Which Weight Gainer Should I Feed My Dog?

If your dog is underweight and struggling to put weight on then you and your veterinarian may decide a weight gainer is a good idea. 

Choosing the right weight gainer can be a difficult decision, we look at the best weight gainers for dogs, when they are used and what to look out for in a healthy weight gain diet. 

Different Types of Weight Gainer for Dog’s

Choosing the right weight gainer for your dog will depend on how underweight they are and how quickly they need to regain healthy weight. You will also have to consider any other health issues from pregnancy, allergies, activity levels or if they are a fussy eater. 

Liquid Weight Gainers

Liquid weight gainers and supplements are an easy way to administer extra calories to a very sick dog, or a dog that has a problem eating or is refusing to eat. Liquid weight gainers can be used by adding to normal food or water, or be given by a syringe. 

Miracle Vet Liquid weight gainer is used a lot for animals recovering from surgery or illness, rescue pets who are stressed and not eating, pregnant dogs who are not getting enough calories normally for a healthy pregnancy. 

Easy to give, the extra calories have a sweet flavor and appetite stimulant to help kick start their recovery or weight gain as well as give them essential nutrients to boost their energy levels. 

High Calorie Dog Food

High Calorie dog foods are a complete formula and a great weight management solution. Packed with meat based proteins and healthy fats your dog doesn’t need any other food. 

Miracle Vet high calorie dog food has a whopping 600 calories per cup so depending on your dog's breed, size and where they are in their weight management journey you can work out how much of a serving they will need. 

As your dog gains weight many of our customers continue with subscribe and save as the complete natural dog food has everything your dog needs for a healthy lifestyle and the smaller portion with high calories and nutrients mean it is a great value solution for your dog. 

High Calorie Dog Chews

Extra Calories on the go! 

High calorie dog chews and treats are a convenient way of giving extra calories to your underweight dog! Just keep some in a bag in your pocket and give them a treat when you are out walking. This is a good way of keeping them healthy and adding extra calories between meal times. 

Miracle vet high calorie treats have 50 calories per chew, for smaller dogs you may want to break these up a little. Our high calorie chews contain 3 sources of energy:

Simple sugars - for a quick burst of energy when you are out

Complex carbohydrates - for slow release energy that will last throughout the day

Healthy fats - to keep your dog feeling fuller for longer

Packed with essential vitamins and minerals, we have also added probiotics to help your fur baby keep a healthy gut and avoid diarrhoea. 

When Should I Use a Weight Gainer? 

Weight gain in dogs should be done in a healthy and controlled manner to avoid adverse effects on their overall health. Obesity or unhealthy weight gain can cause health issues, putting a strain on organs. This can trigger health problems or prevent a full recovery from illness. 

Consult your veterinarian: Before starting any weight-gain schedule, consult with your vet to make sure they are underweight for their age or breed, determine if the cause of the weight loss is due to an underlying health issue and make sure you have a plan for healthy weight gain..

Identify the cause: It's important to understand why your dog is underweight or having trouble gaining weight. There could be underlying medical conditions, parasites, or poor nutrition that need to be addressed. Your vet can help identify the cause and develop an appropriate plan.

Quality and balanced nutrition: Look for a weight-gain product that provides high-quality, balanced nutrition. It should contain adequate levels of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. Avoid products that rely heavily on fillers or artificial additives.

Natural and whole ingredients: Only use weight gainers that use natural and whole food ingredients rather than heavily processed ones. Avoid products with excessive additives, preservatives, or artificial flavors.

Gradual and controlled approach: Weight gain should be a gradual process to avoid putting too much stress on your dog's system. Sudden weight gain can lead to health issues. Follow your veterinarian's guidance on the appropriate rate of weight gain for your dog. When introducing any new food, mix 25% in with normal food first, then after a week increase this to 50/50 split. As your dog gets used to the healthier foods this can be increased till they are fully transitioned to the new diet. If you introduce a new food too quickly, even one that is better quality this can cause your dog’s stomach to become irritated. 

Regular monitoring: Keep a close eye on your dog's progress during the weight-gain process. Monitor their body condition score, overall health, and any potential adverse reactions to the weight gainer. Regular check-ups with your veterinarian will help ensure your dog's weight gain is progressing appropriately.

To see which weight gainer you need, check out our products and tips on healthy weight gain for dogs.