Do treats make dogs gain weight

How to Get a Dog to Gain Weight in 6 Safe and Easy Steps

While obesity is a common problem for many dog breeds, insufficient weight can significantly affect many dogs. When a dog is underweight, it could be a sign of a more serious, underlying condition. Insufficient weight can also cause more serious conditions and greatly affect a dog's quality of life. Have you wondered how to get a dog to gain weight, especially if they look smaller for their size?

In this article, we'll cover some of the reasons why dogs may become underweight and we'll mention tips and tricks for how to get a dog to gain weight. Follow along with us to learn more about how insufficient weight can affect your dog and how to remedy the issue.

Why Do Dogs Become Underweight?

There are numerous reasons why dogs might lose an excessive amount of weight, including parasites and health conditions. Excessive stress, past trauma, old age, dietary restrictions, and dietary preferences can all play a role in a dog being underweight, as well.

Stress

Dogs experience stress in a very similar way to humans - they can even have nervous breakdowns if the stress goes on for too long. Stress often causes dogs to lose their appetite, leading to gradual weight loss that will eventually become evident around their abdomen.

Picky Eaters

Dogs can also be picky eaters, just like humans. Some dogs hate dry dog food, while others won't go near wet food. Some dogs are so picky that they'll only eat dog-safe human foods like beef, chicken, and certain vegetables. Dogs can also get sick of their regular food and refuse to eat it.

Try Different Foods

If your dog is picky, you're probably going to need to experiment a little bit. Dogs are very sensitive to smells and flavors, and if there's a hint of something in their food they don't like, they definitely won't eat it. Try buying small packages of many different foods and letting your dog sample.

Age

As dogs get older, they may experience tooth decay and other mouth diseases that make chewing difficult or even painful. If eating becomes a painful activity, a dog is likely to stop eating altogether. This can also increase their stress level, which will further prevent them from wanting to eat.

Sickness

Various health conditions can lead to a dog losing their appetite or prevent their bodies from absorbing the nutritional value of their food. Diabetes and thyroid disease can both prevent a dog from gaining weight. Parasites like intestinal worms can also prevent your dog from putting on pounds.

They Were Once Stray Or Subject to Cruelty

Sadly, many dogs who were adopted from shelters have mysterious and traumatic pasts. A dog who was once stray may not be used to eating on a regular schedule (or at all), which can cause them not to eat. Dogs who experienced trauma around mealtimes may also associate eating with pain or fear.

Past trauma can linger for a very long time and cause a huge build-up of stress. As we know, increased stress can lead to a dog being underweight on its own. When past trauma comes into the picture, a dog may be so stressed out that they can't eat at all.

Why Would You Want a Dog to Gain Weight?

An underweight dog is highly prone to developing numerous health conditions, namely diabetes. Lack of proper nutrition can lead to a decrease in blood sugar and low glucose levels, which weakens major organ functions. Getting an underweight dog to gain weight is essential for their overall health.

How to Get a Dog to Gain Weight

If your dog needs to gain weight, there are several safe and healthy ways to help them reach their goal. It's crucial that you don't just begin leaving large amounts of food out or feeding them excessive treats. Rapid weight gain and excess food are also unhealthy for dogs. Let's go over some healthy weight-gain tips for dogs.

Identify Why They're Underweight

Identifying the root of an issue is step number one in every problem-solving situation. If you don't know why your dog is underweight, you won't be able to help your dog gain weight in a healthy and effective way. It's recommended that you consult with your veterinarian about your dog's weight issue.

Help Reduce Their Stress

Reducing stress can dramatically improve a dog's overall quality of life in addition to helping them gain weight. Many dogs are prone to separation anxiety, stranger anxiety, and anxiety about other dogs. It's important to do your best to make life as comfortable and easy for your pup as possible.

However, it isn't always simple to eliminate your dog's stressors. Many people have to go to work every day, and you can't stop other dogs from walking by your house. If you and your dog are in need of some help reducing their stress, we highly recommend trying our CBD products for dogs.

CBD is a non-intoxicating plant compound with many therapeutic properties. To combat dog stress, we created our CBD Dog Treats + Stress & Anxiety Relief. They're packed with peanut butter and green apples to entice dogs' palates, then the CBD and other ingredients work to relieve dogs' stress.

CBD is naturally soothing and, through interacting with a dog's endocannabinoid system (ECS), promotes mental calmness and peace. Many of our customers give one of these treats to their dogs in the morning before leaving for work or before taking the dog on a trip to help them remain relaxed.

If your dog is too picky for the treat's flavor, we also offer CBD for dogs in tincture form that can be mixed into their food of preference. It's the same as the CBD oil we use in the treats, which is 100% organic, natural, gluten-free, and non-GMO. If you need help de-stressing your dog, CBD is a super effective tool.

Related: Organic Dog Food vs Non-Organic [In Depth Comparison]

Take it Slow

As we mentioned, you'll want to do your best to prevent your dog from gaining weight too quickly. You'll also want to be cautious of pressuring them into eating when they aren't up for it. Try giving them new foods one at a time, on different days, and monitor your dog's reaction to them as you go.

Simply buying a different brand isn't always the best option for every dog. If you feed them dry food, try adding water to it one day. Do your best to remain supportive and encouraging of your dog as they try new foods and not to get angry with them if they're resisting the process. It may be a long journey.

Choose Foods with Higher Calories

Rather than simply feeding your dog more food, try to look for foods with higher healthy calorie counts. Look for ingredients like healthy proteins and fats, but avoid unhealthy fats. Some healthy proteins for dogs are chicken, turkey, and peanut butter (the latter of which also contains healthy fat).

When searching for food with healthy fats, look for ingredients that are rich in omega fatty acids. Omega fatty acids are also amazing for a dog's overall health, namely their heart health. Eggs, hemp seeds, and quinoa are all good sources of omega fatty acids.

Safe Human Foods

Dog-safe human foods are a great way to help change up your dog's normal eating routine and introduce additional nutritional value into their diet. In addition to the foods in the last section, some healthy human foods to help your dog gain weight are:

• Eggs - Eggs are an awesome source of protein that most dogs love to gobble up. Try adding some scrambled eggs into their food to see if it entices them into eating, or serve it on its own.
• Salmon and Tuna - Both kinds of fish are excellent sources of healthy fat and protein. However, they should both be served completely cooked and unseasoned for the safety of your dog.
• Pumpkin - Pumpkin provides a healthy source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber for dogs. It also adds a fun new flavor to their diet! We use pumpkin in another kind of CBD dog treat we offer, Pumpkin Spice & Cinnamon + Joint and Mobility Support. Dogs LOVE them!
• Sweet Potatoes - Like pumpkins, sweet potatoes offer high nutritional value to a dog's diet. They should always be served cooked (boiled or baked), completely unseasoned, and in moderation. You'll find sweet potato in our last variety of CBD dog treats, Blueberry & Sweet Potato + Heart and Immune Care.

Increase Activity

As your dog begins eating more, they'll need to increase their activity to match their caloric intake. Don't push them too hard at first - if they're underweight, they're likely to be somewhat weak and fatigued. Start by going for longer than usual walks and increasing playtime activities like fetch.

When Should I Go to the Vet?

If you believe your dog is underweight, we recommend heading to the vet as soon as possible so that they can diagnose the issue. Remember, identifying the root of the issue is step number one. Your vet will be able to discern why your dog is underweight and over more tips for weight gain.

Final Thoughts - How to Get a Dog to Gain Weight

We all love our dogs so much, and when they're suffering, we want to do everything we can to help. While being underweight may not seem like a huge deal, it definitely can be when left untreated. Want to learn more? You can visit these helpful dog guides.

What Human Food Can I Give My Dog To Gain Weight?

Dogs are notorious for begging at the dinner table, but is it safe to give them scraps from our own meals?

The answer is that it depends

While some human foods are perfectly safe for dogs to eat, others can be dangerous.

For instance, many dog owners are aware that they should not give their pets chocolate due to its potential toxicity.

Garlic and onions may be poisonous to your furry friend too.

Because some human food can cause harm to your dog, most pet parents choose the safe route and avoid feeding them anything but dog food.

But did you know some human foods are not only safe but can also have lots of nutritional benefits for your furry baby?

For instance, you can feed your dog some human foods to help them gain weight.

Human Foods That Can Help Your Dog Gain Weight

The following are some human foods that you can safely feed your dog for weight gain.

1. Beef

Lean cuts of beef, cooked without any seasoning, can be a tasty and protein-packed addition to your dogs diet.

Dogs are carnivores and so their digestive systems are well-equipped to digest meat.

In fact, beef is one of the main ingredients used in making dog food.

The protein in beef will help your pup build muscle and gain weight.

Just be sure to avoid feeding your dog any beef that has sauces as that might be harmful to your dog.

You may also want to check: How Much Ground Beef Should I Feed My Dog?

2. Eggs

Similar to beef, eggs are an excellent source of protein for dogs.

They are rich in protein, fatty acids, and vitamins, making them a nutritious addition to your dogs diet.

You can feed your dog cooked eggs, either scrambled or boiled.

Just make sure not to feed them raw eggs, as they may contain bacteria that can make your dog sick.

Additionally, ensure the eggs do not have shells in them as that can be a choking hazard.

Also, the AKC advises that you try to feed your dog eggs from free-range chicken because they are healthier and more nutritious.

3. Cheese

Full-fat cheese can also be a good choice for weight gain in dogs.

Cheese is high in both protein and fat, making it a great option to help your pup pack on some pounds.

In fact, experts warn against feeding your dog too much cheese because of its high-fat content as it can easily lead to obesity.

When done in moderation, your dog will put on just the right amount of weight.

Cheese also has lactose, even though not as much as whole milk.

Even so, do not feed cheese to a dog that has lactose intolerance as that can lead to health complications.

4. Peanut Butter

In moderation, peanut butter can be a tasty treat for dogs and a good source of healthy fats.

Look for unsalted versions to avoid any potential issues with sodium.

Keep in mind that some dogs may have allergies to peanuts, so check with your vet before introducing this treat into their diet.

Additionally, avoid any peanut butter that has xylitol, which is usually used as a sweetener in processed foods.

According to the FDA, this ingredient can result in xylitol poisoning in dogs.

You may also want to check: How Much Peanut Butter Can A Dog Have?

5. Turkey

Turkey is used in lots of dog food recipes and is therefore safe for your pup.

It is not only rich in protein but also has some other beneficial nutrients like riboflavin, and phosphorous.

However, it has to be cooked differently from the way it is prepared for humans.

Cook the turkey plain without adding seasonings or fat and it should be safe for your dog.

Additionally, do not feed the fatty skin to the dog because it might cause some stomach upsets.

6. Chicken

Like turkey, plain cooked chicken (without the skin) can be a good source of protein for weight gain in dogs.

Chicken is also commonly used as a dog food ingredient.

Avoid feeding them raw or undercooked chicken, as it may contain harmful bacteria.

The chicken can be poached, roasted, baked, or grilled and you can serve it individually or add it to your dogs regular food.

Before serving chicken to your dog, you may want to find out if they are allergic because some dogs are allergic to chicken.

It is among the top 10 food items that dogs are allergic to.

Also, be sure to debone the chicken before serving. This is because the cooked chicken bones splinter easily and can be a choking hazard.

7. Fruit and Vegetables

In addition to protein and fat, adding some low-calorie fruits and vegetables to your dogs diet can also help them healthily gain weight.

Some good options include sweet potatoes, pumpkin, broccoli, carrots, apples, blueberries, and bananas.

These can be mixed into their regular food or given as a tasty treat.

Always avoid feeding your dog grapes, raisins, or any fruit with pits as these can be toxic to them.

Also, remember to cut any fruits or meats into small, bite-sized pieces before feeding them to your dog.

And always stick to plain, unsweetened varieties without added salts or sugars.

8. Plain, Unsweetened Yogurt

Full-fat plain yogurt can be a good source of protein and healthy fats for weight gain in dogs.

Avoid flavored or sweetened varieties, as the added sugar is not good for them.

Some dogs may also be lactose intolerant, so check with your vet before introducing yogurt into their diet.

Additionally, most dogs might struggle to digest lactose and so you shouldnt be too liberal with the yogurtjust a little of it mixed in their food should do the trick.

You may want to keep an eye on your dog for signs of indigestion.

If you notice such signs, discontinue the yogurt immediately.

Otherwise, when done in moderation, yogurt can be safe and also help your dog gain weight first.

9. Rice

Rice is rich in carbohydrates and can certainly contribute to weight gain in your dog when included in its meals.

It is also likely to aid in easy digestion and can be quickly prepared.

Brown rice is generally not recommended for dogs due to its challenging digestibility.

White rice is safer but its essential to note that white rice can lead to increased blood sugar levels. So, feed it sparingly if your dog has diabetes.

Here are a few rice-related posts you may want to check out:

How Long Should I Keep My Dog On Chicken And Rice?

How Much Rice Should You Feed A Dog With Diarrhea?

10. Coconut oil

Coconut oil has potent antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal properties.

If youre seeking a natural human food to supplement your dogs weight gain, coconut oil is an excellent choice.

Rich in beneficial saturated fats, coconut oil can also enhance your dogs immune system, improve cognitive function, and alleviate itchy skin.

However, it is calorie-dense (up to 120 calories per teaspoon), so ensure you provide it to your dog in moderation to prevent excessive weight gain.

Also, consider gradually introducing the oil into your dogs diet until his body adjusts to the change. This approach helps you monitor for potential allergic reactions.

11. Salmon, Tuna, Ocean Whitefish, and Herring

These fish are excellentsources of high-quality protein, making them excellent supplements for your dogs weight gain.

They are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, renowned for promoting joint health, cognitive function, and lustrous coats.

These fish also possess shorter lifespans, resulting in lower mercury levels.

Whichever fish you choose to feed your dog, ensure that its cooked and deboned, as uncooked versions may contain parasites.

Also read: Is Tuna Good for Dogs with Kidney Disease?

12. Sweet Potatoes and Pumpkin

If you are looking to enhance your dogs weight without introducing excessive protein, you can consider incorporating sweet potato and pumpkin into their meals.

Both are rich in fat and fiber, and can contribute to both better digestion and weight gain in dogs.

Both pumpkin and sweet potatoes are also rich in vitamins such as vitamin A that can help boost your dogs immunity.

But you should remember a few caveats though if you decide to give your dog sweet potatoes and pumpkin to help him gain weight:

• Monitor him closely during the initial days of introducing these additions to his diet to ensure his bowel movements remain regular.

• Sweet potatoes should not make up more than ten percent of your dogs diet. Although it offers vitamin A and fiber benefits, it also contains sugar. Overconsumption of sugar can lead to problems like obesity and diabetes, so moderation is essential.

Feel free to explore the following posts to learn more about the best practices for preparing pumpkins and sweet potatoes for your dogs.

How to Cook Pumpkin for Dogs

How to Cook Sweet Potato for Dogs

How Much Pumpkin Should You Give a Dog For Constipation?

13. Quinoa

Quinoa is another excellent human food that can help your pup gain weight.

It offers valuable energy to help your dog gain weight and is among the few carbohydrate sources that are known to contain all the necessary amino acids essential for promoting muscle growth in dogs.

Quinoa is a staple in a variety of quality dry dog foods, so incorporating it into your dogs diet on a regular basis will not result in any negative health consequences.

Instead, it offers a healthy alternative to starchy foods such as soy and corn.

Learn more about the benefits of quinoa here: Is Quinoa Good for Dogs?

14. Satin Balls

Satin balls are raw meatballs designed to help dogs gain weight quickly.

They are packed with carbohydrates, fats, fiber, and proteins.

If your dog requires some extra pounds, these homemade dog weight gainers can be a reliable option.

However, its important to note that satin balls are not suitable for puppies or pregnant dogs; they are intended for adult dogs.

I recommend starting with one satin ball for every 20 pounds of the dogs body weight per day.

If you dont see noticeable weight gain within the initial 5-7 days, consider increasing the daily intake of Satin Balls.

Learn more here: How Many Satin Balls Should You Feed Your Dog?

15. Bone Broth

Bones and connective tissues are rich in a wide range of nutrients, including protein, fat, and various essential micronutrients like iron, calcium, potassium, and other minerals.

All these not only contribute to the overall health of your dog but also aid in reducing inflammation and preventing chronic diseases.

Its clear, therefore, that incorporating bone broth into your dogs diet can be a valuable strategy to boost their weight.

While purchasing bones, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons from a butcher may be cost-effective, the process of simmering these ingredients to create bone broth demands considerable time and effort.

Fortunately, there are convenient alternatives available for pet owners who are unable to dedicate their time to simmering bones.

Check this post for the readily available bone brought options for your dog: 9 Best Store-Bought Bone Broth for Dogs (plus Easy Homemade Recipes)

16. Pork

Pork is another human food option to consider for helping your dog gain weight.

Its tenderness and delicious flavor make it appealing to both humans and dogs.

However, its crucial to ensure that the pork you provide to your dog is thoroughly cooked to prevent any potential harm from the bacteria that can be present in raw pork.

Also, refrain from adding spices or seasonings to the pork intended for your dogs consumption as they can be harmful to dogs.

You should also avoid feeding your dog processed pork products like bacon and ham due to their high sodium content, which can be detrimental to your dogs health.

You may also want to check: Can Dogs Eat Scrapple?

Important Factors to Consider Before Feeding Your Dog Human Food for Weight Gain

A. Seek Advice from Your Veterinarian

Before you opt for human foods to aid in your dogs weight gain, its crucial to have a discussion with your veterinarian.

Engage your vet in a conversation about your dogs weight to ensure that youre making informed decisions and not jeopardizing your dogs well-being.

If possible, request a comprehensive physical examination, as several diseases or health issues might be influencing your dogs weight loss or reduced appetite.

Addressing these potential factors is essential prior to initiating a weight gain program.

Your veterinarian can also provide valuable insights into suitable human foods for your dog and recommend a suitable target weightall of which will assist you in achieving weight gain milestones for your dog safely.

B. Proceed with Caution

An abrupt increase in weight can strain a dogs joints due to the added pressure.

So, whatever human food you decide to give your dog, ensure safety by embracing a gradual feeding routine that places the dogs overall well-being as the top priority.

As you commence this journey, establish modest objectives for your dog. These goals could involve gaining as little as half a pound at a time.

Employing incremental progress will enable your dog to put on weight steadily while minimizing the risk of potential health complications.

C. Include Physical Activity

While it might appear counterintuitive to suggest exercise for a dog in need of weight gainconsidering that exercise burns caloriesthere are benefits to incorporating physical activity in your weight gain plan .

Exercise aids your dog in building muscle mass and adding bulk to their physique.

Increased physical activity can also boost your dogs appetite.

However, its important to strike a balance, as insufficient exercise alongside weight gain efforts could lead to obesity.

So, just as you gradually adjust your dogs diet, implement exercise increases progressively.

Engage your furry companion in both mental and physical games to keep them occupied throughout the day while ensuring their fitness.

Regular exercise is vitalideally twice a day.

If your dog isnt accustomed to regular exercise, consult your veterinarian for guidance on safe amounts of walking, running, and jumping, then gradually ramp up the intensity and duration of these activities.

Finally, during hot weather, remember to provide your dog with ample water and allow him sufficient recovery time between exercise sessions.

Parting Thoughts

When done in moderation and with caution, incorporating some human foods into your dogs diet can help them gain weight.

Good options include beef, eggs, turkey, peanut butter, cheese, chicken, fruits & vegetables, plain yogurt, quinoa, rice, coconut oil, bone broth, satin balls, salmon, pork, sweet potato, and pumpkin.

Remember that your dogs main source of nutrition should still come from a balanced dog food diet.

And while these human foods can be safe options for your dog to gain weight, its important to remember that they should still primarily be fed a balanced diet made specifically for dogs.

The best plan for your pup will also vary depending on their individual needs and health concerns.

It is therefore a good idea to consult with your vet before making any changes to your dogs diet, especially regarding incorporating human foods as occasional treats or mix-ins.

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