How to Get an Underweight Animal to Gain Weight

Although many pet owners struggle to prevent excessive weight gain in their pets, a few pets suffer from low body condition and are too thin. Farm animal conditioning varies with health status, feed, environment, management factors and stage of life cycle. A number of health conditions and management issues can cause excessive weight loss; the possibility of parasitism or disease should be investigated first. If no medical or production condition is identified, then improved management and an increase in caloric intake is called for. Special consideration must be made for animals that have undergone a period of starvation; this article addresses animals which have had access to feed.

Things You'll Need

  • Scale
  • Body condition scoring chart
  • Veterinary examination
  • High-calorie food
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Instructions

    • 1

      Consider appropriate body condition for the animal to determine if it is deficient. Animals will naturally lose weight during their natural life cycles when they have heavy caloric requirements, such as when they are nursing. During these times the animals lose condition naturally, then gain after the period of high-energy use.

    • 2

      Review environmental factors. Heat stress, for example, can lead to weight loss in animals because they often will decrease their voluntary intake or use extra energy for cooling. Correct these factors if possible to encourage calorie intake and reduce excessive energy loss.

    • 3

      Seek veterinary attention to determine whether a disease or parasitic condition may be causing low body weight. Intestinal parasites and a number of diseases can cause weight loss. Correct conditions of this kind in order to enable weight gain.

    • 4

      Consider social issues for animals living in groups. A small calf grouped with larger calves may have difficulty getting to a feed trough to eat. Dogs or cats may need to be separated at feeding time to avoid one animal being pushed away from the food bowl.

    • 5

      Calculate the energy density of the animal feed or read the intake requirements of pet food. Measure the amount of feed ingested.

      For farm animals calculate the total energy intake and compare with requirements for the particular animal. A complete balanced feed is needed for weight gain.

      Feed underweight pets a well-balanced, complete food appropriate for their species and condition. Feed as directed for weight gain by feeding for ideal body weight. Try a variety of foods until you find one which your pet likes best and will readily eat. Some pets will eat more if food is heated, frequently fed or always available.

    • 6

      Record weight periodically to monitor progress. Assess body condition using scoring charts with the assistance of your veterinarian. Aim for gradual weight gain. If the animal will not eat enough of a particular food or ration for weight gain, increase energy density.