Keeping your dog happy and healthy is usually at the top of any pet owner’s list of priorities. While many ailments can be solved with a quick trip to the vet, there are other conditions that require more long-term solutions. If you have a dog that seems to be losing weight and beginning to look unhealthy, it may be time to take a closer look at the problem.
How to fatten up a dog is a common question among my readers and this guide will help you get that done. By following a few simple steps, you can make sure your best friend can get back to their happy, playful self sooner rather than later.
What is the Problem? Or Why is my Dog so Skinny?
Finding the cause of your dog’s weight loss plays a huge role in being able to fix it. There are times when a parasite or other illness may be at the root of the problem. A veterinarian is usually able to solve cases like this with a few treatments or medication.
For dogs who are simply stubborn or seem to lack an appetite, more creative measures need to be taken. By determining the exact cause of a dog’s weight loss you have a much better chance of bringing your pet back to their ideal weight.
6 Best Ways to Putting Weight on a Dog
1.
Switch the Food
Many problems with a dog’s weight come from the food you are feeding them. While many pets will have their favorite brand, feeding them the same food every day can actually turn out to be harmful. Every food contains specific nutrients while lacking others.
Using the same brand in the same flavor can cause vitamin deficiencies in your dog that will eventually need to be improved. Take a look at the nutritional information and put together a meal plan that contains all the vitamins and minerals they need while combining flavors that will keep you dog interested in eating.
2.
Slowly Add Calories
While helping your dog pack on the pounds may seem simple, it is important to do it the right way. giving your pet all the treats it wants while ignoring their nutrition may help them gain weight, but will ultimately lead to them being less healthy than they were before.
Begin with a healthy diet that your dog enjoys eating. Foods with a high level of vitamin B that are made from chicken, beef, and liver will deliver the nutrients your dog needs in the beginning. Eventually, you can change to foods with a higher calorie content which will end up giving your dog more weight and energy.
- The ribcage is not visible, but can still be felt underneath the skin.
- You can see the outline of your dog’s waist under the fur.
- You can no longer see the backbone or hip bones.
Checking for signs of improvement may be difficult depending on the breed of your dog. Some dogs like greyhounds and border collies are leaner and can be easy to diagnose as too thin. If your dog has excess fur and is generally on the larger side, you may need to pay closer attention when looking for signs of weight gain.
3.
Switch From Wet or Dry Food
It may seem overly simple, but often times dogs are able to add to their weight by eating different types of foods other than what they are used to. If your pet is used to eating dry food they may become bored with not only the taste but the texture.
Switch them to wet food to stimulate their appetite. If your dog normally eats wet food, do the opposite. This is a simple fix that often works wonders for dogs that do not eat enough. If you do try this method, however, keep in mind that dry food contains more calories than wet food. So if you are switching from dry to wet you may need to increase the amount of food you are giving your dog.
4.
Stay in Shape
In addition to your dog’s food, you also need to make sure they are getting enough exercise. Helping your dog lead an active lifestyle will give them more energy and more of an appetite. A pet that has just played an intense round of frisbee is more likely to chow down than one that has been laying around the house all day.
Start with simple activities like going for short walks while you wait for signs of improvement. After that, your pup will be able to join you for a good run or a swim at the beach. These outings will not only improve the overall health of your dog but also strengthen your bond as well.
5.
Try Some Human Food
While there are many types of “people foods” that dogs should avoid at all costs, there are quite a few that are actually good for them. If your dog is not gaining the weight they need, consider making a few adjustments during dinnertime. While fatty foods are perfect for humans to gain weight, they can make a dog sick. Stick to foods with high amounts of protein and carbohydrates for your pet.
6.
Find Your Dog’s Ideal Weight
Weight is a hard thing to keep track of when trying to adjust your dog’s eating habits. Many foods will have a chart on the back of the packaging with recommended serving sizes.
These portions take into account the current size and weight of a dog and are able to determine how much they should be eating. After adjusting your pet’s diet accordingly, there are ways to tell if your dog is improving. A dog’s weight is ideal if:
- Roasted, skinless chicken or fish.
- Water from canned tuna.
- Non-fat cottage cheese.
- Plain, canned pumpkin.
Adding in a few extras in your dog’s meal will not only add to their calorie count but also boost their appetite. In order to help your dog gain weight, you need to not just pay attention to what they eat, but also make sure they want to eat. Having a few surprises will make your pet start begging for dinner just like any other dog.
The Final Words
Your dog is no doubt an important member of your family. It is never easy to watch a loved one suffer, and witnessing your pet slowly lose their weight and energy is difficult. If it becomes a major concern, the first stop should be a licensed veterinarian. They will be able to determine if your dog is sick, or simply needs some dietary adjustments.
After finding out exactly what is causing your dog to lose weight, you will be able to help fix the problem. Hope, this guide will help and answer you about how to fatten up a dog. Take the time to get your pet’s weight back the right way, and soon you will both be able to get back to normal.
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