This article will help you understand the food for dogs to gain weight in 2024 and strategies to help your dog gain weight safely and effectively.
If your dog is underweight or needs to gain some healthy weight, selecting the right food is crucial. Whether due to illness, being a picky eater, or just having a high metabolism, some dogs struggle to maintain a healthy weight.
Why Some Dogs Need to Gain Weight
Not all dogs have the same nutritional needs. Some might require a diet tailored to help them gain weight due to various reasons, including:
- Recovering from Illness: Dogs recovering from surgery or illness may need extra calories to regain strength.
- High Metabolism: Some dogs naturally burn calories quickly and may need more food to maintain a healthy weight.
- Picky Eaters: Dogs that are picky with their food might not eat enough, leading to weight loss.
Understanding why your dog needs to gain weight is the first step in choosing the right food.
What Is the Best Food for Dogs to Gain Weight?
The best food for dogs to gain weight should be high in calories, rich in protein, and packed with healthy fats. Here are some top options:
1. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Recovery
Why It’s Good: This is a high-calorie food specifically designed for dogs recovering from illness or surgery. It’s rich in nutrients that support weight gain and recovery.
- Key Features: High-calorie content, easy to digest, and enriched with essential fatty acids for skin and coat health.
- Ideal For: Dogs recovering from illness, or surgery, or those needing to gain weight quickly.
2. Purina Pro Plan Sport
Why It’s Good: This high-performance food is designed for active dogs that need extra calories. It’s rich in protein and fats, making it ideal for weight gain.
- Key Features: High in protein (30%) and fat (20%), fortified with vitamins and minerals to support overall health.
- Ideal For: Active dogs, working dogs, or dogs that struggle to maintain weight.
3. Hill’s Science Diet High Calorie, High Protein Dog Food
Why It’s Good: Hill’s Science Diet offers a balanced formula with extra calories to help dogs gain weight safely.
- Key Features: High-calorie content, high protein, and enriched with antioxidants for immune support.
- Ideal For: Dogs needing to gain weight due to high metabolism or recovery from illness.
Homemade Food for Dogs to Gain Weight
Making homemade food can be a great way to ensure your dog gets the extra calories and nutrients they need. Here’s how to create a balanced, high-calorie homemade diet:
- Lean Meats: Use lean meats like chicken, turkey, or beef as the main protein source. Cook the meat thoroughly and avoid any bones.
- Carbohydrates: Add carbohydrates like brown rice, sweet potatoes, or pasta to boost calorie intake.
- Healthy Fats: Incorporate healthy fats such as olive oil, coconut oil, or fish oil to increase calorie content and support skin and coat health.
- Vegetables: Include vegetables like carrots, peas, and spinach for added vitamins and minerals.
When preparing homemade meals, ensure the diet is balanced and provides all the essential nutrients. Consulting with a vet to create a tailored plan is recommended.
Good Food for Dogs to Gain Weight
When selecting food for your dog, consider options that are high in calories and nutrients but also easy to digest. Some good food options for dogs to gain weight include:
- Wet Dog Food: Wet food generally has more calories than dry kibble and is easier for dogs to digest, making it a good choice for weight gain.
- Raw Diet: A raw diet can be rich in protein and fats, which can help with weight gain, but it should be carefully balanced to avoid nutrient deficiencies.
- High-Calorie Kibble: Look for kibble that is specifically formulated for weight gain, with higher fat and protein content.
Human Food for Dogs to Gain Weight
Certain human foods can be safe and beneficial for helping your dog gain weight. Here are some examples:
- Cooked Eggs: Eggs are a great source of protein and healthy fats. Make sure they are fully cooked before feeding them to your dog.
- Peanut Butter: High in calories and healthy fats, peanut butter can be a tasty treat to help your dog gain weight. Just ensure it doesn’t contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
- Pumpkin: Canned pumpkin is high in fibre and can be added to your dog’s food to increase calorie intake without adding too much fat.
- Cheese: Cheese is high in calories and can be given as a treat or mixed with their regular food.
While these human foods can be helpful, they should only make up a small portion of your dog’s diet to ensure they receive all the necessary nutrients.
High-Calorie Food for Dogs to Gain Weight
High-calorie foods are essential for helping your dog gain weight. Look for dog foods that are specifically labelled as high-calorie or high-energy. These foods often contain:
- Higher Fat Content: Fat provides more calories per gram than protein or carbohydrates, making it a key component of high-calorie diets.
- Quality Protein: Protein supports muscle growth and repair, which is crucial for weight gain.
- Nutrient-Dense Ingredients: Foods with nutrient-dense ingredients like whole grains, vegetables, and healthy oils ensure your dog gets more calories without excessive fillers.
Healthy Food for Dogs to Gain Weight
While it’s important to increase your dog’s calorie intake, it’s equally important to ensure the food is healthy. Avoid foods with:
- Artificial Preservatives: These can cause digestive issues and aren’t necessary for a healthy diet.
- Excessive Fillers: Foods with too many fillers like corn, soy, or wheat, can lead to weight gain, but not in a healthy way.
- Low-Quality Ingredients: Cheap ingredients can cause more harm than good, leading to weight gain through unhealthy fats and low-grade proteins.
Focus on healthy, high-calorie foods that provide balanced nutrition and support your dog’s overall health.
Dog Food for Specific Needs
Different dogs have different needs, so it’s important to choose food that’s suited to your dog’s specific situation. Here are some specialized options:
- For Underweight Dogs: Look for dog food specifically formulated for weight gain, with extra calories and high-quality ingredients.
- For Senior Dogs: Older dogs may need food that’s easy to digest and contains joint-supporting nutrients, along with extra calories.
- For Puppies: Puppies that need to gain weight should be fed puppy-specific high-calorie food, which supports their rapid growth and development.
Helping Your Dog Gain Weight Safely
Choosing the right food for your dog to gain weight is crucial for their health and well-being. Whether you opt for commercial dog food, homemade meals, or a combination of both, make sure the food is high in calories, rich in nutrients, and easy to digest. Always consult with your vet before making significant changes to your dog’s diet to ensure they are healthily gaining weight. With the right approach, your dog will soon be at a healthy weight and full of energy.
