Fattening Food for Dogs: The Ultimate Guide to Weight Gain for Canines

If your furry friend is underweight or struggling to gain weight, don't worry, there are plenty of fattening food options available.

Dogs need to gain weight to maintain a healthy body condition score, which is a measure of their body fat percentage.

A balanced diet with the right mix of nutrients is essential for weight gain in dogs.

High-calorie dog food can help your dog gain weight quickly.

Some high-calorie dog foods contain up to 25% more calories than regular dog food.

You can also add healthy fats like coconut oil or salmon oil to your dog's meals to boost their calorie intake.

For more insights, see: Is High Protein Dog Food Good for Dogs

A loss of energy and a dull coat can be a sign that your dog is underweight.

Your dog's body shape is a good indicator of their weight. To examine their weight and size, sit on the ground beside your dog, so their body is at your eye level. Their abdomen should be higher up than their ribcage.

You should be able to feel your dog's ribs, but they shouldn't be protruding. To check, place both your thumbs on your dog's spine and open your hands over their ribcage. Do the same test on their spine by running your hands along it gently.

A severe tuck or an extremely narrow waist can indicate that your dog is underweight. In an ideal scenario, your dog's shape will resemble a subtle hourglass.

Factors such as breed, age, size, environment, and overall health all impact a dog's energy requirements. If your dog's energy expenditure increases, they may require more calories to maintain a healthy body weight.

Some breeds, like working dogs and canine athletes, have higher energy demands than average pets. They may require high-calorie dog food to maintain a healthy body weight and condition.

If your dog starts to lose weight without increased energy needs, a veterinary visit is in order.

Broaden your view: Heart Healthy Food for Dogs

Dogs need a balanced diet to gain weight, and the right food can make all the difference. ZIWI Peak is a good option for underweight dogs as it contains natural fats that appeal to their carnivore characteristics.

For picky eaters, try switching up recipes and adding ZIWI Peak's wet dog food or vice versa. Green tripe in ZIWI Peak's recipes can help with digestion, and novel protein recipes like Venison can be beneficial for food sensitivities.

A weight-gain food should have a high energy density to provide your dog with the specific levels of nutrients they need. High-fat diets are often recommended for dogs recovering from surgery as they're energy-dense and easy to digest.

You can use a feeding calculator, like ZIWI's, to determine the right amount of food for your dog. For weight gain, you may need to add 10% more than the recommended feeding amount.

Here are some general tips for choosing the best food for weight gain:

Helping your dog gain weight can be a challenge, but with the right approach, you can get them back to a healthy weight. First, it's essential to understand that simply giving your dog more of their current food may not be the best solution, as it can put unnecessary strain on their digestive system.

Increasing the amount of food is a good starting point, but do it gradually over several days to avoid stomach upset. You can also mix in natural high-calorie foods or a liquid weight gainer with their normal food to help them get necessary calories and nutrients.

A high-quality dog food that is high in protein and fat can also help your dog gain weight. Look for a food that is specifically designed for weight gain, as it will have a higher energy density. This means you'll be able to give your dog small rations, protecting their digestive system from unnecessary strain.

For your interest: Dog Food for High Energy Dogs

Protein is an essential nutrient for dogs, and a high-fat diet is often recommended for dogs recovering from surgery as it's an energy-dense food. A good weight-gain food should also have a balanced mix of fiber to support gut health and stool quality.

Here are some tips to help your dog gain weight safely:

Remember to be patient and monitor your dog's weight gain progress. Gradual weight gain is healthier for dogs than rapid weight gain, so it may take several weeks or even months to get them to their healthy weight.