Are you a dog owner and having trouble getting your dog to put on weight? We know this can be an issue with dogs.
Dogs are loyal and love us unconditionally. They ask for nothing in return other than food, water, and a little pampering. Given the fact that dogs do not typically live a long life, we should do what we can to keep them healthy for as long as possible. And we are glad to know you are concerned about your dog’s health.
So what are some tips you can use to help your dog gain weight? To help you out, we have put together some useful tips.
How to Help Your Underweight Dog Gain Weight?
Consult with Your Vet
It is common for dogs to lose weight if they do not have a balanced diet. However, if your dog has lost a significant amount of weight, consult with your veterinarian right away.
The vet performs a thorough physical exam and runs tests to determine the cause of the weight loss of your dog. If they find that your dog is too thin because of an underlying disease or other medical condition, they treat it accordingly.
However, if your dog is not ill and needs to gain a few pounds, below are some tips that can help you get started.
Increase the Amount of Protein in the Diet
Protein is essential for building muscle and maintaining it. Most commercial dog foods in the market have a sufficient amount of protein. If you prefer homemade food, you can increase the amount of protein-rich foods, such as eggs, beans, fish, and meat.
Exercise
We often associate exercise with weight loss, but it is crucial for weight gain as well. It is because the goal of weight gain is to gain muscles. Regular exercise helps put on muscles and maintain a healthy weight. When you increase fat and protein in your dog’s diet and make them do regular exercise, they gain a healthy weight in no time.
Feed Small Meals Throughout the Day
It may be tempting to feed your dog one or two large meals a day. However, it is not the best way to help your dog gain weight. Dogs are fed twice a day when they are puppies, but as they get older, they naturally eat less. Small meals spaced evenly throughout the day will help your dog better digest his food, which may help him to gain weight.
Must Read: Ultimate guide to feed a puppy correctly
Feed Wet and Fresh Food
Dry kibble lacks water and is nutritionally incomplete. Hence, it leads to poor digestion and a lack of appetite. Wet or fresh food contains relatively more moisture. It improves digestion and keeps the urge of eating food intact. If you feed dry kibble, have a bowl of fresh water available at all times.
Add Extras!
You can also increase the calorie count of their meals by adding olive oil (1 tbsp), coconut oil (1 tbsp), or raw eggs (one yolk) per day for a medium-sized dog. These ingredients are high in calories and can help your dog gain weight quickly.
We hope these tips help you keep your doggo healthy and happy!
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