How to Fatten Up a Dog: Tips and Tricks for a Healthier Pup

So, you’ve got a skinny pup on your hands and are wondering how to fatten up a dog. Underweight is not a common issue among most dog owners, but those who experience it know how challenging it is to cope.

The journey to help your dog gain weight involves exploring the intricate world of canine nutrition. You’ll need to discover what, when, and how to feed your dog to help them pack on a couple of those healthy pounds.

In this article, we’ll explore some tips and tricks for helping your dog gain weight safely and effectively. We have gathered the expertise of veterinary sources such as Canine and Feline Nutrition and veterinarians to truly help in your dog’s weight gain journey and we will look at one of my recent rescue cases and how we got a pup from an emaciated state to happy and healthy.

There is a major pet overweight problem that is almost reaching pandemic levels. A whopping 59% of dogs are obese in the US alone, according to US Pet Obesity Report from the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. However, underweight is another sore issue that doesn’t get nearly enough attention.

The most probable scenario is having recently rescued a lost or stray dog in a bad condition. However, even your own perfectly healthy dogs may be shedding pounds concerningly. Check out our article on senior dogs losing weight if you suspect the issue is a result of age. 

If your dog is severely thin and malnourished, it will take several weeks of dedication and the pain of watching the dog in that condition to get back to normal. Take an example of this Pittie, who went from being almost unconscious due to malnutrition to being full of life:

But first, let’s see how you can tell if your dog is too skinny.

Case Study Example: How Uzzi Survived Severe Emaciation & Gained Weight

The picture above is of a dog I rescued about a year ago named Uzzi at the time he was first found and I took him to the vet’s office in critical condition. In the realm of canine rehabilitation, the journey from rescue to recovery can be both heart-wrenching and incredibly rewarding. This was certainly the case with Uzzi, a rescue that arrived on the brink of survival. His case serves as a poignant example of how to properly nurse a severely underweight dog back to health.

Uzzi’s story began with an urgent situation; at approximately four months old, he was emaciated, tipping the scales at a mere 6kg, which is roughly 13 pounds — a harrowing sight for such a young pup. His body was a stark testament to the battle he faced: he wasn’t just thin; he was a patchwork of skin and bones, and his weakness was palpable.

After a prompt visit to the vet, the diagnosis was severe: tick bite fever had ravaged his tiny body, a wound on his belly was infected, and he was extremely anemic with grim chances of survival. The vet’s office became a war room, charting out a strategy that included an intensive treatment regimen.

We had to resort to feeding Uzzi watered-down Hill’s Urgent Care Prescription dog food — a high-calorie solution designed for critical conditions — by syringe to ensure he received the vital nutrients he desperately needed. This is pretty much the same stuff I gave my puppy Arthur when he later battled Parvo.

As Uzzi’s strength returned, so did his instinct to eat. We continued with the Urgent Care formula, offering him small, frequent meals to manage his intake without overwhelming his compromised system. However, Uzzi’s appetite soon seemed insatiable; he began to display signs of pica, consuming stones, sticks, and other inedible objects in a desperate attempt to satisfy his hunger. 

To curb this dangerous behavior, I made an exception to my usual feeding practices and started free feeding him, ensuring constant access to appropriate food to deter him from ingesting non-food items.

Remarkably, within two weeks of this structured yet nurturing approach, Uzzi’s transformation was nothing short of miraculous. He gained sufficient weight and strength, blossoming from a frail creature into a lively puppy with a shiny coat and bright eyes, ready to embark on a new chapter in his forever home.

The visual testimony of Uzzi’s journey is powerful — before and after photos capture not just a change in physique but the emergence of a spirited dog, full of life, where once there was only a shadow. Uzzi’s case is a clear illustration that with the right care, even dogs on the brink of death can recover, thriving to become healthy, vibrant companions. The picture below shows what Uzzi looks like today:

11 Steps to Fatten Up Your Dog

So, how do you get your dog to gain weight safely? Remember, always have your dog checked for an underlying health issue behind a dog losing weight or looking thin. After a thorough vet assessment, there are a few steps you can take to help your dog achieve a healthy weight.

1. Assessing Your Dog’s Diet: Find the Problem First 

When it comes to helping your dog gain weight, it’s important to start by assessing their current diet. Here are a few things to consider:

Calorie Intake

First, we need to determine how many calories your dog needs each day. This will depend on their size, age, activity level, and overall health. As a general rule, most adult dogs need between 25 (large breeds) and 40 (small breeds) calories per pound of body weight per day. However, if your dog is very active or has a high metabolism, they may need more.

To calculate your dog’s daily calorie needs, you can use an online calculator or consult with your veterinarian. Once you know how many calories your dog needs, you can start to adjust their diet accordingly. However, most dry foods have already done this calculation for you. All you’d need to know is the dog’s weight.

Nutritional Value

Next, we need to look at the nutritional value of your dog’s food. Is your dog’s food completely balanced with protein (30%), carbs (45%), fat (20%), and vitamins? Do they eat enough food, or are they always foraging for poop and garbage later? If not, you’ll know what to change.

Remember, it’s important to make any dietary changes slowly and gradually to avoid upsetting your dog’s digestive system. If you have any concerns about your dog’s diet, be sure to consult with your veterinarian.

2. Keep Fat Content to Between 15 and 20% of the Diet (Don’t Overdo It)

When it comes to fattening up a canine, fats will be your closest friend. We recommend that you aim for a fat content of between 15 and 20% of your dog’s diet. As with everything, too much of something becomes a poison. So too much fat, particularly unhealthy ones, will cause pancreatitis and other health issues

When choosing foods for your dog, try to stick to healthy fats, especially omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. The right balance is  5:1 omega-3 to omega-6, so always make sure the omega-3 sources exceed the other ones. 

Omega-3 fatty acids like DHA and EPA in fish oils are anti-inflammatory and essential for gut health. Omega 6 is in chicken oil and vegetable oil like sunflower and safflower oil. Purified MCT oil is another great addition that has also been shown to have cognitive benefits for dogs.

However, don’t confuse MCT oil and coconut oil. Studies show that the saturated fats in coconut oil can cause high cholesterol in your dog and even fatty plaques to develop in the arteries. 

To help ensure that your dog is getting the right amount of fat in their diet, consider consulting with a veterinarian or a professional dog nutritionist. They can help you to create a balanced and healthy diet plan that meets your dog’s specific needs and goals.

3. Keep a Diet High in Protein

Protein is essential for building muscle, which can help your dog gain weight in a healthy way. Protein through animal sources is also the best way to get amino acids like methionine, taurine, and L-carnitine. These are vital in supporting the heart muscle since a loss of muscle mass due to weight loss puts extra strain on the heart. 

However, it’s important to note that this is only beneficial for dogs who do not have liver or kidney problems and can safely metabolize high quantities of protein.

We recommend that your dog’s diet consists of 30 to 40% protein. You can achieve this by feeding them high-quality dog food that is rich in protein. Look for dog food that lists meat as the first ingredient, as this is a good indicator of high protein content. Before upping your dog’s protein intake, make sure your vet checks them for underlying health issues.

Another way to increase your dog’s protein intake is to supplement their diet with lean meats, such as chicken, turkey, or beef. Cook the meat thoroughly and remove any bones or fat before feeding it to your dog. 

It’s important to remember that while protein is essential for building muscle, it should not be the only component of your dog’s diet. Make sure they are also getting enough carbohydrates and healthy fats to ensure a balanced diet. Because studies show that high-protein, low-carb diets lead to weight loss, and you don’t want that for your underweight dog.

4. Feed Healthy Carbohydrates

When it comes to feeding our furry friends, we all want to make sure they are getting the best nutrition possible. Incorporating healthy and digestible carbohydrates into your dog’s diet can be a great way to help them gain weight.

Carbs should not be the majority of the diet, but they do play an important role in providing energy. By including healthy carbs, your dog can use them for energy and reserve the fat and protein to build muscle and gain weight.

Some healthy carbohydrate options include:

• Sweet potatoes;
• Brown rice; and
• Oats.

It’s important to note that not all carbohydrates are created equal. Avoid feeding your dog processed and sugary foods, as these can lead to weight gain in an unhealthy way. Stick to whole foods that are easy to digest and provide nutritional value.

Incorporating healthy carbs into your dog’s diet can be as simple as adding a small portion to their regular meals. Talk to your veterinarian about the appropriate amount of carbs to include in your dog’s diet based on their specific needs.

5. Feed Multiple Small Meals a Day

Feeding your dog multiple small meals a day can help them gain weight more effectively. This approach is particularly useful for dogs with a small appetite or a sensitive stomach.

When you feed your dog one or two large meals a day, they may struggle to eat all the food at once, leading to a loss of appetite. By contrast, feeding them smaller portions throughout the day can help them maintain a consistent appetite and consume more calories overall.

To implement this feeding strategy, try dividing your dog’s daily food intake into several smaller meals. For example, if your dog needs to eat 2 cups of food per day, you could feed them four ½-cup meals instead of two 1-cup meals.

6. Transition to a High-Calorie Diet Slowly to Avoid Diarrhea

When it comes to transitioning your dog to a high-calorie diet, it’s important to do it slowly to avoid any digestive issues. Sudden changes in diet can cause diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration and other health problems. You can read our article on how to help a dog with an upset tummy if you suspect a change in diet has reacted with them.

Here are a few tips for transitioning your dog to a high-calorie diet:

• Start by adding a small amount of high-calorie food to your dog’s regular diet. This could be a tablespoon of canned food or a few pieces of kibble.
  
• Gradually increase the amount of high-calorie food over the course of a week or two. This will give your dog’s digestive system time to adjust to the new food.
  
• Monitor your dog’s stool during the transition. If you notice any signs of diarrhea, such as loose stools or frequent bowel movements, slow down the transition process and give your dog’s digestive system more time to adjust.
  
• Consider adding a probiotic supplement to your dog’s diet to help support digestive health during the transition.

Remember, every dog is different, and some may require a slower transition than others. If you have any concerns about your dog’s health during the transition process, consult with your veterinarian.

7. Treat Your Dog for Internal Parasites

Parasites like roundworms, mango worms, hookworms, and tapeworms can cause serious health problems for your dog, including weight loss and malnutrition. The best way to prevent and treat internal parasites in your dog is to work with your veterinarian. They can recommend the most effective treatments and help you develop a plan to keep your dog parasite-free.

Here are a few things you can do to help prevent and treat internal parasites in your dog:

• Schedule regular check-ups with your veterinarian. They can perform fecal exams to check for internal parasites and recommend appropriate treatments.
• Keep your dog’s living space clean and hygienic. This includes regularly cleaning up after your dog and washing their bedding and toys.
• Use flea and tick preventatives. Fleas and ticks can carry internal parasites, so it’s important to keep them under control.

8. For Dogs With Cachexia & Anorexia, Prioritize Getting Them to Eat

When a dog is suffering from cachexia (muscle wastage from extreme illness) or anorexia (refusing to eat), it is crucial to prioritize getting them to eat. These conditions can cause severe weight loss, muscle wasting, and weakness, making it difficult for your dog to fight off illness and recover. Dogs with chronically low appetites may have an insufficiency of hormones like ghrelin, which makes them less hungry.

To encourage your dog to eat, you may need to offer them their favorite foods throughout the day, even if they are not part of a balanced diet. You can also try adding some healthy and tasty treats to their meals to make them more appealing. 

However, it is important to keep in mind that some conditions may require specialized diets. If your dog has congestive heart failure along with cachexia, for example, they will need a low-sodium diet. In this case, you may need to work with your vet to create a meal plan that is both low in sodium and appealing to your dog.

In some cases, force-feeding may be necessary to ensure your dog is getting the nutrition they need. However, this should only be done under the guidance of a veterinarian, as it can be dangerous if not done correctly.

9. Keep Your Dog On A Balanced Diet (Avoid Overfeeding Treats)

While treats can be a great way to add some extra calories to your dog’s diet, overfeeding them the wrong food can create a dietary imbalance, which can result in health problems.

It’s important to limit the number of treats dogs receive each day to avoid overfeeding them. We recommend that treats make no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. This means that if your dog needs 500 calories a day, they should receive no more than 50 calories from treats.

It’s also essential to choose high-quality treats that are packed with nutrients. Look for treats that are made with real meat, and avoid treats that are high in sugar or artificial ingredients, like xylitol.

10. Exercise and Play for Weight Gain

Regular exercise is vital for low-weight dogs, but it can be counterproductive if you are trying to help your dog gain weight. So, what kind of exercise should you do?

First, it’s important to note that exercise should never be completely eliminated. Even dogs that are trying to gain weight should still be taken on walks regularly. However, the key is to keep the exercise low-impact and low-intensity. This means shorter walks and avoiding activities that require a lot of running or jumping.

Instead, focus on playtime. Encourage your dog to play with toys and engage in activities that promote movement without being too strenuous. Fetch, tug-of-war, and gentle wrestling are all great options.

Another way to incorporate exercise into your dog’s routine is through swimming. Swimming is a low-impact exercise that can help build muscle and increase appetite. If you have access to a pool or a safe body of water, consider taking your dog for a swim a few times a week.

11. Monitoring Your Dog’s Progress: Set a Target Weight with Your Vet and Stick to Weekly Weigh-Ins to Monitor Progress

Your vet can help you determine what a healthy weight range is for your dog and help you set a target weight. Once you have a target weight, it’s essential to stick to weekly weigh-ins to monitor your dog’s progress. This will help you determine if your dog is gaining weight at a healthy rate and will allow you to make adjustments to their diet as necessary.

How to Assess If A Dog Is Underweight

An underweight dog may be more susceptible to health problems and may not have the energy to enjoy life to the fullest. Here are a few things to consider when assessing if your dog is underweight.

How Many Ribs Are Showing

One way to tell if your dog is underweight is to look at how many ribs are showing. If you can see more than two or three ribs, your dog may be underweight. However, keep in mind that some breeds naturally look thin and may have more visible ribs.

Consider Breed

When assessing your dog’s weight, it’s important to consider their breed. As mentioned above, some breeds may naturally look thin. Additionally, some breeds may have a higher or lower healthy weight range. Your veterinarian can help you determine what a healthy weight range is for your dog’s breed.

Some naturally skinny breeds include:

• Greyhounds; 
• Whippets; 
• Sloughi;
• Borzoi;
• Azawakh; and
• Saluki.

Assess Protrusion of Spine and Hip Bones

Another way to tell if your dog is underweight is to assess the protrusion of their spine and hip bones. If you can see the spine and hip bones easily, or if they feel sharp to the touch, your dog may be underweight.

Reasons for Your Dog’s Low Weight

If you notice that your dog is underweight, there could be several reasons behind it. Finding the reason will help you formulate an accurate solution to the weight issue .

Some of the common reasons for low weight in dogs are:

Health Conditions

Certain health conditions can cause your dog to lose weight. These conditions include gastrointestinal problems, dental issues, thyroid issues, cancer, heart, liver, or kidney disease, neurological disorders, and infections. 

Dietary Insufficiency 

Not giving your dog enough food will cause weight loss. Additionally, dietary issues can also cause your dog to lose weight. These result from diets that may be too low in fat and calories, or very high in fiber. Biologically inappropriate diets not correctly formulated for dogs can cause weight loss and digestive issues like constipation, anal issues, and nausea. 

Stress and Anxiety

Stress and anxiety can also cause your dog to lose weight. PMC studies show that If your dog is stressed or anxious, they may not eat as much as they should, known as anorexia nervosa, leading to decreased appetite. Additionally, stress can cause your dog’s body to burn more calories, which can lead to weight loss.

Aging

As dogs age, their metabolism may slow down, and they may naturally lose weight and muscle mass. This is not necessarily a health issue but rather a normal part of the aging process.

Metabolic Conditions

Conditions like diabetes, hyperthyroidism, or Addison’s disease can affect a dog’s metabolism and result in weight loss.

Pickiness

A very low food drive in some dogs can cause them to ignore food. So, sometimes it’s just as simple as your canine is a bit too fussy.

When to Consult a Vet About Your Dog’s Weight Gain

If you are trying to fill out your dog, it is crucial to keep an eye on their health. While it is normal for dogs to gain weight, excessive weight gain can be a sign of an underlying health issue. Here are some signs that it may be time to consult a vet:

• Sudden weight loss or gain: If your dog has suddenly lost or gained a significant amount of weight, it could be a sign of an underlying health issue.
• Changes in appetite: If your dog’s appetite has suddenly changed, it could be a sign of an underlying health issue.
• Vomiting or diarrhea: If your dog is vomiting or has diarrhea, it could be a sign of an underlying health issue.
• Lethargy or weakness: If your dog is lethargic or weak, it could be a sign of an underlying health issue.

If you notice any of these signs, it is important to consult a vet. Your vet can help you determine if there is an underlying health issue that needs to be addressed. They can also provide you with advice on how to safely and effectively fatten up your dog.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Thoughts

Filling out your dog will take time and effort. However, it’s possible with steps like adding protein and fats and increasing food quantity and frequency. While it may be tempting to overfeed your dog in an effort to fatten them up quickly, it’s essential to do so healthily and sustainably. This means gradually increasing their food intake and incorporating healthy, high-calorie foods into their diet.

Meet Your Experts

Tamsin De La Harpe

Author

Tamsin de la Harpe has nearly two decades of experience with dogs in rescue, training, and behavior modification with fearful and aggressive dogs. She has worked closely with veterinarians and various kennels, building up extensive medical knowledge and an understanding of canine health and physiology. She also spent two years in the animal sciences as a canine nutrition researcher, focusing on longevity and holistic healthcare for our four-legged companions. Tamsin currently keeps a busy homestead with an assortment of rescue dogs and three Bullmastiffs.

Tamsin de la Harpe has nearly two decades of experience with dogs in rescue, training, and behavior modification with fearful and aggressive dogs. She has worked closely with veterinarians and various kennels, building up extensive medical knowledge and an understanding of canine health and physiology. She also spent two years in the animal sciences as a canine nutrition researcher, focusing on longevity and holistic healthcare for our four-legged companions. Tamsin currently keeps a busy homestead with an assortment of rescue dogs and three Bullmastiffs.