If you own a dog, you’re bound to notice issues with their weight. While obesity is a major problem in dogs, being underweight is also concerning. To make sure they are healthy, you might want your beloved pup to gain a few kilos.
Even if your dog is maitaining a healthy weight, you might want fatten them up for aesthetic reasons as some people are quick to judge the owners in case the dog looks skinny. So, why would you want to fatten up your dog? Whatever your reason, there might be a few ways to achieve this goal. Let’s get started!
How to Fatten Up a Dog?
1. Understand the Reason for Being Underweight
Most people would automatically assume that increasing the amount of food would lead to the pup gaining more weight. The reality is not so simple. First you must understand why your dog is underweight. A quick example is when your dog has been raising a litter of greedy puppies. You can be sure that in such a condition the dog will definitely be underweight.
A rescue dog or one that has been kept in the shelter for a while could also be underweight. In this case, the reason behing them being underweight is that they are afraid to accept food and may have some underlying health issues. Assessing the reason for the dog’s lack of weight is the first step to get them back to a healthy weight. Keep reading for more on that.
Also Read: Best Dog Food for Small Breeds – Top Chooses to Buy
2. Assess the Health of Your Dog
Various illnesses can be the culprit behind your dog being underweight. Serious conditions like cancer can impede their ability to eat, while less serious conditions can cause them to lack appetite. Old age can also play a role in this. Old dogs may have dental issues and may prefer soft and fresh food instead of dry kibble.
If your dog used to have a healthy weight but rapidly starts to lose appetite and weight, you shouldn’t waste any time and take them to the vet readily. It is always best to get checked before the problem gets worse.
3. Tweak the Type of Food
Of course, your dog could also be a picky eater! That could be the reason behing their reluctance to eat the same food day in and day out. You might be thinking, what can I give my dog to gain weight? Sometimes spicing up your dog’s usual fare with treats such as a bit of tuna or yougurt might be enough to get them to eat properly.
But if that does not work, you should look into changing their food altogether. Try to cycle through a few types and brands of food to see which type your pup prefers. Make sure you pick food that are nutritious or else your dog may end up consuming empty calories.
Check the food label carefully to understand the building blocks of the food. While still at the vet, consider asking about the different types of food he could recommend for the dog. With the right food, you should see a considerable change in the weight of the dog.
4. Choose High Calorie Food
If you are looking to increase the weight of your dog, look into food with higher calorie. There are high-caloric dog foods available in the market that you might choose from. These will make your pup gain weight in a healthy way. You can also try feeding your dog meals more frequently and even increase the number of times you offer them treats.
Also Read: Best Dog Food for Pitbulls to Gain Muscle – Top Reviews to Buy
5. Keep the Dog Less Stressed
Take steps to reduce your dog’s stress. It is common knowledge that your dog might often refuse to eat whenever it is stressed. In fact, stress can cause an upset stomach in which case you would have to resort to dog food for sensitive stomach. Figure out what is stressing out your darling pet and take steps to reduce it. Your vet might also be able to suggest steps to do so. Once the dog feels less stressed, they will get their appetite back.
Conclusion
In your journey to fatten up your dog, offering them high-calorie foods is one of the best solutions. Ensuring that your dog is healthy and eliminating stress also goes a long way.
While you are utilizing the methods stated above, keep in mind that the healthy weight of different dog breeds tend to vary. Some breeds tend to look skinny even when they are healthy. So do not overdo it and make sure your dog does not cross into the obese category.
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