PetsCareLab

Overweight pets often steal the spotlight, but what about dogs on the opposite end of the scale? Some dogs struggle to maintain a healthy weight or have experienced weight loss recently—perhaps due to illness—and need to build that weight back up.

For a healthy dog, encouraging weight gain can be as simple as increasing portions of their current diet. This approach works well for dogs who aren’t picky eaters and need to gain just a modest amount of weight.

However, in some cases, helping a dog gain weight can be more complex. Here’s what your veterinarian looks for in a dog food designed for weight gain, along with practical tips to help your furry friend safely regain a healthy weight.

What Kind of Dog Food Supports Weight Gain?

A top-notch dog food for weight gain not only reels in dogs with irresistible taste but also delivers essential nutrition and supports their overall health. Here’s what makes a food ideal for helping dogs pack on pounds.

Palatability

Dogs are more likely to eat generously when their food tastes delicious. Wet foods often win the palatability contest over dry kibble, and diets rich in fat and protein tend to entice dogs to eat more.

Home-cooked meals are typically the most tempting option; however, if you opt to prepare meals yourself, consult with a veterinary nutritionist to ensure the diet provides complete and balanced nutrition tailored to your dog’s needs.

Digestibility

Digestibility measures how much of the food’s nutrients your dog actually absorbs versus the amount expelled unused.

A highly digestible food means your dog extracts more nutrition from smaller quantities, which is especially beneficial for dogs struggling to maintain or gain weight.

You can’t gauge digestibility directly from a label, but since fiber is indigestible, it’s best to avoid high-fiber foods when aiming for weight gain.

An easy way to assess digestibility is by observing your dog’s stools: firm, low-volume, well-formed stools indicate good digestibility, while loose or copious stools suggest the opposite.

Caloric Density

Calorically dense dog foods pack a hefty amount of energy into a small portion.

This means your dog can absorb plenty of calories without needing to consume large volumes of food. Luckily, caloric density is usually listed on packaging as kcal per cup, can, or kilogram (note: kcal and calorie are interchangeable here).

Since fat delivers more calories per gram than protein or carbohydrates, high-fat diets tend to be more calorie-packed.

At the same time, elevated protein levels help preserve lean muscle mass, which is important for healthy weight gain.

Dog Foods That Excel at Supporting Weight Gain

Here are some dog food categories that tick the boxes for taste, digestibility, high fat and protein content, and balanced nutrition.

Therapeutic Diets

In more serious or clinical cases, your veterinarian might recommend specialized recovery or critical care formulas.

These include veterinary diets formulated specifically for dogs recuperating from illness, surgery, or injury, designed to provide maximum energy and appeal to even the pickiest, least energetic eaters.

Such options promote swift recovery by encouraging adequate calorie intake in dogs who may otherwise lack appetite.

Puppy and All Life Stages Diets

Puppy foods and all life stages diets meet rigorous standards set by nutritional authorities and typically boast more protein and fat than standard adult diets.

Look for high-quality, certified products that provide balanced nutrition for growth and development — excellent choices for dogs needing extra calories.

Avoid formulas meant for large-breed puppies, as these tend to have reduced fat content compared to general puppy foods.

Performance Diets

Highly active, working, or sporting dogs often benefit from performance diets rich in protein and fat.

These balanced, energy-dense foods help maintain optimal body condition and support the energetic lifestyle of active dogs who require extra fuel.

Such diets are perfect for dogs that are healthy but need to gain weight or boost caloric intake to match their activity levels.

Smart Strategies to Help Your Dog Gain Weight

If you’re concerned about your dog’s weight or overall health, schedule a visit with your veterinarian. They can tailor advice specifically for your dog and design a safe, effective weight gain plan.

To get started, here are three essential tips:

• Introduce new foods gradually. Sudden switches to high-fat foods can sometimes trigger pancreatitis—a serious condition linked to fatty meals—so making changes slowly helps your dog’s digestive system adjust.
• While wet food is more tempting to many dogs, dry food usually contains more calories per serving. You can mix a bit of tasty wet food into a calorie-dense dry diet to create a meal that’s both appealing and nutritious.
• Feed your dog several small meals throughout the day instead of one or two large portions. Dogs often consume more when eating smaller, frequent meals. Alternatively, leaving dry food available all day can encourage nibbling, though it can make it trickier to monitor appetite closely.

With patience and the right feeding approach, your dog can safely put on healthy weight, regaining vitality and zest for life. Petscarelab is here to guide you every step of the way!