Ways to Make a Dog Gain Weight

When a dog refuses to eat or is not fed enough, excessive weight loss can become an issue. Being underweight can trigger decreased energy levels and serious health problems. To assess your dog's weight, look at its body while it is standing. If its sides are excessively tucked in, its frame appears emaciated or its ribs are too visible, the dog is underweight.

  1. Feeding Changes

    • Increasing your dog's feeding times from once daily to twice daily will help add calories to its diet. Try splitting up a meal into two separate portions. If possible, leave dry food out at all times and incorporate canned food into feedings. Weigh your dog to keep track of its progress. If it seems healthy, but is still not gaining weight, try slightly increasing the amount of food. The Daily Puppy, a website that caters to canine issues, suggests mixing one-fourth of the recommended amount of puppy food with regular food since puppy food is much higher in calories and fat. If your dog refuses to eat for several days, even though food is readily available, there may be a medical complication and you should contact your vet immediately.

    Protein

    • Increasing your dog's protein intake will help it develop muscle mass. Some dog foods boast of high-protein ingredients. To be sure the claims are true, read the ingredient label on the package. Chicken, lamb, turkey, beef or any other kind of meat should be the first ingredient listed; otherwise, the food is not a good source of protein. Also, avoid food that has by-products, processed low-protein meat sources, as a main ingredient. These sources include chicken and beef by-product meal, which consist of parts of the carcass, such as the neck, feet, spleen and intestines. In addition, adding high-protein food, such as cottage cheese or hard-boiled eggs to your dog's diet will help it gain weight faster. Make sure these types of foods do not exceed 10 percent of his daily food consumption.

    Variety

    • Some dogs lose weight because they are finicky. They simply will not eat if they don't like the food. Various pet food stores allow you to return or exchange dog food so you can try different brands and experiment until you find a brand your dog will eat. According to CNET News, Petsmart, a pet supply chain, has a universal return policy that offers full refunds for pet food. Check with pet suppliers in your area to determine which ones offer refunds or exchanges for pet food. Some dogs prefer dry dog food that contains softer chunks. Find a food that has different textures, like a combination of chewy and hard pieces. Occasionally substitute canned food for dry food or mix them together. Also, try adding gravy and other savory toppings that are made specifically to be mixed with dry dog food. If eating is still an issue after a few attempts, talk to your vet about other options.