How can dogs gain weight by eating? Scientific guide to weight gain
In the past 10 days, the topic of pet health has surged in popularity, especially the discussion about scientific weight gain for dogs. Many owners want their thin dogs to be stronger, but blind feeding can be harmful to health. This article combines popular opinions and veterinary advice from across the Internet to sort out safe and effective ways to gain weight.
1. Common causes of thin dogs

| Reason | Description |
|---|---|
| Insufficient diet | Feeding volume is lower than required or nutrition is unbalanced |
| parasitic infection | Internal parasites rob nutrients |
| Poor digestion and absorption | Weak gastrointestinal function leads to loss of nutrients |
| Excessive exercise | Consume more than you take in |
| disease effects | Such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism, etc. |
2. Core Principles of Healthy Weight Gain
1.Physical examination first: Rule out parasite or disease problems;
2.High protein priority: Protein is the key to muscle growth;
3.Eat small meals often: 3-4 meals a day to reduce gastrointestinal burden;
4.step by step: Gain no more than 2% of body weight per week.
3. List of recommended foods for weight gain
| food type | Recommended choice | Things to note |
|---|---|---|
| staple food | High protein dog food (≥30% crude protein) | Avoid too many grains |
| meat | Chicken breast, beef, salmon | Cooked and boned |
| carbohydrates | Sweet potatoes, pumpkin, oats | Control the amount to prevent obesity |
| Nutritional supplements | Goat milk powder and fish oil for pets | Add by weight |
4. Example of daily feeding plan (taking a 10kg adult dog as an example)
| time | food | weight |
|---|---|---|
| breakfast | High protein dog food + boiled eggs | 80g+1 egg yolk |
| lunch | Chicken breast mixed with sweet potatoes | 50g meat + 30g sweet potato |
| dinner | Dog food + fish oil | 80g+1 teaspoon |
| Extra meal | goat milk powder | 100ml |
5. Guide to avoid pitfalls
1.Avoid excess fat: May cause pancreatitis;
2.Don’t feed humans snacks: Chocolate, onions, etc. are poisonous to dogs;
3.Monitor weight changes: Weigh and record weekly;
4.Combined with moderate exercise: Promotes muscle rather than fat accumulation.
6. Expert reminder
Veterinarian Dr. Li emphasized in a recent interview: "The dog's weight gain must be healthy. If the diet adjustment within 2 weeks does not work, it must be reviewed. Some small dogs (such as Chihuahuas) are naturally slender and do not need to deliberately gain weight."
Through scientific dietary management, most dogs can reach their ideal weight within 1-2 months. Remember, fat ≠ healthy, and being well-proportioned is the ultimate goal!
check the details
check the details