Does your furry friend look a little too skinny? It can be worrying when your dog isn’t at a healthy weight. You want to see them happy and full of energy, but figuring out the best food to help them gain weight can feel like a puzzle. There are so many brands and types of dog food out there, and it’s tough to know which one is truly right for your underweight pup. You might be concerned about feeding them too much, or not enough, and whether the food has the right nutrients.
This post is here to help you solve that puzzle. We’ll break down what makes a food great for dogs who need to gain weight. You’ll learn what ingredients to look for and what to avoid. By the end, you’ll feel confident in choosing a food that will help your dog get back to their ideal, healthy weight. Get ready to discover the secrets to a happier, healthier, and more robust canine companion!
Top Food For Underweight Dog Recommendations
No. 1
Evanger's Heritage Classic Puppy Food – 12 Count, 12.5 oz Each – Tasty Meat-Based Formula for Puppies & Underweight Dogs – Added Vitamins & Chelated Trace Minerals – Grain & Gluten Free
- Tasty Meat-Based Formula: Specially designed for puppies and underweight dogs, this flavorful meat-based recipe supports healthy development with each bite—ideal for encouraging appetite and delivering vital nutrients during early life stages.
- Nutrient-Dense Support: Includes added chelated minerals and essential vitamins to help promote strong immunity, energy metabolism, and overall wellness during the critical phases of growth and development in young dogs.
- Complete Balanced Meal: Free from added salt, artificial preservatives, corn, soy, and fillers. Offers a clean, complete formula tailored for growing puppies and active young dogs who need focused nutritional support every day.
- Rich in Omegas: Enhanced with sardines to deliver beneficial omega fatty acids that support healthy skin, promote a glossy coat, and contribute to the development of strong joints and a resilient skin barrier in developing puppies.
- Sustainable & Trusted: Crafted in the USA using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and packaged in BPA-free recyclable cans. Reflects over 90 years of experience in pet nutrition and a commitment to quality and environmental responsibility.
No. 2
Bully Max Dog Weight Gainer Soft Chews for Puppies and Adults - High Calorie Dog Food Performance Supplements for Healthy Weight Gain, Immunity & Digestive Health - 75 Chews for All Breeds & Ages
- EFFECTIVE SOLUTION FOR HEALTHY WEIGHT GAIN: Bully Max Weight Gainer Dog Chews provide a natural and effective way to support healthy weight gain in dogs. Each bag delivers 1,500 calories, ensuring your pitbull, bulldog, or any breed gets the essential nutrition for optimal health and vitality. These high-calorie supplements are ideal for underweight dogs, including growing puppies and senior dogs, helping them build muscle and maintain energy levels.
- PROBIOTICS FOR DIGESTIVE & IMMUNE SUPPORT: Packed with 250 million CFUs of probiotics per bag, Bully Max Weight Gain Dog Chews promote better digestion and strengthen the immune system. Suitable for all dog life stages, these nutrient-packed chews provide comprehensive support for your pet's health. This dog weight gain supplement is ideal for all life stages, from young puppies to adult dogs, enhancing their overall health and wellbeing.
- VERSATILE AS A TASTY DOG FOOD TOPPER OR TREAT: Bully Max Weight Gainer Power Chews provide a convenient and delicious way to support weight gain and energy. Ideal for dogs of all ages and breeds, these bacon-flavored chews can be given as a treat or easily crushed and used as a food topper. Perfect for walks, hikes, or play sessions, they’re packed with high calories, making them an excellent supplement for dogs needing an extra boost of energy and nutrition.
- PURE & WHOLESOME INGREDIENTS: Bully Max Power Chews, made with high-quality natural ingredients and enriched with essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, are ideal for dog and puppy weight gain. These dog chews for gaining weight are free from added sugar, gluten, wheat, artificial flavors, animal by-products, glycol, and glycerine, ensuring a natural, balanced diet. These chews support healthy weight gain without harmful additives, providing nutrition and delicious taste in every bite.
- PREMIUM QUALITY & VET-APPROVED EXCELLENCE: Made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients, our Bully Max Dog Chews meet the highest quality standards. Every product from Bully Max undergoes rigorous vet approval, backed by our commitment to zero recalls. Bully Max is dedicated to high-quality pet care, providing vet-approved, high performance wet dog food and dry dog foods, along with premium puppy & dog supplements, to guarantee top-quality canine nutrition for puppies and senior dogs.
No. 3
Evanger's Heritage Classic Puppy and Underweight – 12 Count, 12.8 oz Each – Wet Dog Food with Chicken – Gluten-Free Loaf Style Meal – Complete and Balanced for All Life Stages
- Chicken Loaf Recipe: Traditional loaf-style chicken entrée crafted for puppies and dogs needing added meal support, with a texture that portions and mixes easily.
- Gentle & Gluten-Free: Made without gluten and designed with straightforward ingredients suitable for simple, everyday feeding routines.
- Ideal for Food Sensitive Dogs: Free from grains, gluten, artificial additives, and fillers. This recipe is a smart choice for dogs with food sensitivities, allergies, or those following an diet guided by your vet.
- Versatile Feeding Option: Works as a complete meal or mix-in, offering flexibility for rotation feeding and customizable portions for all breeds.
- Family-Owned Heritage Recipe: Made using Dr. Fred Evanger’s original formula, trusted for over 90 years by dog sport champions and pet parents who value tradition, quality, and transparency.
No. 4
Best Breed Dr. Gary's Working Dog Diet, High Calorie Dry Dog Food for Active & Underweight Dogs, 13 lb Bag
- ENERGY-DENSE KIBBLE FOR HARD WORKING DOGS – Developed by Dr. Gary in cooperation with Schutzhund club members, this formula is high in fat and moderate protein levels to deliver the extra calories hard working and active dogs need to maintain optimum body condition.
- EXCELLENT FOR WEIGHT GAIN – With 580 calories per cup, the caloric density of each kibble makes Working Dog Diet a superb food for dogs that are either underweight or require an extremely high quantity of food to maintain weight. Many people successfully mix this food with their dog's maintenance food during periods of high energy burn.
- PREGNANT AND NURSING FEMALES – FORMULATED FOR ALL LIFE STAGES – Provides critical nutrition for pregnant and nursing females for body maintenance and milk production. Formulated to meet AAFCO nutritional levels for all life stages, making this a versatile formula for dogs of all breed sizes.
- PREMIUM INGREDIENTS, SLOW-COOKED, MADE IN THE USA – Made in Ohio using a unique slow-cooking process for easy digestion and optimum nutrient absorption. Non-GMO, pea-free, and free from corn, wheat, soy, and by-product meals.
- VETERINARIAN DEVELOPED HOLISTIC NUTRITION – Founded in 1994 by Dr. Gary Cotton, a veterinarian inspired to develop a truly healthful, holistic line of dog and cat foods after repeatedly seeing health issues in his clinic he believed were caused by low-quality nutrition. Premium protein from chicken and eggs. Balanced omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids including EPA and DHA for healthy skin and coat.
No. 5
High Calorie Dog Muscle Builder Chews for Underweight Breeds, 100 Ct
- CONFIRM FIT & VISIBLE TRANSFORMATIONS: Formulated specifically for active breeds, rescues, and skinny dogs struggling to hold weight. This is a targeted high-calorie mass gainer, NOT a standard daily multivitamin. It delivers a rapid caloric surplus so your dog looks visibly heavier, filling out bony frames with strong, athletic muscle
- STOP BOWL REFUSAL & FEEDING MESSES: Underweight dogs are notoriously stubborn eaters. Packed with real salmon flavor, these soft chews encourage eating. Crumble them over dry kibble as an enticing food topper. Unlike greasy liquid syrups that cause feeding messes, our dry format ensures a clean routine
- 800MG WHEY & JOINT SUPPORT CATALYST: Each 2-chew serving delivers exactly 800mg of Whey Protein and 200mg of plant fats, ensuring high-density caloric intake for active muscle recovery. Naturally infused with MSM to support mobility and joint health, making it highly effective for aging dogs needing structural support
- DAILY MEALTIME IMMERSION: Whether you are training an American Bully in the yard or helping a senior Frenchie maintain baseline energy indoors, these chews blend easily into your schedule. Serve directly from the hand as a post-exercise reward, or mix into morning kibble for sustained caloric energy
- PACKAGE, CARE & USAGE LIMITS: Includes one sealed jar containing 100 soft chews. Manufactured in a cGMP-certified facility free from artificial preservatives. Store in a cool, dry place. Provide 1 chew daily for dogs under 25 lbs, and 2 chews for larger breeds. Intended for supplemental feeding only
No. 6
IAMS Proactive Health Healthy Weight Adult Dry Dog Food Chicken & Whole Grain Recipe, 5 lb. Bag
- The Proactive 5 health benefits for IAMS Healthy Weight are scientifically designed to support five key areas of your dog’s health, keeping them full of life, for more life
- Healthy Metabolism: This weight management dog food is formulated with L-Carnitine to help maintain healthy metabolism and facilitate the oxidation of fat
- Strong Muscles: IAMS Proactive Health Healthy Weight Adult Dry Dog Food Chicken & Whole Grains supports strong, firm muscles with high-quality protein sourced from chicken
- Healthy Energy: IAMS Proactive Health Healthy Weight Adult Dry Dog Food Recipe includes wholesome grains that provide essential nutrients & carbohydrates for healthy energy
- Digestive Health Support: IAMS dog food is crafted with a tailored blend of natural fiber & prebiotics for healthy digestion and improved nutrient absorption
No. 7
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Small & Mini Dry Dog Food, Chicken, 4 lb. Bag
- Breakthrough formula made to positively impact the unique cell function of overweight pets, and support healthy metabolism and body weight
- Safe and effective weight loss with visible results within 10 weeks
- Made with natural ingredients with added vitamins, minerals and amino acids
- Made in the USA with global ingredients you can trust
- Hill's Pet Nutrition is the US Veterinarians' #1 recommended brand
No. 8
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Dry Dog Food, Chicken & Brown Rice, 4 lb. Bag
- Breakthrough formula made to positively impact the unique cell function of overweight pets, and support healthy metabolism and body weight
- Safe and effective weight loss with visible results within 10 weeks
- Made with natural ingredients
- Made in the USA with global ingredients you can trust
- Hill's Pet Nutrition is the US Veterinarians' #1 recommended brand
Helping Your Pup Pack on Pounds: A Guide to Food for Underweight Dogs
Is your furry friend a little too lean? Don’t worry, it happens! Sometimes dogs need a little extra help gaining weight. Choosing the right food can make a big difference. This guide will help you find the best food to get your dog back to a healthy weight.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for food for an underweight dog, keep these important features in mind:
- High Calorie Content: This is the most important thing. The food needs to have more calories in each bite. Look for foods that list a higher calorie count per cup or per kilogram. More calories mean more energy and easier weight gain.
- High Protein: Protein helps build muscle. Your dog needs good protein to gain healthy weight, not just fat. Look for real meat (like chicken, beef, or lamb) as the first ingredient.
- Healthy Fats: Fats provide concentrated energy. Look for sources like chicken fat, fish oil, or flaxseed. These fats are good for your dog’s skin and coat too.
- Digestible Ingredients: Even if the food has lots of calories, it won’t help if your dog can’t digest it well. Look for foods with ingredients that are easy on their stomach.
- Palatability: The food needs to taste good! If your dog doesn’t like it, they won’t eat enough. Many brands make formulas specifically for picky eaters or dogs that need extra encouragement.
Important Materials (Ingredients)
The ingredients list tells you what’s actually in the food. Here’s what you should focus on:
- Named Meat Sources: The first few ingredients should be named meats. For example, “chicken,” “beef,” “lamb,” or “salmon.” Avoid vague terms like “meat by-products” as the primary protein source.
- Healthy Carbohydrates: While protein is key, good carbohydrates provide energy. Look for ingredients like sweet potatoes, brown rice, or oats. These are often easier to digest than corn or wheat for some dogs.
- Vitamins and Minerals: A balanced diet needs essential vitamins and minerals. Good quality dog foods will have these added to support overall health.
- Omega Fatty Acids: These are found in fish oil and flaxseed. They are great for your dog’s coat and skin, and they add healthy calories.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Certain things can make a dog food better or worse for your underweight pup.
- Quality of Ingredients: Higher quality ingredients are more digestible and provide better nutrition. This means your dog gets more out of every bite.
- Processing Methods: How the food is made matters. Gentle cooking methods help keep nutrients intact. Over-processed foods can lose some of their nutritional value.
- Artificial Additives: Things like artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives are not needed. They can sometimes cause digestive upset. Stick to foods with natural ingredients.
- Brand Reputation: Established brands often have more research and quality control behind their products. Look for brands that specialize in veterinary diets or high-calorie formulas.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you’ll use the food and what kind of results you expect.
- Ease of Feeding: Is the food easy to serve? Does it come in convenient packaging? Some owners prefer kibble, while others opt for wet food or a combination.
- Transitioning: When you switch to a new food, do it slowly. Mix the new food with the old food over a week. This helps prevent stomach upset.
- Monitoring Progress: You’ll want to see your dog gain weight gradually. Weigh your dog regularly. If you don’t see improvement, you may need to try a different food or talk to your vet.
- Specific Needs: Some dogs are underweight due to medical conditions. Always consult your veterinarian before making significant changes to your dog’s diet, especially if you suspect an underlying health issue. They can recommend the best food for your dog’s specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the most important thing to look for in food for an underweight dog?
A: The most important thing is high calorie content. The food needs to have a lot of energy in every serving.
Q: Should I feed my underweight dog more of their current food?
A: Not always. Increasing calories with a specially formulated food is often better than just feeding a larger amount of regular food. This ensures they get the right nutrients.
Q: What are “named meat sources” in dog food ingredients?
A: “Named meat sources” means the ingredient clearly states the type of meat, like “chicken” or “beef.” It’s better than general terms like “meat.”
Q: How do I know if the food is good quality?
A: Good quality food uses high-quality, digestible ingredients and avoids artificial additives. The first ingredients should be named meats.
Q: Can I mix wet food and dry food for my dog?
A: Yes, you can mix wet and dry food. This can make the food more appealing and increase calorie intake.
Q: How quickly should my dog gain weight?
A: Healthy weight gain is usually gradual. Aim for a slow, steady increase. Too much too fast can be unhealthy.
Q: What if my dog is a picky eater?
A: Some foods are made to be more tempting. Look for formulas with strong flavors or textures that your dog might enjoy more.
Q: When should I see a veterinarian?
A: Always talk to your vet if your dog is significantly underweight, loses weight suddenly, or shows other health problems. They can rule out medical issues.
Q: How do I switch my dog to a new food?
A: You should switch slowly over about a week. Mix a little new food with their old food each day, gradually increasing the new food.
Q: Are there any ingredients I should avoid?
A: You should avoid artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. Also, be mindful of ingredients that might upset your dog’s stomach.