If your dog is underweight due to illness, high activity, or natural metabolism, feeding the right high-calorie diet can help. In this guide, we’ll explore the best dog foods for healthy weight gain, feeding strategies, and when to talk to your vet.
Having proper knowledge about the best foods for dogs to gain weight or lose weight is essential if you want your dog to live a happy and healthy life. The condition of the body predicts the dog’s health. So, it’s the responsibility of the dog owner to maintain his body mass.
Some dogs are more likely to gain weight and become obese than underweight. Before talking about the best foods for dogs to gain weight, let’s take a look at different reasons why dogs become underweight and how we can help them gain weight.
Why do dogs lose weight and become underweight?
What Causes a Dog to Lose Weight?
| Common Causes | Description |
|---|---|
| High activity levels | Especially in working or hunting breeds |
| Illness or malabsorption | GI disorders, worms, or chronic disease |
| Poor appetite | From stress, oral pain, or medical side effects |
| Low-quality diet | Not meeting caloric or nutrient needs |
Loss of weight in dogs can be due to various reasons. Maybe your dog suffered from an injury or illness recently or it was adopted or rescued from somewhere where it wasn’t getting adequate nutrition, or it is a picky eater and doesn’t eat to its appetite.
It is also possible that your dog is internally fighting disease. It is quite possible that your dog is suffering from some problem without showing it. These problems may include but are not limited to diabetes, dental issues, anxiety, illness, surgery, thyroid problems, allergies, liver disease, etc.
So, no matter what’s your dog’s condition, there must be proper food for the dog to gain weight if it is underweight. But before getting into the main topic, you must be wise enough to guess whether your dog is skinny or not.
What happens if my dog is underweight or overweight?
Unlike humans who think it’s good to be slim and smart, the case is not similar in dogs. Underweight dogs may suffer from many diseases, and it weakens their immune system, so they are more susceptible to harmful diseases than those having normal weight.
Malnourished dogs can catch a cold easily, or they may suffer from parasitic infections, so you must be wise enough to feed the best foods for the dog to gain weight to achieve an ideal weight.
While dogs which are overweight are prone to joints, heart disease, and breathing problems, research studies reveal that being overweight leads to a decrease in the life span of dogs. So, it’s essential to keep an eye on your dog; it should neither be overweight nor underweight.
How can I help my dog gain weight?
If your dog is too skinny, you can help it gain weight by
- Feeding the food rich in proteins and fats. Proteins and fats have proven natural ingredients to pack weight on your dog’s body.
- Try to change the meal schedule; if your dog eats twice a day, give it once in the morning and the second when it will be about to sleep. Research studies show that if we eat something just before sleeping hours, it will be stored as fat in our bodies. So, your dog’s case is not different from this, and you notice visible pounds on your dog’s body just within a couple of weeks.
- The third way is to increase the amount of your dog food. Most dogs are prone to weight loss just because of malnutrition. If your dog eats twice a day, your task is to encourage it to eat four times a day. Decide a food for the dog to gain weight– proper food, more food, more energy, more fats, and proteins are needed to gain weight.
- Some dogs are prone to lose weight because they are involved in strenuous activities and games. A moderate walk and exercise are a must, but they should not exceed the limit; otherwise, your dog has to pay a high cost of it in the form of losing weight.
- Stress is the root cause of all the illnesses; keep your dog happy if you want your dog to gain weight.
🕒 Feeding Schedule to Help Dogs Gain Weight
| Feeding Time | What to Feed |
|---|---|
| Morning | High-protein kibble + 1 spoon peanut butter |
| Midday Snack | Canned food topper or boiled eggs |
| Evening | Regular meal + calorie-dense wet food |
| Bonus Treat | Dog-safe cheese or high-calorie dog treat |
How many calories are required to gain proper weight for dogs?
It is difficult to calculate the accurate number of calories the dog requires, which varies with the breed, age, and gender.
The average young dog consumes 20-30 calories per pound. Young dogs need 30-43 calories per pound compared to young dogs that require 20-25 calories to avoid being overweight. If you provide the proper amount of the best foods for the dog to gain weight, your dog will undoubtedly gain good weight.
How many times should I feed my dog?
Feeding more than two times per day is a sound approach instead of providing your dog with a whole bowl of food one or two times to gulp.
How can I know that my dog is underweight?
The simplest and most straightforward way is to give a stand-up command to your dog and see or touch its ribs, spines, and pelvic bones with no fat barrier. Check if the coat or skin of your buddy is loose, shining, or lusty, and if so, unluckily, your dog is underweight.
It would be best to immediately visit the vet to address this issue and rule out medical problems. Your puppy may be affected by malnutrition and poor food.
You don’t have to look further for the best foods for dogs to gain weight as we have compiled a list of the foods to sort out this hassle for you.
Signs that indicate that a dog is too skinny
If your dog’s physical appearance is light, with easily visible ribs, and you feel no evidence of fat, your dog might be underweight.
If your puppy is physically not active and is lethargic all the time, he is probably underweight; you should immediately consult your vet, follow his prescription and dig for the best foods for dogs to gain weight.
Best Foods for Dogs to Gain Weight
Below are the top 10 Best Dog Foods for Weight Gain that are available commercially.
| Brand & Formula | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Bully Max High Performance | 535 kcal/cup, meat-based, no corn/wheat/soy |
| Purina Pro Plan Sport 30/20 | Balanced for active dogs, supports muscle |
| Merrick Backcountry Raw-Infused | High protein, freeze-dried raw bits |
| Wellness CORE RawRev | Protein-rich kibble + raw boost |
| Blue Buffalo Wilderness Puppy | Great for underweight pups, grain-free |
| Nature’s Logic Canine Chicken Meal | Nutrient-dense, whole food ingredients |
| Annamaet Ultra Formula | High calorie, endurance-focused formula |
| Solid Gold Barking at the Moon | Ideal for picky eaters, high protein |
| Victor Hi-Pro Plus | Great value, nutrient-dense |
| NutriSource Performance Chicken & Rice | Digestible, balanced for sensitive stomachs |
Natural foods that are the best foods for dogs to gain weight
1-Sweet Potatoes:
Sweet potatoes are a rich carbohydrate source. It is readily available at any grocery store.
2-Pumpkins:
Pumpkin is a fantastic food for gaining weight if you increase the level of fat and fiber in your puppy’s bowl, for improving digestion and putting on pounds.
3-Eggs:
The eggs are rich in proteins, fats, and amino acids. This best food for dogs to gain weight helps in building muscles and strength.
Pro Tips for Healthy Weight Gain
- Add salmon oil or coconut oil to meals
- Use slow feeders to increase caloric intake in picky eaters
- Avoid overfeeding all at once; increase gradually
- Monitor weight weekly with a journal or app
🚩 When to Talk to Your Vet
- Your dog is eating but still losing weight
- You notice vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy
- They’re recovering from illness or surgery
Conclusion:
Helping your dog reach a healthy weight is essential for long-term wellness, energy, and quality of life. Choosing the right nutrient-dense dog food—rich in healthy fats, protein, and digestible carbs—can make a big difference, especially when combined with daily exercise and a consistent feeding routine. While homemade options are possible, they often lack the precise balance of commercial formulas. That’s why we’ve curated this list of trusted foods to make your decision easier. Thanks for reading—and here’s to a happier, healthier pup! 🐾