An underweight dog may currently have or be recovering from a medical condition, or may have a poor diet. In any case, you need to feed the dog the right ingredients and make sure he will gain some weight, which will help the dog get better. The feeding schedule is also important, as feeding the dog too much at a time may cause vomiting and discomfort.
The Choice of Food for an Underweight Dog
The choice of food is essential when feeding an underweight dog. The food should be rich in calories and nutrients. The amount of proteins should be high (up to 35%), as this will provide the dog with the energy he needs to recover and will also ensure that the dog will gain weight and develop muscles. Meat is essential in the dog’s diet and it should be preferred to other byproducts and meat meals. Healthy fats should also be included in the diet, as these contain fats and also fibers that are necessary for a good digestion.
The dog may refuse dry kibble, so try mixing it with some tuna oil for more flavor.
If the dog is severely ill and is not able to eat solid food, puppy food or liquid food will be recommended. The puppy food is rich in calories and in nutrients and it generally contains healthy nutrients.
There are also specially formulated dog diets that are meant to help the dog gain some weight.
Preparing the food at home is also an option, but you will have to follow a strict recipe that will ensure that the dog gets the necessary amount of calories.
Talk to your vet to select the best formula for your pet.
The Caloric Content of Food
The caloric content of the food given to an underweight dog should be high. The calories the dog eats should be increased when compared to a normal meal that only provides for the energy needs of the pet. The amount of calories consumed per day should be higher than the amount of energy the dog needs. This will ensure that the dog will gain some weight.
How to Feed a Dog that Needs to Gain Weight
An underweight dog may not react well if you start feeding him a high amount of food at once. For this reason, it is important to give the dog smaller amounts of food several times per day or a food that is rich in calories but occupies a small volume.
Don’t free feed the dog, as he may lack an appetite and will not eat. In addition you won’t be able to monitor his food intake.
Plan the meals carefully and make sure to gradually increase the amount of foods you feed him. Regular feeding hours and healthy food should help your dog gain some weight.
When your dog reaches a normal weight, you will have to transition him to a normal feeding program and give him regular dog food. However, make the transition gradually to prevent digestive problems.