Introduction

Dogs, like humans, can struggle with putting on weight. In some cases, it can be as a result of an underlying medical condition. However, in many instances, it’s a matter of diet and exercise. As a dog owner, you’ll want to ensure that your furry friend is healthy, active, and happy. This article will provide practical tips on how to help your dog gain weight in the most natural way possible.

Diet changes

The most natural way of helping your dog gain weight is by looking at their diet. Sometimes, increasing the amount of food they eat and providing higher-calorie foods is all that’s required.

Increase the quantity of their food

It might sound obvious, but offering your dog more food than usual could see them gaining weight. However, before you do that, it’s important to talk to your vet about the appropriate amount to feed your dog daily. The amount of food required varies by breed and size. By starting slowly and steadily increasing the amount of food your dog eats each day, you can help them gain weight naturally.

Provide higher-calorie foods such as meat or fish

Introducing food high in protein could help your dog put on weight. You might want to consider incorporating beef, chicken, or fish into their diet. These can boost your dog’s metabolism and slowly help them put on weight. However, feeding your dog high-calorie foods shouldn’t be a substitute for a balanced diet.

Mix in protein-rich supplements to their meals

You may need to supplement your dog’s diet with a nutrient-rich boost. Protein supplements will provide your dog’s body with the building blocks they need to create muscles. Go for natural supplements made from high-quality carbohydrate and protein sources. However, always make sure to check with your vet which supplements are best to avoid giving your dog excess levels of nutrients.

Frequent feedings

Another way to help your dog gain weight is to feed them small, frequent meals throughout the day. Dogs that struggle with weight gain might find it hard to eat larger meals, so breaking down their food into more frequent sittings can be a solution. Try feeding your dog at least three to four small meals punctuated with snacks throughout the day, and make sure the food is still balanced.

Supplements and vitamins

Vitamins and supplements are a great way of boosting your dog’s appetite. A lack of appetite is often the reason that dogs don’t gain weight, as their bodies aren’t absorbing the required nutrients. You can try adding a powdered multivitamin to your dog’s food or opt for probiotics that encourage a healthy gut. However, it’s very important that you consult your vet before adding supplements and vitamins to your dog’s diet. Too much of certain vitamins or minerals can be harmful to dogs.

Exercise

Exercise is a great way to help your dog put on weight healthily. Regular exercise and physical activity will help your dog build muscle and increase their appetite. Ensure your dog has at least a 30-minute daily walk-on leash, and make sure that it’s not too strenuous to prevent them from getting exhausted. Play games like fetch and tag to encourage physical activity and burn some calories at the same time.

Encourage your dog to exercise or play games that help to build muscle mass.

Dogs that don’t exercise might find it hard to gain weight healthily. That’s because a lack of physical activity can result in weak muscles, which makes weight gain more challenging. Try doing exercises that encourage muscle growth in your dog. Hiking, running, and walking in the park are some ideal examples. Agility training might also encourage muscle growth.

Veterinary checkup

If your dog is still struggling to gain weight despite trying different tips and tricks, it’s best to schedule a veterinary checkup. A vet will examine your dog to determine if any underlying medical problems could be the reason why they’re not gaining weight. If the vet diagnoses an underlying condition, they might prescribe medicine or treatment to help your dog gain weight.

Conclusion

Helping your dog to gain weight requires a balance between different approaches. The most appropriate way of helping your furry friend put on some healthy pounds is by starting with their diet, then integrating exercise, and adding useful supplements and vitamins to the mix if necessary. To ensure your dog stays healthy and happy, it’s important to keep up with regular exercise and regular vet checkups. By following the tips mentioned above, you can help your dog gain weight healthily and happily.

Additional tips for dog owners

• Don’t feed your dog too many high-calorie human treats such as cookies, chips, or ice cream as they are not suitable for dogs.
• Always ensure your dog has access to clean water every day.
• Beware of obesity. It’s easy for dogs to gain excess weight, which can lead to health problems in the long run. Consult your vet to determine your dog’s ideal weight.