How to Make Your Dog Gain Weight

Dogs vary in body type and weight much like humans do. Dome dogs are overweight, some dogs are too thin, and some dogs hold an ideal body condition. Some dogs are designed to be naturally thin, but too thin can be unsightly and unhealthy. Encouraging a dog to gain weight can be a difficult process, but with some trial and error even the thinnest dog can reach a healthy weight.

Things You'll Need

• Extra fat source (eggs or oils)
• Caloric supplement (such as Nutri-Cal)
• Satin balls

Instructions

1. Schedule an appointment with your vet to have your dog examined. You need to make sure that there are no underlying health concerns, such as a worm infestation, that are preventing your dog from gaining weight.

2. Compare your dog food with other brands to be sure you are feeding your dog the most nutritious food available. High-quality kibble will have meat-based products, such as beef, chicken or duck listed as the first ingredients. Lower-quality foods are filled with grains and meat meal, neither of which offers much nutrition. Slowly switch your dog over to a better food if you are feeding an inferior product.

3. Determine whether you are feeding your dog the proper amount. A dog's weight can be drastically affected if it is not being fed enough, so read the instructions on your food carefully to make sure it is eating enough.

4. Monitor your dog's activity level. A high-energy dog that is naturally thin will easily burn off a normal day's calories, so reducing the activity of a thin dog can help it gain weight.

5. Add extra fat to your dog's normal meal. The addition of a raw egg or a couple tablespoons of high-quality oil to your dog's food can add just enough calories to bring it up to an acceptable weight.

6. Feed your dog a calorie supplement such as Nutri-Cal to speed up the weight-gain process. Nutri-Cal is a thick paste of concentrated vitamins and fish oils that gives an extra boost of calories in a small dose. It is thick and sticky, so take care not to get it on your clothes or your dog's coat to avoid a mess.

7. Make up a batch of satin balls as a last resort. Satin balls are a mixture of high-fat meat such as hamburger, wheat germ, gelatin and oils that are popular with vets' offices and rescue organizations. An average serving of satin balls contains well over 500 calories, making them an ideal calorie boost for a very thin dog.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to slowly modify your dog's diet to avoid digestive troubles. Adding in large doses of fats or changing your dog's food too quickly can cause vomiting and diarrhea, further reducing weight.

• Do not feed your dog anything you have not asked your veterinarian about. There are a wide variety of weight-gain products available for pets, but some might not be right for your dog. Follow your vet's advice closely for best results.

Resources

• Satin Balls
• Is Your Dog Too Thin?