Does your furry friend seem a little too thin, even after you’ve tried everything? You’re not alone! Many dog owners worry when their canine companion isn’t at a healthy weight. It can be tough to figure out exactly what to feed them to help them gain weight safely and effectively.
Choosing the right food can feel overwhelming. You see so many brands and types, and you want to make sure you’re giving your dog the best. You don’t want to choose something that’s unhealthy or doesn’t work. This is where our guide comes in handy.
By reading on, you’ll learn about the best food choices for helping your dog gain weight. We’ll break down what to look for and what to avoid. You’ll gain the confidence to pick the perfect food to help your dog reach a healthy, happy weight. Let’s dive into the world of nutritious foods that will help your dog thrive!
Top Food To Fatten Up A Dog Recommendations
- HELPS DOG GAIN WEIGHT: All American Canine powder helps dogs to gain healthy weight fast. Our powder is a high-calorie weight gainer and is packed with vitamins, probiotics, and other digestive, joint, and muscle-supporting components that help your pets regain energy and vitality.
- HEALTHY WEIGHT SUPPLEMENT: Our premium weight gainer is formulated with a unique blend of high-quality ingredients working to promote joint health, enhance muscle growth, boost the immune system, and support a dog’s overall well-being.
- USEFUL INGREDIENTS: Beef broth protein powder, whey protein, ground flaxseed, beef, liver powder, sweet potato powder, pumpkin powder, blueberry powder, sunflower lecithin, organic kelp, and essential nutrients to boost your dog's weight to stay active and play more.
- ADD WEIGHT & ENERGY TO YOUR PET FAST: Our high protein and fats powered are packed with essential vitamins and minerals to help your dog gain healthy weight and increase energy levels. They are easy to feed and taste great so your pet will love them.
- NONE OF THE BAD STUFF: We're dog lovers. That is why we only use all-natural, safe, and nutritious components. There is no polypropylene (which is safe for cats), glycerin, artificial colors, or trans fats.
- MAKES PICKY EATERS EXCITED ABOUT MEALTIME - Our magical dinner dust transforms ordinary kibble into an irresistible feast that dogs crave. Just sprinkle over dry or wet food to enhance flavor and nutrition while encouraging hesitant eaters.
- PREMIUM FREEZE-DRIED RAW NUTRITION - Made with 95% grass-fed beef, organs, and bone plus organic fruits and vegetables. Contains no artificial ingredients, fillers, grains, or preservatives for a nutrient-dense mealtime enhancement.
- EASY-TO-USE POWDER FORMULA - The powder format is designed to coat food evenly for enhanced flavor in every bite. Resealable container keeps product fresh and makes serving simple for convenient daily use.
- SUPPORTS OVERALL HEALTH - Naturally preserved nutrients from raw ingredients plus added probiotics. May be introduced gradually for dogs with sensitive digestive systems to promote optimal tolerance and benefits.
- MADE WITH CARE IN THE USA - Crafted in small batches from responsibly sourced ingredients in our own USA kitchen. Quality you can trust for the furry family member you love with the premium standards pet parents expect.
- 100 percent complete and balanced adult dog food pouch
- Purina Moist and Meaty dog food made with real beef
- Moist dog food in individual pouches for quick, no-mess meals
- Stay-fresh dog food pouches preserve flavor and tender real meat dog food texture
- Unique soft and meaty beef dog food texture is a dog-pleasing choice you can feed them as a treat meal or dog meal toppers
- A NEW PREMIUM alternative to low fat veterinary diets at a GREAT VALUE without the need for a prescription.
- VETERINARIAN FORMULATED low fat formula for dogs that may have difficulties digesting fat, including dogs that may be prone to developing pancreatitis.
- CERTIFIED SUSTAINABLE & WILD CAUGHT – The Pacific Cod and Ocean whitefish meal are sourced from fisheries that have been independently certified to the Marine Stewardship Council's standard for being well-managed and sustainable.
- Featuring SquarePet's PROPRIETARY DIETARY FIBER BLEND which includes high quality soluble and insoluble fiber sources, prebiotics, and probiotics to help support healthy digestion.
- CRUCIAL OMEGA 3 & 6 FATTY ACIDS INCLUDING DHA & EPA support healthy skin and a shiny coat, immune system health and brain function.
- POWERFUL ALL-IN-ONE DOG GRAVY: Wonder Paws all-in-one delicious liquid dog gravy includes a blend of powerful vitamins, minerals and omegas to help fill nutritional gaps and support hip & joint health, digestion, skin & coat, heart, immune and allergy relief. Just one drizzle with every meal helps your dog get powerful vitamins, minerals, omegas, collagen, mushrooms and nutrients that they need to thrive, no matter what's in the bowl. Our dog food kibble topper sauce and flavor booster is made with beef bone broth, so it’s perfect for wet or dry food. Simply squeeze our dog gravy bone broth liquid on your pet’s food or kibble to turn any meal into a delicious and healthy nutritional boost!
- HIP & JOINT, IMMUNE, SKIN, ALLERGY & DIGESTION: Our liquid bone broth dog gravy topper is packed with a multivitamin complex that helps fill nutritional gaps in your pet’s diet, a hip & joint complex that reduces occasional joint stiffness and promotes flexibility. Promotes a healthy and shiny coat as well as taurine for heart health, mushrooms for immunity and digestion supporting ingredients. We developed our dog gravy topper for dry food and wet food to be an all-in-one solution with essential multivitamins and ingredients to help fill nutritional gaps in your pet’s diet, while supporting heart, joints, digestion, energy, immunity, skin and coat, cognition and overall health.
- BONE BROTH MULTIVITAMIN DOG GRAVY: Is your pet a picky eater with food, supplements or treats? Finally, you can turn any food into an irresistible meal that delivers vitamins, minerals, omegas, collagen, turkey tail mushroom for dogs, taurine, glucosamine and beef bone broth, while supporting overall health. Our tasty dog food topper is packed with healthy ingredients that will make mealtime fun and flavorful while supercharging your pet’s food with nutritional goodness. There’re no synthetic additives or preservatives, it’s a clean gravy topper for dry or wet food or homemade meals and it’s packed with nutritious essential vitamins and supplements.
- DELICIOUS FOOD TOPPER FOR PICKY EATERS: Our delicious gravy for dogs is formulated for dogs of all ages, sizes and breeds. Whether your pet is a senior or puppy, our bone broth for dogs gravy is formulated with vitamins, minerals, omegas, mushrooms and herbs to support wide ranging health benefits. Unlike other dog food toppers, we include vitamin E, B12, B6, glucosamine, MSM, taurine, collagen for dogs, omega 3 fish oil and organic turkey tail. While there are other dog food toppers for dry food and dog food toppers for wet food, our dog gravy food topper is designed for picky pets and delivers powerful nutritional benefits.
- NASC CERTFIIED: Wonder Paws is a member of the prestigious National Animal Supplement Council (NASC), which ensures strict quality control standards. Wonder Paws everyday beef dog gravy for pets is NASC certified, so you know you are getting a trusted product that adheres to stringent quality controls. Our dog food topper is made in the United States with globally sourced ingredients in an FDA registered and GMP certified facility. Try our gravy bone broth meal topper for dogs today to see and feel the difference in our quality.
- Enhance Mealtime Magic with BarkBox Sweet Potato Topper: Experience the enchantment of our single-ingredient sweet potato topper – a culinary wonder that transforms every meal into a disappearing act! Simply sprinkle generously over your dog's kibble and witness the magic unfold as every last bite vanishes. Each shake introduces a burst of our premium superfood sweet potato topper.
- Nutrient-Packed Flavor with Just 1 ingredient: Elevate your pup's meal with high-quality fiber and beta carotene, ensuring they receive the goodness they deserve. Give your furry friend wholesome flavors in every sprinkle.
- Variety Made Easy: No need to change kibble! Discover the art of mealtime variety without the hassle of changing kibble. Our sweet potato topper offers a simple yet delicious solution. Keep your dog's meal routine intact while delighting their taste buds with new flavors. Whether you have a picky eater or simply want to offer a diverse palate, this topper provides an effortless way to elevate your dog's dining experience
- Convenient Shaker Bottle for Effortless Application: Say goodbye to complex mealtime prep with BarkBox's innovative shaker bottle. Designed for ultimate ease and convenience compared to wet toppers, the bottle ensures the effortless application of the sweet potato topper onto your pup's kibble for up to 60 meals. With a straightforward shake, pour, and store design, you'll spend less time measuring and more time enjoying your dog's excitement during mealtime
- Universal Dog Mixer: Transform any meal with our versatile dog food toppers. This mixer is designed for picky eaters, enhancing the normal dry food dog bowl. It’s a staple in dog accessories, elevating meal times for dogs and puppies alike.
- HIGH CALORIE WEIGHT GAINER FOR DOGS – All-natural liquid dog weight gainer designed to support healthy weight gain, mass, and recovery for dogs of all breeds and ages. Perfect high calorie supplement for dogs that need extra calories.
- ALL-NATURAL INGREDIENTS & PURE OILS – Made with salmon oil, coconut/MCT oil, avocado oil, flaxseed oil, and olive oil. This dog weight gain supplement contains no fillers, harmful chemicals, or artificial flavoring.
- SUPPORTS COAT, JOINT & MUSCLE HEALTH – Rich in essential omega fatty acids and nutrients, this dog supplement helps maintain joint health, muscle development, and a shiny coat while providing calorie-dense nutrition.
- TASTES LIKE A TREAT, WORKS LIKE A SUPPLEMENT – Flavor-packed liquid dog food enhancer with a savory taste dogs love, making it easy to mix with meals. Ideal as a dog food additive and liquid dog food calorie booster.
- PROUDLY MADE IN THE USA – Premium quality high calorie dog supplement manufactured with natural ingredients to provide safe and effective weight gain for dogs. Convenient serving sizes tailored for small to large breeds.
- Drool-Worthy Dog Gravy: With wholesome ingredients, beef bone broth and grass-fed stock, this wet dog food topper for dry food delivers targeted nutrition for coats, digestion, heart health, and hip & joint mobility
- Irresistible Beef Flavor for Picky Eaters: Turn boring kibble into a crave-worthy meal. This savory beef formula adds rich taste and texture to dry food, encouraging even the pickiest dogs to eat enthusiastically while supporting consistent appetite and mealtime excitement.
- Nutrition in Every Drop: Powered by glucosamine HCL, MSM, MCT, salmon oil, marine microalgae oil (omega-3), taurine, mushroom extract, electrolytes, and probiotics for purposeful support in every lick
- Easy to Serve, No Fuss: Simply shake and pour over dry, wet food, or homemade meals making it a convenient kibble sauce for daily feeding across all breeds, sizes, and life stages
- Vet-Formulated & Made in the USA: A naturally made, lickable liquid meal topper for dogs, produced in a GMP-certified facility and free from artificial additives or fillers
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Helping Your Pup Pack on Healthy Pounds
Is your furry friend a little too lean for your liking? Maybe they’re recovering from an illness, or perhaps they’re just a naturally high-energy dog who burns through calories like a furnace. Whatever the reason, you’re looking for ways to help your dog gain a healthy amount of weight. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to choose the best “food to fatten up a dog” products.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re trying to help your dog gain weight, you need food that’s packed with nutrients and calories. Here are the most important features to keep an eye out for:
- High Calorie Density: This is the most crucial feature. You want food that offers more calories in a smaller serving. This helps your dog eat enough to gain weight without feeling too full.
- Quality Protein Sources: Protein builds muscle. Look for foods with real meat (like chicken, beef, lamb, or fish) as the first ingredient. Avoid foods with vague “meat by-products” as their primary protein.
- Healthy Fats: Fats provide concentrated energy. Foods with added healthy fats like fish oil or chicken fat are excellent. These fats also help with a shiny coat!
- Digestible Carbohydrates: Carbs give energy. Opt for easily digestible sources like brown rice, sweet potatoes, or oats.
- Vitamins and Minerals: A balanced diet is key for overall health. Ensure the food is fortified with essential vitamins and minerals that support weight gain and well-being.
Important Materials
The ingredients in your dog’s food are what make the difference. Here are some materials you want to see and some you want to avoid:
- You Want: Real meats (chicken, beef, lamb, turkey, fish), whole grains (brown rice, oats), fruits and vegetables (sweet potatoes, peas, carrots, blueberries), healthy fats (fish oil, chicken fat).
- You Want to Avoid: Fillers like corn, wheat, and soy in large amounts, artificial colors and flavors, excessive by-products without clear sourcing.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all weight-gain foods are created equal. Here’s how to tell the good from the not-so-good:
- Improves Quality:
- Clear ingredient list with named meat sources first.
- AAFCO statement confirming the food is complete and balanced for growth or all life stages.
- Positive reviews from other dog owners who have seen success.
- Recommendations from your veterinarian.
- Reduces Quality:
- Vague ingredient names (e.g., “animal digest”).
- Excessive use of fillers.
- No AAFCO statement.
- Lots of artificial additives.
User Experience and Use Cases
When you’re choosing food to help your dog gain weight, think about how it will fit into your daily routine and your dog’s life.
- For Underweight Dogs: This is the most common use case. Dogs who are naturally skinny, rescued dogs needing to catch up, or those recovering from illness benefit greatly.
- For Senior Dogs: Sometimes, older dogs lose weight. A calorie-dense, easily digestible food can help them maintain a healthy weight.
- For Active/Working Dogs: Very energetic breeds or dogs with demanding jobs (like agility or service dogs) need extra calories to fuel their activities and stay at a healthy weight.
- Ease of Feeding: You want a food that your dog will actually eat! Palatability is key. Many weight-gain formulas have enhanced flavors to encourage picky eaters.
- Digestibility: A dog gaining weight needs to absorb nutrients well. Look for foods that are easy on their stomach.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main goal of “food to fatten up a dog”?
A: The main goal is to help your dog gain a healthy amount of weight by providing more calories and nutrients in their diet.
Q: Are these foods safe for all dogs?
A: These foods are generally safe for dogs needing to gain weight. However, it’s always best to talk to your veterinarian first. They can help determine if your dog has any underlying health issues causing them to be underweight.
Q: How quickly will I see results?
A: Results vary depending on your dog’s metabolism, activity level, and the food you choose. You might start seeing a difference in a few weeks, but it can take a few months for significant changes.
Q: Can I just feed my dog more of their regular food?
A: While feeding more of their regular food might help a little, it’s often not enough. Weight-gain foods are specially formulated with higher calorie density and specific nutrients to make weight gain more effective and healthier.
Q: What if my dog is a picky eater?
A: Many weight-gain foods are made to be very tasty! Look for options with real meat flavors and good textures. You can also try warming up the food slightly to release more aroma.
Q: Should I mix weight-gain food with my dog’s current food?
A: It’s usually best to transition your dog to a new food gradually over a week. Mixing can sometimes dilute the benefits of the weight-gain food. Ask your vet for the best transition plan.
Q: What are some signs my dog is gaining weight healthily?
A: You should be able to feel your dog’s ribs easily but not see them sticking out. They should have more energy and a generally healthier appearance.
Q: Are there any natural ways to help my dog gain weight?
A: Besides specialized food, you can add healthy toppers like plain yogurt, a little bit of cooked chicken, or a spoonful of peanut butter (xylitol-free!) to their meals. Always check with your vet before making significant diet changes.
Q: What’s the difference between puppy food and weight-gain food?
A: Puppy food is designed for growth and development, which is calorie-rich. However, weight-gain food is specifically formulated for dogs of all ages who need extra calories for weight gain, not just growth.
Q: How do I know if I’m overfeeding my dog?
A: If your dog’s ribs are hard to feel, or you can see them prominently, they might be gaining too much weight. Their waist should be visible when viewed from above. Regular vet check-ups are important to monitor their weight.