If your dog is underweight you need to be extremely careful with the food that you are going to feed your dog. It is rather easy to get your dog put on some healthy weight – all you need to do is feed him a balanced, nutrient-packed diet. Take this article as a comprehensive approach towards understanding the notion and types of foods that can encourage weight gain in your dog, notable ingredients to look out for while feeding your dog, some of the Tricks to get it right and some additional tips from veterinarians.
Why Your Dog Needs to Gain Weight
As you know, there are several reasons why your dog might require some additional pounds to be put on his body. These include path pharmacogenomic health concerns, invigoration or restoration from infirmity. It is important for the body of your dog to add weight in the right manner so that it can still play and run about without getting tired. Obesity results in future complications Unhealthy weight gain is known to have future complications.
Signs Your Dog Is Underweight
Signs of the problem may include easily felt ribs, little energy, or lethargy. At the slightest opportunity, a dog exhibiting these signs should be taken to the veterinarian. A health care professional can identify any medical causes of the problem and recommend foods to gain weight.
Ingredients to Look for in Dog Food for Weight Gain
When choosing the food for dogs that must put on weight, it is good to know that some ingredients form the basis of this food. Such are protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. Protein aids in muscle building and fats are considered for supplying necessary energy.
- Protein-Rich Foods:For meals a good indication is if the label shows it has chicken, beef or fish as the first item on the list. These protein options are good for building muscles and for weight gain.
- Healthy Fats:Fats have calories and are useful in gaining weight rapidly. Sources of fats are fish oil or flaxseed However, these last few ingredients are beneficial. Do not consume foods containing artificial fats or artificial food additives.
- Carbohydrates for Energy:The second group includes complex carbohydrates, also called starchy foods – they are sweet potatoes or brown rice, for instance, and they give you long-lasting energy. These ingredients enable one to work out more while on the process of gaining weight.
Wet or Dry Dog Food for Weight Gain?
It is possible to gain weight, whether the cat is fed wet food or dried food. That is why wet food is better: it is packed with moisture which is beneficial when it comes to hydration. Dry food, on the other hand, is full of calories and can be stocked more conveniently than canned food. That is, incorporating both types can create a more holistic technique. It does not matter which type you use during a particular session, using the other for the next session is advised.
How to Choose the Best Dog Food for Weight Gain
When choosing the best dog food for this purpose potential buyers need to consider among other things the nutritional value. Specified diet contains higher protein and fat content foods. The first component that every food label should contain is a quality source of protein. Do not take products laden with fillers or artificial additives. Raw whole food is generally much better for your dog and for weight gain as well as on the whole.
Top Dog Food Brands for Weight Gain
Here are some of the top dog food brands known for aiding weight gain:
- Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula:This recipe contains real meat and heart healthy fat. It is perfect for dogs which are underweight and require some build up of muscle mass.
- Purina Pro Plan Sport:This food is particularly formulated for active breeds with high proportions of protein and fat. It helps in gain of weight and loss of body energy.
- Wellness CORE RawRev:This food contains raw meat and kibble to feed your cat in one meal packed with nutrients. It is also suitable for dogs that require extra calories and nutrients for their bodies.
- Nature’s Logic Canine Chicken Meal Feast:This food is free from grains, and contains a lot of healthy fats. It is intended for weight gain without using supplements you don’t require.
- Victor Hi-Pro Plus:Packed with protein that is good for active dogs, this product ensures that muscles are healthy. It is the best diet for the dogs that should gain some weight, and the results will come fast.
Feeding Tips for Weight Gain
In addition to selecting proper food for your pooch, feeding methods are equally as important when attempting to gain your dog weight. Here are some effective feeding strategies:
- Increase Meal Frequency:Do not feed your dog two large meals in a day; rather, divide meals between three to four small portions. This in turn aids in digestion of foods and absorption of the nutrients in the human body.
- Add Wet Food to Dry Kibble:Canned food when mixed with kibble means more calories and the added benefit of moisture. This is very useful for those hard-to-feed dogs; those dogs that are very picky about what they are to eat.
- Use Dog Food Toppers:Healthy toppers such as bone broth or cooked eggs can help pile on more calories, toppers, and nutrients to make it a much healthier meal. Make sure these are unprocessed and not containing any preservatives.
- Monitor Weight Regularly:Regularly weigh your dog to monitor progress. Adjust the portion size or food type based on the weight gain rate.
The Importance of Exercise
The moment that your dog gains some weight on them does not mean that they should be taken to the vet for immobilization. As far as the muscular tissue is concerned, exercises form an integral part of the whole process. Exercise and activity often help a person put on weight in a manner that the masses added are mostly muscles.
- Daily Walks:Make sure your dog gets one or two walks in a day at the very least. This is important in muscle building and ensuring that the dog is in proper shape and health.
- Interactive Play:Walking your dog or engaging in a game of catch or with toys that have to be manipulated to be retrieved can also be beneficial both for the dog’s body and his mind. This helps in the gaining of healthy weight since exercising boosts the chances of you being active.
Homemade Dog Food for Weight Gain
Cooking your own dog food is also advantageous because it lets owners choose what food they want to feed their pet and avoid giving it foods that contain undesirable ingredients. Some healthy homemade recipes include:
- Chicken and Rice:Boiled chicken with rice and olive oil poured over it is not only tasty but it also creates enough calories.
- Eggs and Sweet Potatoes:Boiled eggs joined with sweet potatoes give about proteins and carbohydrate foods. This is tasty and a perfect meal for people who want to gain weight.
- Salmon and Brown Rice:From the nutritional point of view salmon is full of healthy fats while on the other side brown rice contains complex carbohydrates. This meal is good for gaining weight and easily can provide energy for the whole day.
Avoid Unhealthy Foods
Not all foods that contain high calorie are well suitable for gain for instance some foods may lead to weight loss exercise. Stay away from foods that contain sugar, artificial preservatives, or poor quality fats. These are likely to result in lifestyle diseases and excessive weights that are bad for health in the long run. Only buy natural and whole foods or quality dog foods that you could prepare for yourself.
When to Consult a Veterinarian
If your dog’s current diet isn’t helping it pack on the pounds, you should speak with a veterinarian. It is possible there are other related health concerns, such as a parasite, or metabolic disorder. For weight gain, a vet can easily advise on a diet which needs to be adopted or feed supplements that may be necessary.
Final Thoughts
Assisting your dog optain weight requires a balanced approach. Choose dog food rich in protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. Along with proper feeding techniques and regular exercise, you can ensure your dog gains weight healthily. Always monitor your dog’s progress and consult a vet when necessary.
By selecting the best dog food for weight gain, you’ll be ensuring your dog leads a healthy, active life.
