

Unfortunately, there is no way to directly assess a foods digestibility by reading its label. However, fiber, by definition, is indigestible, so all other things being equal, youll want to avoid high-fiber foods.

A quick way to get a feel for a foods digestibility is to look at the feces a dog produces when eating that diet. Dogs eating highly digestible foods produce firm, low-volume, well-formed stools, while those eating diets with low digestibility will produce more and looser feces.

Calorically Dense

Dog foods that are calorically dense pack a whole lot of energy (calories) into a small amount of food.

This means that your dog doesnt have to eat much to take in a lot of calories. Thankfully, information about a foods caloric density is provided on the label, usually in the form of kcal/cup, kcal/can or kcal/kg (note: a kcal is the same as a calorie when youre talking nutrition).

Fat provides more calories per gram than either protein or carbohydrates, so high-fat foods are usually more calorically dense than low-fat foods.

Higher levels of protein are often desirable to support the dogs lean body mass.

Tips for Helping a Dog Gain Weight

Talk to your veterinarian if you have any concerns regarding your dogs health or to simply confirm that your dog needs to gain weight.

They can provide you with recommendations specific to your dogs unique situation and help create a weight gain program to ensure your dog stays healthy and safe.

Here are three tips for success:

1. Transition to your dogs new food gradually. Because many dog foods for weight gain are high in fat, a rapid switch could lead pancreatitisa potentially fatal condition that is sometimes associated with fatty meals.

2. While wet foods tend to be more palatable than dry, dry foods are almost always more calorically dense than wet. Therefore, youll need to determine the pros and cons of each option, or you can try mixing a small amount of highly palatable wet food in with calorically dense dry food to get the best of both worlds.

3. Feed multiple small meals throughout the day rather than one or two larger portions. Dogs will typically eat more under these conditions. You can also leave dry food out all day, although this may make it harder to monitor your dogs appetite.

By: Jennifer Coates, DVM

Featured Image: iStock.com/Amy Newton-McConnel

WRITTEN BY

Jennifer Coates, DVM

Veterinarian

Dr. Jennifer Coates is an accomplished veterinarian, writer, editor, and consultant with years of experience in the fields of veterinary...

Best Dog Food for Weight Gain: How to Bulk Up Your Pooch!

Dogs are a lot like people when it comes to body weight they are more likely to become overweight than underweight. Nevertheless, certain circumstances can leave a pup in need of some surplus calories.

Fortunately, there are a variety of dog foods for weight gain and supplemental products available that can help you accomplish this goal of reaching a healthy weight!

Well share a few of our favorite weight gain dog food recipes below, explain some of the most important things to look for when making your choice, and explain how to put weight on a dog safely.

Just be sure that you work in conjunction with your veterinarian, to ensure you have remedied the underlying problem which caused your dog to become underweight, and that your pooch gains weight in a steady, healthy manner.

Read our full post on how to pick out a weight gain dog food to fill out Fido, or check out our quick picks below:

• #1 Bully Max High Performance Super Premium Dog Food [Best Overall Dog Food for Weight Gain]: With a whopping 535 Calories per cup, this food will help you pack some pounds on your pooch quickly and easily.
• #2 Purina Pro Plan Sport Dog Food [Most Affordable Dog Food for Weight Gain]: Despite being very affordably priced, this food will provide your pup with a ton of protein and calories.
• #3 MVP K9 Formula Mass [Best Dog Supplement for Weight Gain]: A great option for owners who want to bulk up their pooch without switching foods.

How Can You Tell if Your Dog Is Underweight?

Some of the most obvious signs and symptoms associated with underweight dogs include:

• Obviously visible ribs, hips or shoulders
• Reduced energy level
• Poor coat condition or reduced shine
• Depression
• Poor eating habits

None of these signs necessarily indicate that your dog is underweight, but they should alert you to the possibility of a health issue. Theres little to be lost by being proactive, so dont delay in addressing the problem.

The Best Dog Foods For Weight Gain: Five Foods Thatll Fatten Your Dog

Consider choosing one of the following dog foods when it comes to bulking up your buddy. Each of these recipes is a great food for weight gain, which will help your pup pack on a few additional pounds.

1. Bully Max High Performance Super Premium Dog Food

Bully Max High Performance Super Premium Dog Food is a no-nonsense, high-protein dog food, designed to pack on the pounds and help your pooch fill out.

Best Overall Dog Food for Weight Gain

Bully Max High Performance Super Premium Dog Food

A protein-packed, grain-inclusive food formulated with probiotics.

Features:

• 535 Calories per cup
• 33% protein content
• 22% fat content
• Contains no corn, wheat, or soy

Ingredients List

Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Dried Plain Beet Pulp...,

Ground Sorghum, Pearled Barley, Brewers Dried Yeast, Whole Ground Flaxseed, Menhaden Fish Meal, Egg Product, Menhaden Fish Oil, Potassium Chloride, Salt, L-Lysine, DL-Methionine, Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product Dehydrated, Propionic Acid, Vitamin E Supplement, Ascorbic Acid, Organic Dried Kelp, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin A Acetate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Citric Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Iron Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Manganous Oxide, Copper Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate, Natural Flavor

Pros

• Bullymax is the most protein-rich option among the foods we recommend for weight gain
• Includes probiotics to help promote proper digestion
• Unlike some other super-high protein dog foods, this is a grain-inclusive recipe

Cons

• Wed prefer if the food contained a whole protein at the top of the ingredient list
• This recipe contains no produce aside from kelp
• This food is fairly expensive

2. Elite K9 Maximum Bully All Stages Dog Food

Elite K9 Maximum Bully All Stages Dog Food is a chicken-and-pork dog food designed to deliver more protein and fat per bite than most other foods.

Best Dog Food for Weight Gain (Runner Up)

No products found.

Elite K9 Maximum Bully All Stages Dog Food

A high-calorie dog food thats packed with calories, protein, and fat.

Features:

• 481 Calories per cup
• Multi-protein recipe that most dogs find palatable
• 32% protein content
• 22% fat content

Ingredients List

Chicken meal, pork meal, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), white rice, whole barley...,

oatmeal, rice bran, dried plain beet pulp, millet, pea protein, spray dried egg product, yeast extract, fish meal, salt, flaxseed meal, potassium chloride, choline chloride, vitamin A supplement, vitamin D supplement, vitamin E supplement, vitamin K (menadione sodium bisulfite complex), calcium pantothenate, niacin, riboflavin, folic acid, vitamin B12 supplement, thiamine mononitrate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, (vitamin B6), zinc oxide, iron sulfate, manganous oxide, copper sulfate, sodium selenite (selenium), zinc amino acid complex, calcium carbonate, iron amino acid complex, ferrous sulfate, sodium selenite, copper amino acid complex, manganese amino acid complex, calcium iodate, pumpkin, cranberries, Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast culture, dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried Aspergillus niger fermentation extract, dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract, dried Bacillus subtillis fermentation extract.

Pros

• This recipe contains a ton of protein, fat and calories to help bulk up your pooch
• We like the inclusion of antioxidant-rich produce and probiotics
• Despite being a low-carb recipe, this food is grain-inclusive

Cons

• Though packed with protein, this food doesnt contain any whole animal meats
• Foods with multiple protein sources are a bad choice for dogs with food allergies

Dont Confuse Maximum Bully with Bully Max

Do not confuse Maximum Bully with Bully Max. Despite their similar names, they are entirely different products.

3. Natures Logic Dry Dog Food

Natures Logic Chicken-Flavored Dry Dog Food is a nutritious, premium-ingredient dog food, coated in a nutrient-rich mix of digestive enzymes for bulking up your pup.

Highest Protein Content in a Dog Food for Weight-Gain

Natures Logic Dry Dog Food

A protein-packed, innovative dog food featuring non-traditional ingredients.

Features:

• 417 Calories per cup
• 36% protein
• 15% fat content
• Contains probiotics to aid digestion

Ingredients List

Chicken Meal, Millet, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Pumpkin Seed, Yeast Culture...,

Spray Dried Chicken Liver, Dried Egg Product, Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate, Montmorillonite Clay, Dried Kelp, Spray Dried Lamb Plasma, Dried Tomato, Almonds, Dried Chicory Root, Dried Carrot, Dried Apple, Menhaden Fish Meal, Dried Pumpkin, Dried Apricot, Dried Blueberry, Dried Spinach, Dried Broccoli, Dried Cranberry, Parsley, Dried Artichoke, Rosemary, Dried Mushroom, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product, Dried Bifidobacterium bifidium Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus coagulans Fermentation Product, Dried Pineapple Extract, Dried Aspergillus niger Fermentation Extract, Dried Aspergillus oryzae Fermentation Extract, Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum Fermentation Extract

Pros

• This recipe has more protein per cup than any other option discussed here
• Features a number of antioxidant-rich fruits and veggies
• Formulated with probiotics to support proper digestion

Cons

• Though packed with protein, this recipes caloric value isnt especially high
• Chicken meal is a valuable ingredient, but no whole proteins are included
• The foods unusual ingredients may cause tummy troubles for some pets

4. Purina Pro Plan Sport Dog Food

Although it isnt specifically formulated as a weight-gain formula, Purina Pro Plan Sport Formula is a high-calorie dog food for weight gain that is packed with flavor and available at a competitive price point.

If you cant find this formula near you, Purina Pro Plan Large Breed may be an alternative option, as large breed dog foods and large breed puppy food also tend to be higher calorie.

Best Budget-Friendly Dog Food for Weight Gain

Purina Pro Plan Sport Dog Food

An affordable dog food with more calories and protein than many other options.

Features:

• 475 Calories per cup
• 30% protein
• 20% fat
• Contains natural sources of glucosamine

Ingredients List

Chicken, Corn Gluten Meal, Brewer's Rice, Animal Fat Preserved with Mixed-Tocopherols (Form of Vitamin E)...,

Poultry By-Product Meal (Natural Source of Glucosamine), Whole Grain Corn, Corn Germ Meal, Fish Meal (Natural Source of Glucosamine), Animal Digest, Fish Oil, Dried Egg Product, Salt, Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Phosphate, Vitamin E Supplement, Choline Chloride, L-Lysine Monohydrochloride, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source of Vitamin C), Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Niacin, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Sulfate, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Garlic Oil, Folic Acid, Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Calcium Iodate, Biotin, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Source of Vitamin K Activity), Sodium Selenite. W-4461.

Pros

• Very reasonably priced, given its quality
• Glucosamine-rich ingredients may help prevent joint issues.
• Most dogs seemed to really like the taste of this food (which makes it easier to get your dog to consume more calories)

Cons

• Includes a variety of low-quality ingredients, such as corn gluten meal and brewers rice
• Though unlikely to sicken your pet, garlic oil is an ingredient many owners like to avoid
• Contains no probiotics or antioxidant-rich produce

5. Crave Grain-Free Dog Food

Crave Grain-Free Dog Food is a protein-packed dry dog food for weight gain that may help your pup pack on a few extra pounds. Made with several different animal-based protein sources, this food definitely deserves consideration from owners looking for a high-calorie dog food.

Best Multi-Protein Dog Food for Weight Gain

Crave Grain-Free Dog Food

A US-made, high-calorie, grain-free dog food with a ton of protein.

Features:

• 443 Calories per cup
• 34% protein
• 17% fat
• Manufactured in the USA

Ingredients List

Salmon, Chicken Meal, Chickpeas, Split Peas, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols)...,

Pork Meal, Dried Potatoes, Lamb Meal, Fish Meal, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Natural Flavor, Pea Protein, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Choline Chloride, Potassium Chloride, DL-Methionine, Salt, Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid (preservatives), Zinc Sulfate, Niacin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin E Supplement, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Selenium Yeast, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Rosemary Extract.

Pros

• This recipe has the second-highest protein content of any food discussed here
• Most dogs love the taste of this meaty, multi-protein recipe
• Several of the foods vegetable-based ingredients (such as chickpeas) are also high in protein content

Cons

• Multi-protein recipes are not ideal for dogs with food allergies
• Wed prefer if this recipe contained more antioxidant-rich produce
• Contains no probiotics

Quick Reference Table

Theres a lot to wrap your head around when trying to pick out a food thatll help your pet pack on the pounds. But dont worry weve put together the following table to help you quickly compare the calories, protein and fat contained in each of the five foods we recommend.

This should help you pick the best dog food to help your pet gain weight and muscle.

Food	Calories per Cup	Protein Content	Fat Content
Bully Max	535	33	22
Elite K9	481	32	22
Natures Logic	417	36	15
Purina Pro Plan SPORT	475	30	20
Crave Grain Free	443	34	17

Dog Weight-Gain Supplements

It isnt always necessary to switch foods to help your pup gain a bit of weight you can also use supplements to help boost your dogs body weight and muscle mass.

Most such supplements are easy to prepare and serve, and dogs typically dont mind the taste they impart.

Well discuss a few of the most effective weight-gain supplements below so you can determine which one is ideal for your pet.

1. MVP K9 Formula Mass

MVP K9 Formula Mass is a weight-gain supplement formulated with healthy fats and whey protein to help your dog add weight in a safe and gradual manner.

Best Overall Dog Supplement for Weight Gain

MVP K9 Formula Mass

A protein-and-fat-rich weight-gain supplement that features one of the simplest ingredient lists around.

Features:

• Each scoop contains 50% fats and 28% protein
• Contains no fillers, salts, or sugars
• Made in the USA
• Backed by the manufacturers 100% satisfaction guarantee

Pros

• Many owners reported excellent results and rapid weight gain
• Several owners mentioned that their dog appeared to put on extra muscle after using the supplement
• It proved useful in a variety of situations (malnourished dogs, canine athletes, etc.)

Cons

• Though broadly effective, it didnt work in all cases
• A small number of dogs experienced digestive difficulties after using this supplement

Ingredients List

Vegetable Fat, Whey Protein, Flax Seed, Creapure (brand name for creatine monohydrate)...,

2. Bully Max / Gorilla Max Canine Supplement Combo

When you purchase this combo package, you actually get two different weight-gain supplements for one reasonable price. Bully Max is designed to help sick, malnourished or underweight dogs put on more body weight, while Gorilla Max is specifically designed for canine athletes.

Best Dog Food and Supplement Combo for Weight Gain

Bully Max / Gorilla Max Canine Supplement Combo

A weight-gain food and supplement combo that provides a one-two punch for bulking up your pup.

Features:

• Comes with 60-day supply of Bully Max and a 30-day supply of Gorilla Max
• Gorilla Max contains probiotics to help maintain proper intestinal function
• These supplements are fortified with vitamins and minerals
• Made in the USA

Pros

• This supplement-and-food combo kit produced very good results for many owners
• Appears to work well for active dogs who need some extra calories
• Several older or malnourished dogs were able to put on some pounds with this combo kit

Cons

• Several owners reported minor digestive upset after using these products
• Some dogs didnt seem to love the taste of these supplements

Bully Max Ingredients

Ingredients List

Dicalcium Phosphate, Maltodextrins, Dried Whey, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Lecithin...,

Natural Flavoring, Non-Fat Dry Milk, Montmorillonite Clay, Brewers Dried Yeast, Stearic Acid, Hydrogenated Cottonseed Oil, Magnesium Stearate, Vegetable Oil, Niacin Supplement, Beta Carotene, Ferrous Sulfate, Vitamin A Palmitate, Zinc Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Riboflavin, Silica Aerogel, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Manganese Sulfate, Copper, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Carbonate, Potassium Iodide, Cobalt Carbonate and Vitamin B12 Supplement.

Gorilla Max Ingredients

Ingredients List

Whey Protein Isolate, Pea Protein, Corn Syrup Solids, Vegetable Oil, Omega Fish Oil Concentrate...,

Proprietary Nutrient Mix (Beta Carotene, Vitamin A Palmitate, Cholecalciferol, dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate, Biotin, Folic Acid, Niacinamide, Calcium D-Pantothenate, Thiamin HCI, Cyanocobalamin, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine HCl, Ascorbic Acid, Phytonadione, Copper Gluconate, Potassium Iodide, Ferrous Fumarate, Manganese Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Zinc Sulfate, Choline Bitartrate, Calcium Carbonate, Taurine), Digestive Enzyme Complex (Alpha Amylase, Cellulase, Lipase, Lactase, Neutral Protease), Natural Flavor, Colostrum, Probiotics (Bacillus coagulans).

3. Dyne High Calorie Animal Supplement

Dyne High-Calorie Animal Supplement is a liquid product designed to help dogs gain weight and enjoy higher energy levels. According to the manufacturer, it is even effective for pregnant, lactating, dehydrated or geriatric dogs.

Most Affordable Weight Gain Supplement for Dogs

Dyne High Calorie Animal Supplement

An affordable weight-gain supplement produced in a vanilla-flavored liquid form that is easy to administer.

Pros

• Owners report it helping in a broad range of scenarios
• This is the most affordable weight-gain supplement we found
• This is one of the most affordable weight-gain supplements on the market

Cons

• Wed prefer if this supplement was made without artificial flavors
• A few owners complained about issues with the packaging

Features:

• Provides 150 additional Calories per ounce
• Most dogs find the vanilla flavor tasty
• Made in the United States of America
• Fortified with vitamins

Ingredients List

Soybean oil, sugar, water, glycerin, dried skimmed milk...,

polysorbate 80, dried egg whites, propylene glycol, artificial vanilla flavor, pectin citrus, gum arabic, ascorbic acid (preservative) sodium benzoate (preservative), vitamin E supplement, vitamin A supplement, niacin supplement, calcium pantothenate, riboflavin supplement, FD&C Yellow #5, pyridoxine hydrochloride, thiamine hydrochloride, folic acid, vitamin D3 supplement, vitamin B12 supplement.

4. Muscle Bully Muscle Builder

Muscle Bully Muscle Builder is designed to help promote muscle growth and muscle definition in dogs who are a little undersized. This supplement comes in a chewable tablet form, which allows for quick and easy supplementation on a daily basis.

But one of the things we like most about this product is that the manufacturer not only backs the product with a satisfaction guarantee, theyll also provide guidance for owners whore not seeing the results they want.

Dog Weight-Gain Supplement with Best Customer Support

Muscle Bully Muscle Builder

A high-quality weight-gain supplement, produced by a manufacturer who will provide owners with guidance for their dog.

Features:

• Veterinarian-approved formula
• Natural chicken liver flavor
• Made in the USA
• Backed by the manufacturers 100% money-back guarantee

Pros

• This supplement received some of the best reviews we could find in the entire product category
• Reportedly produced results very quickly (some owners saw weight gain in as little as two weeks)
• Tablets have a taste most dogs liked

Cons

• Some owners may not like all of the 50-cent words in the ingredient list
• It didnt help all dogs gain weight, but this is going to be the case for all supplements

Ingredients List

N,N-Dimethylglycine HCl, Methionine, L-Lysine, L-Carnitine, Creatine Monohydrate...,

Chromium, Brewers Yeast, Cellulose, Chicken Liver Flavor, Colostrum, Dicalcium Phosphate, Dried Whey, Silicon Dioxide, Stearic Acid, Whey Protein Isolate.

Reasons Your Dog May Need to Gain Weight

Remember, low body weight is a symptom, not a disease; if your dog is underweight, there may be an underlying illness or issue at work, and you must work with your veterinarian to determine the root of the problem. Only after fixing this, will you be able to help your pooch add a little padding.

Reasons your dog may be exhibiting lower-than-normal body weight include:

• Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease
• Diabetes
• Intestinal parasites
• Surgery
• Illness
• Thyroid Problems
• Anxiety
• Liver Disease
• Dental Problems

While there are several legitimate reasons for trying to increase your dogs body weight, trying to get your young puppy to grow more quickly is not a good idea.

Puppies should grow at a gradual, natural rate for proper skeletal development. There are many dog foods specifically designed for puppies that will help your pup gain weight in a healthy manner while supporting bone and brain growth. Always work with your vet to establish a good daily intake for your puppy (or adult dog) and strive to keep him at his ideal weight.

Packing on the Pounds: How to Put Weight on a Dog Safely

While you may need to help your dog bulk up a bit, this doesnt mean you should just start cramming food in his mouth at all hours of the day and night!

Just as is the case when trying to reduce a dogs weight, you should try to help your dog reach a healthy weight gradually. He didnt become underweight overnight, and you arent going to be able to get him back to his target weight overnight either.

This is especially true of dogs whove become extremely thin, as well as those whove been underweight for an extended period of time. In such cases, it is imperative that you learn how to put weight on a malnourished dog safely.

At a basic level, helping your dog to add a few pounds entails nothing more than tweaking his caloric intake and output. If your dog consumes more calories without burning any additional calories, hell gain weight (assuming he doesnt have an underlying medical condition).

Some of the best, healthiest ways to help your pup put on some more pounds include:

• Increase the frequency with which you feed Fido. You may be able to get your dog to consume more food on a daily basis by dividing meal times up rather than feeding him once per day.
• Select a food with more calories and protein. A little bit more fat is alright, but you dont want to just start feeding him the dog-food equivalent of cheese fries (all this talk of fat is making me hungry).
• You can switch to an ad libitum feeding strategy (free feeding). Although leaving food out for your dog at all times is often discouraged, it can be a great strategy for helping underweight dogs add some weight. In fact, ad libitum feeding may encourage your dog to eat a little when he is bored (lets face it, humans are often guilty of this).
• Provide him with high-calorie treats or supplements. While the bulk of your dogs additional calories should come in the form of a nutritious, balanced food, its OK to supplement his diet with some fat- and protein-packed treats.
• Switch to a puppy food growth formula. Puppy foods have more protein and calories per serving than many dog foods, making them a good choice for underweight dogs. You can also look for foods designed for all life stages, as these are essentially puppy food.
• Use caution with homemade weight gain dog food recipes. A lot of well-meaning owners devise their own dog foods to help their pooch bulk up. But unfortunately, many of these recipes are improperly balanced, and may therefore cause additional problems.
• Include Drool-Worthy Extras. You can also help your pet gain weight by adding foods thatll fatten your dog with his kibble. This includes things like peanut butter, shredded chicken, yogurt, or a cooked egg.
• Moisten the Food. Some dogs may not be eating much if the food is too hard or if they have sensitive teeth. Adding some moisture and softening up the food may help

In addition to the strategies discussed above, it is also wise to keep a journal while trying to help your dog gain weight. Record any food changes you make, as well as any supplements you begin administering. Its also important to track your dogs weight on a weekly basis.

A journal will not only help you to determine which strategies are producing the best results, it will help when discussing the issue with your vet too.

Further Reading

If youre struggling to get your dog to eat, also make sure read our article on foods thatll fatten your dog we cover more strategies and general mindset than recommended foods, but its a good read if you are having a tough time feeding Fido.

Is It Wise to Make a Homemade High-Calorie Dog Food for Weight Gain?

Although some owners have begun making their own dog food recipes for their pets, its rarely a good idea to do so.

Balancing a custom-made dog food is extraordinarily difficult, and it is simply something the average dog owner doesnt understand how to do properly.

The resulting food can cause a number of serious long-term problems, ranging from joint and bone malformations to nutritional deficiencies.

Consequently, we always encourage owners to avoid homemade foods and stick to the well established, best dog food brands that are already on the market instead.

However, if you are set on making a homemade food for your dog, be sure to work closely with your vet and a veterinary nutritionist.

***

Give these five products a try if you are looking to help your pooch pack on a few extra pounds. Just remember to increase your pups caloric intake gradually, avoid abruptly changing to a new food and keep your vet in the loop while doing so.

Have you ever been faced with an underweight dog? What types of things worked for you? Did you stumble upon a particularly effective food?

Wed love to hear about it! Tell us in the comments, or on Twitter or Facebook.