What Is the Best Dog Food for Weight Gain? (2023)

What is the best dog food for weight gain?

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes. Please consult your vet for more information.

Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews.

Every pet parent is concerned about their skinny dog. We are extremely proud of our muscular, healthy dogs and enjoy showing them off. But what happens when our dogs are underweight? It is unnecessary to brag, but skinny dogs are predisposed to various health problems.

Low weight is linked to low immunity because the body lacks essential vitamins and minerals that boost immunity. Because your dog’s immunity is compromised, it will be susceptible to infections regularly. Low body weight is also linked to slow wound healing. Weight loss is harmful to your dog’s skin and coat. The coat becomes dull, and the skin appears dry and unhealthy.

Low Body Weight

Low body weight also causes hormonal imbalances in your dog. This affects your dog’s fertility rates and can even result in permanent fertility issues.  Underweight dogs are more prone to malnutrition, reducing their long-run lifespan.

Additionally, low body weight reduces bone density in your dog. Furthermore, low body weight causes muscle loss, and the water balance in the body is disrupted. Weight loss causes your dog to be less active due to low energy levels. Your dog may be incapable of defending himself.

So, how can you bulk up your dog while avoiding these issues? Aside from improving your dog’s physical appearance, gaining a few pounds protects your dog from the problems listed above. Diet is an important factor in bulking up your skinny dog. Consuming the proper foods ensures that your dog gains weight in a healthy and sustainable manner.

The pet food industry has a lot to offer regarding weight gain. Some claims, however, are marketing ploys designed to increase sales. So, how do you tell the difference between the real and the fake? Choosing the right meal is critical because the wrong one could lead to a new journey full of stomach issues, allergies, and other health issues.

With our comprehensive review of the best dog food for weight gain, we make it simple for you. The foods contain the necessary nutrients to encourage your dog to gain weight. Before compiling our final list, we conducted extensive research and reviewed customer feedback. So you can buy one of our recipes confidently and witness the transformation.

In addition, we discuss the features of the best weight gain formulas. This ensures you have them readily available when purchasing the food. Let’s get started.

Common Reasons Why Your Dog is Underweight

There are many potential causes of weight loss, and they include the following: 

Picky eaters

If your pup is a picky eater, it will choose food based on taste and flavor. This only leads to consuming certain foods, which contributes to low weight since the food could lack essential nutrients that boost your dog’s overall wellness. Picky eaters do not adjust easily to changes in their meals and thus may eat less than normal. 

Stress

Dogs can also become stressed; like humans, stress affects their health. Common causes of stress in dogs include a new environment, a new baby in the family, a new dog, and the owner’s absence. When the pet parent is not around, the dog might not eat well as it does not know the people around it. This causes weight loss. Products like Thundershirt Anxiety Vest may help with separation anxiety. 

Diseases

Sick dogs are prone to weight loss. Kidney disease and inflammatory bowel disease cause drastic weight loss. Diabetes mellitus and cancer are also common culprits. 

Dental problems

This forces your dog to refuse its food as it fears pain. Failure to eat causes weight loss. 

Increased activity levels 

Dogs that exercise a lot without consuming sufficient calories tend to lose weight fast. 

How Can You Tell Whether Your Dog is Skinny?

A digital scale is the best way to determine whether your dog is losing or gaining weight. Evaluating a pup’s body condition score helps you understand whether you have a skinny dog. Generally, your fido is skinny if:

• Its ribs and other bony parts are visible. 
• It has a pronounced waist when you observe it from the top. Your pup should have a defined waistline. 
• Exaggerated abdominal tuck when observing from the sides. 

Keeping track of your dog’s weight and noting down any fluctuations ensures your dog does not become severely underweight. Rapid weight loss calls for a visit to the vet. This is because it can be caused by a health problem that requires urgent medical care. 

What Are the Tips for Helping Your Dog to Gain Weight?

If you have a skinny dog, you know the issues that can arise. Your main goal is to see it gain some weight and live a healthy lifestyle. Here are some helpful hints for fattening your pooch:

Go for a high-calorie meal

A high-calorie, nutrient-dense meal is crucial for skinny dogs. Look for meals crafted for athletic dogs. They contain more calories per body weight than regular meals. Fat calories are more satiating compared to those from carbs and proteins. 

Serve high-fat and protein food.

Fats are an excellent source of energy for your pup. A fatty meal keeps your dog strong throughout the day. Consuming fatty and protein-rich meals ensures your pup gains weight steadily. This is important, especially in puppies, since they are still growing. 

Choose high-quality protein sources like canned mackerel, herring, salmon, and sardine. They are packed with proteins and will give your dog the ideal weight. Salmon oil and chicken fat are the best fat sources. Select highly digestible proteins for maximum nutrient absorption. Fats also flavor your dog’s food, making it appealing to its taste buds. This is crucial for picky eaters. 

Introduce new food gradually. This lowers the risks of allergies and sensitivities. Start with small amounts of the new food and gradually increase them until they become your pup’s main meals.

Change your feeding schedule.

Taking food right before bed increases the chances of your dog bulking up. This is because your dog is less active during sleep and will store the fats instead of burning them. You can also serve your pup small frequent meals.

Spreading its feeding schedules ensures it gets nutrients from every mealtime. This further lowers the risk of digestive issues that come with consuming a large meal at a go. Leaving your dog’s food outside may also encourage frequent feeding. However, this method applies to single-pet households. 

Increase your dog’s fiber intake

Sweet potatoes and pumpkin are superb sources of fiber. Adding them to your dog’s meal also neutralizes the high protein content in their food. Dogs with gastrointestinal issues r diabetic dogs will benefit immensely from a high-fiber meal. Monitor your dog to ensure it is not reacting negatively to the introduction of pumpkin or sweet potatoes.

Limited ingredient or hypoallergenic formulas

Dogs with food allergies and sensitivities need meals crafted with fewer ingredients. This lowers the chances of allergies and helps you spot and easily avoid an allergen. Hypoallergenic formulas are key for pups with certain intolerances. These include protein intolerance. The formulas are made with proteins broken down into tiny pieces that the immune system won’t recognize.

Wet or fresh food

Wet food has a rich flavor compared to dry meals. This may force your picky pup to take a bite. Be careful with fresh food, especially raw meat, as it may harbor bacteria. 

More exercise

Though exercise is meant for weight loss, it also comes in handy for skinny pups. A healthy exercise routine combined with healthy foods leads to a muscular dog. Exercising also burns down calories leaving your fido hungry. However, such exercises should not be as intense as those for weight loss. It is best to consult the vet before starting an exercise routine for weight gain. 

Increase its treats intake

Treats are excellent ways to entice your dog to eat. This is a good start as you figure out how to incorporate full meals into your pup’s diet. Natural peanut butter and carrots are a great way to start. 

Incorporate healthy supplements

Supplements are also important for weight gain. Probiotics support the digestive system, while chondroitin and glucosamine boost joint and hip wellness. These supplements are crucial, especially in dogs with gastrointestinal issues or arthritis. These conditions are the major contributors to weight loss in canines. 

Vitamin D supplements are great for indoor dogs. You can also go for natural supplements like honey. 

The specifics of your dog’s situation will determine the best food and other treatments. Don’t wait too long to get your dog the care it requires. Managing a dog’s weight loss is easier when it hasn’t progressed too far.

How Much Dog Food Does Your Dog Require to Gain Weight?

The number of extra calories your dog requires will be determined by their breed’s ideal body condition and current weight and health status. The vet may advise you to feed more than the amount specified on the package until your pup achieves its ideal weight.

The vet may advise you to feed more than the amount specified on the package until your pup achieves its ideal weight.

Once your dog has reached a healthy weight, follow the vet’s advice on calorie restriction. To keep your dog from gaining weight, you may need to reduce the amount of food it eats or change to a new formula. You can keep feeding the nutrient-rich dog food as long as it is active, gets lots of good exercises, and maintains its ideal body health.

What Are the Top 5 Brands for the Best Dog Food for Weight Gain?

High-quality dog food brands have premium formulas targeting skinny dogs. The meals are crafted with the correct nutrients to ensure your dog gains and maintains weight. Here are the leading brands for the best dog food for skinny dogs:

• Ziwi Peak.
• Bully Max.
• Nature’s Logic.
• Nulo. 
• Solid Gold.

Prices are different for each brand. The average prices for our top formulas are $3.81 and $5.40 per lb and oz, respectively, with prices ranging from $1.83-9.99 to $4.08-6.72 per lb and oz for dry and canned meals, respectively. 

Always consider your dog’s breed and life stage before selecting its best food for weight gain. Senior dogs are less active and hence prone to weight gain. On the other hand, puppies are still growing and have an increased demand for proteins, fats, and calories. Below is a summary of our top formulas:

• Best Overall: ZiwiPeak New Zealand Beef Recipe Canned Food – $92.40 per 13.75-oz, case of 12 ($6.72-oz).
• Best Price-Effective:  Bully Max High-Performance Super Premium Dog Food Dry Food – $63.98 per 35-lb bag ($1.83-lb).

• Best for All Life Stages:   Nature’s Logic All Life Stages Beef Canine Feast Canned Food  –  $53.88 per 13.2-oz can, case of 12($4.08-oz).

• Best for Puppies:  Nulo Freestyle Limited+ Puppy Grain-Free Salmon Recipe Dry  Food – $89.99 per 24-lb bag ($3.75-lb).

• Best for Senior Dogs:  Solid Gold Barking at the Moon High-Protein Grain-Free Dry Food – $72.99 per 24-lb bag ($3.04-lb).

Please Note that the prices in this article are as of January 13th, 2023. 

Ziwi Peak New Zealand Beef Recipe Canned Food

Fatten your skinny dog with this high-protein meal from ZiwiPeak. It has rich moisture making it tasty and more attractive to picky eaters. It also uses a single protein source to limit the risk of gastrointestinal issues, which may contribute to weight loss. The meal has been on the market since November 4th, 2014.

Real beef tops the ingredients list, and the formula includes New Zealand green mussels, superb sources of glucosamine, and chondroitin. This makes it great for weight gain, as arthritis and other joint issues directly contribute to weight loss.

The formula is free from added carbs and cheap fillers linked to health issues like allergies. Serve it as a standalone meal or a topper. 

• Top 5 Ingredients: Beef, Water Sufficient for Processing, Beef Lung, Beef Kidney, Beef Tripe.

• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 8% min, Crude Fat 5.5% min, Crude Fiber 2% Max.

• Calorie Content: 419 kcal/13.75-oz can.

• Suitable for which dogs: All breeds.

• Feeding: Optimal feeding amounts may vary depending on your dog’s weight. 

• Key Benefit: It is tasty to delight your picky eater’s taste buds. 

• Price: $92.40 per 13.75-oz, case of 12 ($6.72-oz).

Bully Max High-Performance Super Premium Dog Food Dry Food

Its high fat, protein, and calorie contents make this recipe from Bull Max a superb choice to bulk up your pup. The all-natural meat-based meal has 535 calories in each cup, so you will serve less food, thus saving money while ensuring your dog adds some pounds. The initial manufacturing date is May 17th, 2016. 

The formula has no artificial additives or fillers, so your sensitive pooch can safely take a bite. The top ingredient is fresh chicken with low moisture content and high protein. It gives your dog strong and healthy muscles. Brown rice and ground sorghum are the best sources of fiber to boost digestion.

Chicken fat provides fat that keeps your dog energetic. The fat is preserved with antioxidants to keep it healthy and stable. One downside is the absence of real meat from the main ingredients. 

• Top 5 Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Chicken Fat, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Ground Sorghum. 

• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 30% min, Crude Fat 20% min, Crude Fiber 3.8% Max.

• Calorie Content: 535 kcal/cup. 

• Suitable for which dogs: All breeds.

• Feeding: Optimal feeding amounts may vary with weight. 

• Key Benefit: Increased fats, proteins, and calories to improve your dog’s weight. 

• Price: $63.98 per 35-lb bag ($1.83-lb).

Nature’s Logic All Life Stages Beef Canine Feast Canned Food 

Its high protein and calorie contents make this formula from Nectars Pet Inc. the best selection for weight gain. This all-natural meal is crafted with nutrient-rich muscle and meat with increased volumes of high-quality veggies and fruits. The meal has been on the market since October 7th, 2017. 

Fruits and veggies are superb sources of antioxidants and fiber that boost immunity and digestion. Probiotics also support digestion. It has no grains, gluten, fillers, potatoes, lentils, or trace nutrients. This makes it great for sensitive pups. 

Its increased palatability ensures your picky dog licks its plate clean. This encourages weight gain. 

• Top 5 Ingredients: Beef, Beef Liver, Beef Broth,  Porcine Plasma, Sardines.

• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 11% min, Crude Fat 9% min, Crude Fiber 3% Max.

• Calorie Content: 549 kcal/can. 

• Suitable for which dogs: All breeds.

• Feeding: Optimal feeding amounts may vary depending on your dog’s weight, activity levels, age, and breed.  

• Key Benefit: High protein and calorie contents to support weight gain. 

• Price: $53.88 per 13.2-oz can, case of 12($4.08-oz).

Nulo Freestyle Limited+ Puppy Grain-Free Salmon Recipe Dry  Food

Maintain a healthy weight from puppyhood with this premium recipe from Nulo Pet Food. It starts with salmon as the only protein source. This prevents tummy upsets in puppies. Salmon supports skin and coat care while giving your thick dog muscles. The meal has been on the market since July 30th, 2017. 

This recipe is low in carbs and free from tapioca or potatoes, making it an excellent selection for pups with sensitivities. This contributes to weight gain since sensitivities may make it hard to find the correct meal for your skinny pooch. 

It is specially crafted with GanedenBC30 probiotics that boost the digestive and immune systems. No chicken, wheat, soy, corn, eggs, peas, or artificial preservatives exist. 

• Top 5 Ingredients: Deboned Salmon, Chickpeas, Salmon Meal,  Canola Oil,  Chickpea Flour.

• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 30% min, Crude Fat 18% min, Crude Fiber 5.5% Max.

• Calorie Content: 438 kcal/cup. 

• Suitable for which dogs: All breeds.

• Feeding: Optimal feeding amounts may vary with activity level, age, and size. 

• Key Benefit: It uses a single protein source to reduce sensitivities and allergy risks. 

• Price: $89.99 per 24-lb bag ($3.75-lb).

Solid Gold Barking at the Moon High-Protein Grain-Free Dry Food

Make your skinny dog muscular with this protein-dense meal from Solid Gold Pet LLC. It has a protein and fat content of 41% and 18%, respectively, to boost your dog’s musculature, improve taste, and ensure your pooch stays active the whole day. The initial manufacturing date is November 6th, 2014. 

The meal has probiotics and prebiotics to support gut health. The meal has zero grain or gluten, common allergy, and sensitivity triggers. The increased DHA levels support cognitive and vision wellness, while vitamins C and E boost immunity while minimizing the chances of inflammation. . 

The omegas work together to give your pup a bright coat and smooth skin. The formula uses wholesome ingredients for your pup’s overall wellness. Some pet parents, however, complained their dogs didn’t like it.

• Top 5 Ingredients: Beef, Ocean Fish Meal, Pea Protein, Potatoes, Dried Eggs.

• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 41% min, Crude Fat 18% min, Crude Fiber 4% Max.

• Calorie Content: 415 kcal/cup. 

• Suitable for which dogs: All breeds.

• Feeding: Optimal feeding amounts may vary with activity, temperature, health condition, and breed. 

• Key Benefit: Increased fat and protein content for energy and strong muscles. 

• Price: $72.99 per 24-lb bag ($3.04-lb).

Nature’s Variety Instinct Ultimate Protein Grain-Free Duck Recipe Dry Food

Help your dog put on some pounds with this high-quality freeze-dried meal from Nature’s Variety. It is formulated with 90% proteins from high-quality sources, including duck, eggs, and chicken. It has no meat meals. The recipe has been on the market since March 3rd, 2017.

Its unmatched digestibility ensures your dog absorbs all essential nutrients that boost its overall wellness. The high omegas, antioxidants, and probiotics work together to promote coat, skin, immune, and digestive wellness. 

There are zero grains, potatoes, corn, wheat, soy, or artificial additives. The inclusion of taurine ensures your dog’s heart is healthy. 

• Top 5 Ingredients: Duck, Chicken, Chicken Eggs, Tapioca, Ground Flaxseed.

• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 47% min, Crude Fat 17% min, Crude Fiber 3% Max.

• Calorie Content: 496 kcal/cup. 

• Suitable for which dogs: All breeds.

• Feeding: Optimal feeding amounts may vary depending on your dog’s age, activity levels, and weight. 

• Key Benefit: High-calorie content ensures your pup adds a few extra pounds. 

• Price: $39.99 per 4-lb bag ($9.99-lb).

Crave Grain-Free Dry Food

Your underweight dog deserves this grain-free, protein-rich recipe from Crave. Real farm-raised chicken tops the ingredient list for a muscular look. Its high palatability makes it the best for picky eaters. It’s rich in minerals, vitamins, omegas, and antioxidants that promote skin, coat, immune, and digestive wellness. The formula has been on the market since 

It is perfect for all dog breeds and has no fillers or artificial additives. The meal comes in 3 bags, allowing you to select the correct size according to your dog’s needs. This multi-protein meaty formula has no chicken by-product meals. 

Its high fat and calories ensure your pooch gains weight quickly. It may, however, not suit dogs with sensitivities due to its use of multi-proteins. It does not include lots of antioxidant-dense ingredients. 

• Top 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Split Peas, Lentils, Pork Meal.

• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 34% min, Crude Fat 17% min, Crude Fiber 4% Max.

• Calorie Content: 449 kcal/cup. 

• Suitable for which dogs: All breeds.

• Feeding: Optimal feeding amounts may vary depending on your dog’s weight. 

• Key Benefit: Rich in proteins, fats, and calories to bulk up your dog fast. 

• Price: $54.98 per 22-lb bag ($2.49-lb).

Elite K9 Maximum Bully All Stages Dog Food

This meal from Maximum Bully uses multi-proteins to ensure your skinny pup adds extra pounds. It features chicken and pork as the leading ingredients for healthy muscles and ideal weight. It is suitable for most dog breeds, including Boston Terriers, American Bulldogs, and French Bulldogs. 

Each cup has 481 calories to keep your dog active and boost weight gain. The increased protein and fat contents also complement his high-calorie content for an admirable look. Ingredients like cranberry, oatmeal, and pumpkin are the best sources of antioxidants, complex carbs, and fiber that promote immune and digestive health.

Its multiple proteins make it unsuitable for pups with allergies and intolerances. It is also devoid of real meat. 

• Top 5 Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Pork Meal, Chicken Fat, White Rice, Barley. 

• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 32% min, Crude Fat 22% min, Crude Fiber 4% Max.

• Calorie Content: 481 kcal/cup. 

• Suitable for which dogs: All breeds.

• Feeding: Optimal feeding amounts may vary depending on your dog’s weight. 

• Key Benefit: Rich in proteins and fat for a muscular look and sufficient energy. 

• Price: $80.99 per 30-lb bag ($2.69-lb).

Earthborn Holistic Grain-Free Coastal Catch Dry Food

This recipe from Earthborn is best for skinny pups that enjoy seafood. It is crafted with a herring meal as the primary ingredient for increased proteins that boost bone and muscle density. Its high calorie and fat contents make it the meal to go for. The formula has been on the market since February 11th, 2021.

It also uses vegetable-based protein sources like peas and has L-carnitine and taurine for a healthy heart. This meal gives your fido soft skin and a bright coat thanks to high omega levels from the herring, whitefish, and salmon meals. 

The inclusion of glucosamine makes it perfect for joint and hip wellness. This lowers the risk of arthritis. Arthritis causes weight loss. Cranberries, blueberries, and vitamins C and E blend to boost immunity and lower the chances of inflammation. 

• Top 5 Ingredients: Herring Meal, Dried Eggs, Peas, Tapioca, Canola Oil. 

• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 32% min, Crude Fat 19% min, Crude Fiber 4% Max.

• Calorie Content: 400 kcal/cup. 

• Suitable for which dogs: All breeds.

• Feeding: Optimal feeding amounts may vary depending on your dog’s age, body condition, activity level, and environment. 

• Key Benefit: Protein-rich for bone and muscle density. 

• Price: $63.99 per 25-lb bag ($2.56-lb).

Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Great Plains Red Recipe Dry Food

Merrick Pet Care makes high-quality formulas, and this recipe is no exception. It features real beef as the main ingredient and has rabbit and lamb, which blend for a protein-rich meal. Increased protein levels support your dog’s muscles and ideal weight. This recipe has been on the market since March 24th, 2020.

It is all-natural and has zero grains and gluten. It is also free from poultry, making it an excellent selection for skinny dogs with grain allergies and sensitivities. The freeze-dried raw bites will massage your dog’s instincts and force even your picky eater to take a bite. Raised omega levels, chondroitin, and glucosamine boost coat and joint wellness.

However, the calorie and fat content are not great for weight gain. They are a bit low. The inclusion of fillers like pea protein is also a downside. 

• Top 5 Ingredients: Deboned Beef, Salmon Meal, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Dried Egg Product.

• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 34% min, Crude Fat 17% min, Crude Fiber 3.5% Max.

• Calorie Content: 391 kcal/cup. 

• Suitable for which dogs: All breeds.

• Feeding: Optimal feeding amounts may vary depending on your dog’s weight. 

• Key Benefit: Features real beef, rabbit, and lamb for increased proteins that promote weight gain. 

• Price: $81.98 per 20-lb bag ($4.09-lb).

What Facts Should You Know About Dog Foods for Weight Gain?

Dog foods for weight gain are specifically crafted with the correct nutrients that ensure your dog bulks up. Here are other facts to know about the best dog foods for weight gain:

Palatability

Picky dogs consume less food, and this eventually leads to weight loss. To entice them to eat, a highly palatable formula is key. Canned foods are more appetizing compared to dry meals. Their soft texture will encourage your finicky eater to take a bite.

High fat, protein, and calorie contents

Proteins are excellent sources of amino acids. Amino acids give your dog thick muscles and promote bone density. Fats make the food appealing while adding energy. Calories also promote energy and ensure your dog’s body is strong and healthy.

Ingredients quality

Go for meals crafted with wholesome ingredients. Avoid fillers and artificial additives, as they cause gastrointestinal problems. Gastrointestinal problems are the top causes of weight loss in dogs. Real and recognizable ingredients are the best. 

Essential nutrients and supplements

Look for essential vitamins, minerals, and supplements. The correct food for weight gain must include healthy vitamins, including vitamins A C.and E. Calcium and phosphorus come in handy for your dog’s bones, while chondroitin and glucosamine support hip and joint wellness.  Antioxidants, omegas, and probiotics boost your dog’s immune,  skin, coat, and gut health.

Look for puppy growth meals.

Formulas crafted for puppies are rich in proteins, fat, and calories. This makes them the best options for weight gain. Food for all life stages is also great since they are crafted with puppy needs in mind.

What Are the Best Dog Foods for Weight Gain According to Dog Size?

The Best Dog Food for Weight Gain in Small Dogs

• Adirondack High-Fat 30% Protein Puppy & Performance Chicken Meal & Brown Rice Dry Food has 30% protein, 20% fat, and 522 calories. These features make it great for small dogs with low weight. Slow cooking enhances flavor and retains maximum nutrients. This will delight your picky dog while keeping it healthy. 

Best Dog Food for Weight Gain in Medium-Sized Dogs

• Wellness Core Grain-Free 95% Chicken & Broccoli Canned Food features real chicken as the main ingredient contributing to 95% pure proteins. This canned recipe is highly palatable to attract your selective dog. It includes high-quality fiber sources like broccoli for your dog’s digestive wellness. It has no fillers or artificial additives. 

Best Dog Food for Weight Gain in Large Dogs 

• Purina Pro Plan High Protein Performance Dry Food has 30% protein and 20% fat for thick muscles and energy throughout the day. The high-fat content improves taste to tempt finicky dogs. The inclusion of probiotics enhances immune and digestive health. The formula is affordable, so you won’t strain financially. 

What Are the Best Dog Foods for Weight Gain With Different Ingredients?

The Best Dog Food for Weight Gain with Blueberries

• Instinct Grain-Free Raw Boost Freeze-Dried Dry Food starts with real beef and has a protein content of 35% for a muscular look and ideal weight. The fat content of 21% complements the calorie content of 499 calories per cup to ensure your pup gains and maintains weight. Selenium, zinc, and vitamins A, C, and E work together to support the immune system. 

Which Is the Best Chicken-Free Dog Food for Weight Gain

• Taste of the Wild Smoke-Flavored Salmon Ancient Stream Ancient Grains Dry Food features real fish as the top ingredient for skin and muscle care. The protein content of 30% bulks up your dog, while the inclusion of superfoods like cranberries, strawberries, and ancient grains supports the immune and digestive systems. 

The Best Dog Food for Weight Gain with Brown Rice

• Brown rice supports the digestive system and aids in fattening your dog. Dr. Tim’s Active Dry Food has brown rice as the second ingredient. The rice is an excellent source of complex carbs to keep your dog energetic while bulking it up. The recipe has 30% protein and 20% fat content. 

Best Dog Foods for Different Health Conditions Similar to Weight Gain?

Which Is the Best Dog Food for Diabetes

• Diabetic dogs require a low-carb high-fiber meal, and Ketona Chicken Adult Dry Food is handy. It starts with GMO-free American-raised chicken for strong muscles. The recipe is free from wheat, corn, soy, and artificial preservatives. It has less than 5% starch and 0.5% sugar making it best for diabetes. 

Best Dog Food for Pancreatitis

• Greasy table scraps and other fatty foods cause pancreatitis. The pancreas becomes inflamed, causing lots of pain for your pooch. Blue Buffalo Healthy Weight Life Protection Formula has a low-fat content for your dog’s pancreas. It is rich in antioxidants to boost immunity and prevent further inflammation. 

Best Dog Food for Allergies

• Dogs susceptible to allergic reactions need limited-ingredient meals or hypoallergenic diets. Canidae Pure Grain-Free Limited Ingredient Dry Food features real salmon and sweet potatoes as the main ingredients. It uses fewer ingredients to reduce the chances of sensitivities and make it easy to spot and avoid an allergen. 

Nutritional Needs of Dogs for Weight Gain

Skinny pups need a balanced meal that promotes the probability of adding some extra pounds. Below are the nutritional requirements of tiny pooches.

Proteins

Skinny dogs need high-protein formulas. Proteins are the best sources of amino acids that build strong muscles. A muscular look means a well-built dog. Look for real and recognizable protein sources. Real beef is best for adding some extra pounds. Salmon and other fish also promote weight gain. 

Fats

Fats are essential for skinny pups. They ensure such dogs gain weight within a given period. Picky eaters tend to lose weight since they are not getting sufficient nutrients from the little food they consume. This is where the fat comes in. Fats add flavor to the food, thus tempting even the finicky eaters. Additionally, fats provide calories that keep your pup strong and energetic. 

Antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins

Weight loss could stem from other underlying health issues, including diabetes. Such problems weaken your dog’s immune system and foods rich in antioxidants come in. They boost immunity and prevent inflammation.

Inflammation causes diseases like pancreatitis, which lead to weight loss. Immune-boosting vitamins and minerals, including vitamins C and E, zinc, and selenium. Other vitamins and minerals critical for weight gain include calcium and phosphorus for thick muscles and bones and vitamin A for coat and skin wellness.

Healthy supplements

Skinny dogs need health supplements to boost their chances of gaining weight. A healthy digestive system ensures your dog consumes sufficient food with minimal or no negative reactions. Supplements like probiotics and prebiotics make this possible. Chondroitin and glucosamine also support hip and joint functions. 

Main Health Concerns for Dogs for Weight Gain

Here are the major health concerns for dogs with low weight.

• Diabetes: Skinny dogs have a weakened immune system, so infections easily come in. Such dogs have fewer calories which exposes them to diabetes. Common signs to watch out for include increased urination, excessive thirst, weight loss, and lack of appetite. As the problem progresses, other symptoms like depression, lethargy, and vomiting emerge. 

• Kidney disease:  This is also common in skinny dogs. Some of the symptoms of kidney issues in dogs include diarrhea or vomiting, sudden weight loss, bloody urine, pale gums, smelly breath, increased or reduced thirst, lethargy, and low appetite. Proper dental hygiene, keeping your pup from toxins, and avoiding exposure to medications are key ways of preventing kidney problems. 

• Cardiac problems: These are common in senior dogs. They are characterized by weakness, exercise intolerance, difficulty breathing, increased breathing, abdominal swelling, and fainting. X-rays and blood tests may help diagnose heart diseases in dogs. 

• Dental problems: Dogs with dental issues have problems chewing their food. They are also food-averse. This is due to pain resulting from chewing. Failure to eat causes weight loss. Common signs of dental issues include inflamed gums, discolored teeth, visible tartar build-up, bleeding gums, pawing at the mouth, lack of appetite, lethargy, and excessive drooling. Most dogs will not show signs of pain until the problem is severe. 

How often should my dog eat to acquire weight? 

Frequent food intake is critical for weight gain. Spreading the meals throughout the day ensures your dog eats more food and lowers the risk of digestive issues resulting from consuming one large meal at a go. Serving 3-4 meals per day is perfect. Let your dog rest for approximately one hour after eating. 

Is it possible to gain weight on a raw food diet? 

Yes. Raw foods to feed them include beef, eggs, chicken, pork liver, bones, vegetables and fruits, and turkey. A good source of vitamin B-rich food, like liver, can also help your dog gain weight. The key to gaining weight on a raw diet for a dog is to raise their calorie consumption.

Homemade food for dogs to gain weight

Homemade food is perfect for weight gain in dogs. Here’s a simple recipe to try at home:

Ingredients 

• 8 ounces of cream cheese.
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter.
• 1/2 pound browned ground beef.
• 1 cup of ground kibble.

Procedure

• Place the cream cheese, peanut butter, ground beef, and ground kibble in a medium-sized bowl. 
• Knead them to form a dough.
• You may add more ground kibble for a consistent dough.
• Place the dough on wax paper from a log, and serve it as a treat or a topper. If your pup starts having diarrhea, reduce the serving portions and increase them gradually.

Do eggs help dogs gain weight?

Yes. Eggs are rich in proteins. Proteins are broken down into amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of thick muscles and bones essential for weight gain. 

Can I give my dog rice to gain weight? 

Yes. Rice is high in carbs and will help your dog gain weight if you include it in its diet. You can add other healthy proteins to it.

How to Make a Dog Gain Weight Fast

You must exercise regularly if you want your malnourished dog to look better. A healthy diet is also key. Make sure to include foods packed with protein and fat. Instead of choosing lean protein sources like chicken, try including foods with pork or beef as the main ingredient.  

Make the transition gradual. You should also try to increase the amount of wet food in your dog’s diet. Pumpkins and other vegetables can help a dog gain weight. Try to keep regular feeding intervals, and wait at least 60 minutes after your dog has eaten before going for a walk. 

Final Thoughts

It is your responsibility as a pet parent to keep your pup at a healthy weight. While even the healthiest dogs can be underweight or overweight, sudden weight loss may indicate an underlying illness or an injury. Once you’ve ruled out any potential causes, you must change your dog’s diet and exercise workout to help it add some pounds.  

Our best overall recipe ZiwiPeak New Zealand Beef Recipe Canned Food, features real beef as the top ingredient and is highly palatable. This promotes muscle health while tempting picky eaters to take a bite. Always consult the vet before buying any new foods.