High Fat Food for Dogs: Top Sources for a Balanced Diet

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High angle appetizing sliced cured pork fat and smoked sausages served on sideboard with cheese and olives during buffet catering
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If you're looking to add some high fat food sources to your dog's diet, you're in the right place.

Fatty fish like salmon and mackerel are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health and reduce inflammation.

Canned fish like tuna and sardines are also packed with healthy fats, making them a great addition to your dog's meals.

Poultry like duck and goose are higher in fat than other meats, providing a nutritious and filling source of energy for your dog.

Common Sources of Fats for Dogs

Dried chicken is a great source of fat for dogs, as it's high in protein and fat, making it an appealing and nutritious snack.

High-quality meat sources like salmon, beef, and lamb are also excellent options, with protein as the first ingredient listed on the label.

You can also consider adding plant oils like Olive, avocado, and flaxseed to your dog's food, but choose extra virgin cold-pressed oils to ensure they remain healthy and fresh.

Nut and Seed Butters

Peanut Butter in a Glass Jar
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Nut and seed butters can be a nutritious addition to your dog's diet. There are many options beyond peanut butter, so don't be afraid to mix things up.

Macadamia nuts are a no-go, as they're not safe for dogs. Always read the ingredient label to ensure there are no added sugars or xylitol, a common sweetener in America that's toxic to dogs.

Tahini and hemp seed butters are great alternatives, and many health food stores have nut machines that grind nuts into 100% nut butters. For small dogs, start with a tiny amount, about 1/4 of a teaspoon, and adjust from there.

A unique perspective: Food for Dogs without Teeth

Plant Oils

Plant oils can be a great source of fat for your dog, but not all plant oils are created equal. Choose extra virgin cold pressed oils like Olive, avocado, and flaxseed.

Some plant oils, like Canola, are often considered unhealthy for dogs. Coconut oil is a more controversial option, but it does contain medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) that are beneficial for health.

A Person Holding his Belly Fat
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Coconut oil is high in calories, so be careful not to give your dog too much. You can also purchase MCT oils on their own, but start with small amounts and build up gradually to avoid upsetting your dog's stomach.

Smaller bottles of plant oil are better than larger ones, as they can oxidize quickly once open and exposed to light. Store them in the fridge or a dark cupboard to keep them fresh.

Fish Oil

Fish oil is a great option for dogs, especially those with skin and coat issues. It's high in omega fatty acids, which are essential for skin and coat health.

Dogs with joint pain may benefit from fish oil, as it can help reduce inflammation.

Fish oil is also a good choice for puppies, as it plays a role in brain development.

There are no proteins in fish oil, making it a safe option for dogs with fish allergies.

Flat lay of Fish oil gold capsule on background. Food supplement. Vitamin D. Vitamin E. Omega 3.
Credit: pexels.com, Flat lay of Fish oil gold capsule on background. Food supplement. Vitamin D. Vitamin E. Omega 3.

Fish oil is considered a high-quality option, containing a high level of omega 3s.

Here are the 10 common sources of fats for dogs, with fish oil being one of them:

  • Fish oil

Note: The full list of the 10 common sources of fats for dogs is not provided in the article section facts, only the fact that fish oil is one of them.

Beef

Beef is a natural fat source that's very high quality. Most dogs can absorb and use beef fat without any issues.

Dogs that are allergic to beef can eat beef fat, as it doesn’t contain any proteins.

Check this out: Beef Food for Dogs

Commercial Diets and Weight Gain

If your vet gives your dog a clean bill of health, they can help you pick out food to fatten them up. Generally, vets suggest foods that taste good, are easy to digest, and come with plenty of calories.

You can also look for dog foods that are blended specifically to help dogs gain weight. These foods are designed to provide the right balance of protein, fat, and calories to help your dog put on weight.

Some dog foods are geared toward giving dogs the right food for their age, while others are made specifically for work dogs that burn a lot of extra calories. You and your vet can work together to find the best food to fatten up your dog.

Chicken

Doctor Using a Body Fat Caliper on a Patient
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Chicken is a common ingredient in commercial dog food, and one of its forms, chicken fat, is a low-cost, high-quality option.

Chicken fat is a good option for most canines because it comes from a prey source.

Dogs that are allergic to chicken can still eat chicken fat without any issues.

Commercial Diets for Dogs

Your vet can help you pick out food to fatten up a dog once they've given your dog a clean bill of health.

There are a number of dog foods on the market to choose from. Some are blended specifically to help when a dog won’t gain weight.

Your vet can suggest foods that taste good and are easy to digest.

A Vet-Prescribed Diet Can Help Your Dog Gain Weight

If your vet has given your dog a clean bill of health, it's time to focus on finding the right food to help them gain weight. Your vet can help you pick out food that tastes good, is easy to digest, and comes with plenty of calories.

Hands Grasping Belly Fat through Shirt
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There are many dog foods on the market specifically designed to help dogs gain weight. Some are blended to help dogs that won't gain weight, while others are geared towards giving dogs the right food for their age or for work dogs that burn a lot of extra calories.

Your vet can help you find the best food for your dog by comparing the labels of different brands. Look for foods that are high in protein and fat, as these will help your dog build muscle and gain weight.

You can also give your dog high-protein and high-fat treats, such as dried chicken, salmon, beef, kangaroo, and lamb. Make sure protein is the first ingredient listed on the label.

Some Typical Examples

My experience with high fat food for dogs has shown that it's not always easy to get an accurate picture of the carb content. The dashboard for one product overestimated the carb content by 26% compared to the actual 2%.

A Bowl of Dog Food
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For a more accurate assessment of the fat content, you can try subtracting the carb estimate (plus 3%) from the dashboard. This technique worked well for Darwin's, where subtracting 17% from 18% and adding the 1% difference to the fat content resulted in a more accurate fat content.

Brown's research suggests that the dashboard may be understating fat content in some products. This is evident in the example of Nature's Variety 95% meat product, where the dashboard overestimated carbs significantly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What food is best for weight gain in dogs?

Eggs are a nutritious and easily digestible snack that can help dogs gain weight, providing healthy fats and essential amino acids

Iris Stamm

Lead Assigning Editor

Iris Stamm is a seasoned Assigning Editor with a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail. With a background in research and writing, Iris has honed her skills in curating engaging content for a wide range of audiences. Her expertise lies in assigning and editing articles on topics related to animals, particularly dogs.

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