Dog Community

Best way to help a dog gain weight

Posted : 10/14/2009 6:53:20 PM

Hello everyone , whats the best way to help a dog to gain weight ? My dog has always been on the slim side , he's not hyperactive he's quite mellow really . He has recently been to his vet and is in great health . His vet says he's just a thin dog , just like some peolpe are thin. He eats well however i've never been able to get him to bulk up like he should . I have chickens so adding scrambled eggs is very do-able has anyone heard of eggs making a dog sick ? He has a sensitive stomache . Any advice would be great , I love the site Take care everyone >

Liesje

Posted : 10/14/2009 8:07:11 PM

Any reason for bulking him up if the vet says he's healthy? Is he a larger breed? If so, it's best for them to remain lean and thin, better for the joints and longevity.

glenmar

Posted : 10/14/2009 8:09:21 PM

Lean is actually very desireable in dogs, and if your vet isn't concerned please accept that as "good enough". Overweight dogs suffer many of the same health issues as do overweight humans, including joint damage.

aerial1313

Posted : 10/14/2009 8:39:58 PM

Agreed.

My Sammy's a very lean dog. It's just the way he is. He's absolutely healthy and, according to my vet, at his ideal weight (56 lbs). My vet is like us...prefers to see dogs on the low side of normal, especially larger dogs.

Here's a pic:

Liesje

Posted : 10/14/2009 8:49:53 PM

Heather he looks perfect. Coat is shining and clean, eyes are clear, nose looks clear and wet, nice tuck, dog is thin but obviously muscled.

I would only be concerned that a dog is too thin if the dog lacks muscle definition.

aerial1313

Posted : 10/14/2009 8:55:54 PM

Thanks, I think so, too.

Liesje
I would only be concerned that a dog is too thin if the dog lacks muscle definition.

I like that description. I've noticed, too, that overweight dogs I've seen also lack muscle definition. The bulk is there, the definition is not.

shamrockmommy

Posted : 10/15/2009 2:38:19 PM

If he is a bit underweight/undermuscled, then you could add cooked beef (ground, the regular 80%) to his kibble. Generally, I make a topper by browning beef, turkey, or chicken, adding some chopped veggies to that. I have little dogs but I add a spoonful to their kibble in the morning. In thier evening meal, they get kefir (or yogurt). Adds high quality protein for muscle and the kefir (or yogurt) adds probiotics to help with digestion/assimilation.

It is true, to keep them on the leaner side. Good luck :)

brookcove

Posted : 10/19/2009 12:43:45 PM

Oddly, more exercise is one way to improve condition on a healthy dog. My sheepdogs always come back from their trainers (100 acres in the mountains) totally ripped and several pounds heavier in all the right places. I've scaled waaaaaaaay back and don't have as much work as I used to for keeping a dog muscled up and HUNGRY. Big Smile

We still have chores and walks, but compared to their trainers it's nothing. They expend as much energy in one training session as they do all day here, and they work twice at least. Plus, they go on a couple of five mile ATV rides a day. Um, the humans ride; the dogs run. Always ramp up an exercise program slowly and with a vet's approval.

jennie_c_d

Posted : 10/19/2009 6:53:15 PM

What Becca said, for sure. I noticed both of mine starting to look a little "soft", recently. The older dog has some health problems, and is slowing down. I fixed it Big Smile I started getting them out, more, for swimming and frisbee, and nice, easy walks to new places. None of it is hard exersize, but the increase in activity has the older dog down by a whole pound (and she was only 20 to begin with!) and the younger dog ripped, and hungry all day. It's exactly what they needed.