8 Best Weight Gain Supplements for Dogs

In this guide, you'll learn: Our Top 8 Picks | Body Condition Score | Weight Gain Tips | FAQs

If your dogs are not gaining weight at all and you're looking for remedies, then this article is for you.

The truth is, dogs that are quickly losing weight or cannot gain some can be at risk of many health problems, even death.

And in most cases, a special and vet-approved diet is advised.

Fortunately, a dog weight gain supplement can be helpful, too.

According to a study:

“NUTRITION IS CONSIDERED AN IMPORTANT TOOL IN THE MANAGEMENT OF CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE…”

A dog weight gainer is ideally given when your pooch is suffering from below-average mass.

Most owners provide weight gain supplements for dogs to jumpstart their growth.

That's because underweight dogs are considered unhealthy and are more prone to illnesses.

If you notice that your dog is rapidly losing weight or having problems with gaining a few pounds, consult your vet immediately.

Your vet can put your dog on a special weight gain diet along with supplements, which I'll also discuss with you in detail below.

Best Weight Gain Supplements for Dogs Reviewed in This Guide

Disclosure: We may earn affiliate commissions at no cost to you from the links on this page. This did not affect our assessment of products. Read more here and find full disclosure here.

8 Best Dog Weight Gain Supplements and Products

Each supplement option will be different when it comes to active ingredients.

Important: Consult with your veterinarian before using any to make sure it will work for your pup.

Most dog weight gain supplement choices will be high in protein and enriched with vitamins and minerals to provide complete nutrition for dogs.

1. Bully Max High-Performance Super Dog Food

As discussed in our review, the Bully Max dog food is specifically designed for weight gain.

This dog food is packed with proteins and provides a ton of nutrition through added vegetables.

Bully Max dog weight gainer also contains various seeds and similar ingredients, which provide enough minerals, vitamins, and other vital nutrients for your pooch.

It contains no corn, wheat, or soy.

Apart from dog weight gain supplements, high-quality dog foods like the Bully Max adds a few healthy pounds for your pup, too.

Consider its cost-to-value ratio for your pet because this product is one of the most expensive weight gain options for dogs on the market.

PRO	CON
Specifically designed for weight gain containing no corn, wheat, or soy.	One of the most expensive weight gain products for dogs on the market

2. Wellness Store's CORE Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

This particular weight gain dog food from Wellness Store contains at least 15% crude fat.

Fat is great for underweight dogs who have problems consuming enough energy.

According to Dr. Lorna Whittemore:

“Fat is needed for energy and absorption of several essential vitamins that your dog needs to be healthy, and they include vitamins A, D, E, and K.”

Not just that, this dog weight gain remedy is nutritionally dense and has all the essential vitamins and minerals that your underweight pet needs.

This weight-gain dog food’s primary source of protein is turkey and chicken, which makes it a very palatable choice.

Given its nutritional variety and content, it's one of the more expensive foods as well.

PRO	CON
The primary source of protein is turkey and chicken which makes it a very palatable choice.	Another expensive dog weight gain supplements on the market

3. Tomlyn's Nutri-Cal High-Calorie Dog Dietary Supplement

In most cases, adjusting your dog's diet to gain weight is better.

But sometimes, weight gain supplements for dogs can be the only viable option.

That's where Tomlyn's dog weight gain supplement comes in.

It contains vitamins, amino acids, and nutrients that help your dog gain weight.

The biggest advantage is its high-calorie content which boosts your dog’s appetite.

According to the manufacturer, it can also provide relief for dogs with stress problems and other health issues related to weight loss.

Even though this supplement can boost appetite in some dogs, others might not like its taste.

PRO	CON
Its high-calorie content boosts your dog’s appetite and provides relief for dogs with stress problems and other health issues related to weight loss	Other dogs may not like its distinct taste

4. Dyne High-Calorie Liquid for Dogs

Dyne is a good choice as a dog weight gain supplement since it is very high in calories and other nutritional elements to counter canine weight loss.

According to the company and some pet owners, it makes dogs more energetic during the day and helps pups have shiny coats.

Plus, this weight gain dog supplement can be a good option for nursing canines.

PRO	CON
Comes in a liquid form and can be mixed either with food, water, or both.	Only available in vanilla flavor

With only a single flavor in the market, some dogs might not like the vanilla taste of the Dyne dog weight gain supplement.

Caution: Some pet owners claimed that their dogs got sick from using this product.

5. Miracle Vet High-Calorie Weight Gainer for Dogs

You can help an ill and malnourished dog add weight fast and easily using a high-calorie weight gainer (conceptually similar to bodybuilder use).

Miracle Vet's dog weight gain supplement is an all-natural solution for your pups.

Even though it does get a large portion of its calories from the fat content, it doesn’t contain any trans fats.

PRO	CON
Enriched with whey protein, vitamin A, and vegetable lecithin, which helps prevent heart problems in dogs and improve eyesight	Not suitable for puppies below 4 weeks old

Although this dog weight gain supplement is perfectly safe for all dogs, better to consult with your veterinarian first.

6. Formula Mass Weight Gainer for Dogs

Some weight gainer options for dogs may not be suitable or appropriate for all.

But guess what?

MVP K9 Supplements' dog weight gainer is one of the most popular options among pet owners.

This dog weight gain supplement contains 56% fat and 26% protein in every scoop.

As a result, this product helps dogs gain weight and improve coat health with a decrease in shedding, too.

It is safe for weight gain for all types of dogs and has many high-quality nutrients that help build muscle.

However, it's important to note that Formula Mass dog weight gain supplement has twice as much fat as protein compared to other brands.

It may not be appropriate for dogs with sensitive stomachs, especially for such large amounts of fat in their food.

PRO	CON
Contains 56% fat and 26% protein in every scoop which helps dogs gain weight and improve coat health	Not suitable for dogs with sensitivity to high-fat diets

7. Purina Pro Plan SPORT Performance Dog Food

Of course, there are more affordable canine products out there that work wonders in adding a few pounds to your pup.

The Purina Pro Plan Performance dog food doesn't specifically target to make dogs gain weight.

But because it's designed for canine athletes, it can be a fine choice since it contains more real meat than your average bag of dog food.

It is also packed with many valuable nutrients and has no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

Most pet owners affirmed that their dogs love eating it; thus consuming more food.

No wonder, this dog food contains chicken as the primary ingredient and has omega-6 fatty acids, which promote optimal coat health.

However, consider that it does lack the caloric density offered by other dog weight gain supplement choices or dog foods on this list.

PRO	CON
Contains real meat and is packed with omega-6 fatty acids	Not as calorie-dense as other dog weight gain supplements or dog foods on this list

8. Bully Max Dog Weight Gainer

If you're already familiar with Bully Max company and their products, then this 3-in-1 pack can be a good and more cost-effective option for you.

This powerhouse dog weight gain supplement pack provides all the necessary nutrients and multivitamins specifically designed for dogs to gain weight and build muscle.

This pack comes with the following canine goodies:

• A bag of Gorilla Max
• A bottle of a dog muscle builder
• A bag of Bully Max High-Performance dog food

Plus, it has 535 calories per serving where real meat or whey is the main source of protein.

Note: It doesn't contain wheat, soy, or plant protein.

However, even though this is cheaper than buying everything separately, this pack still comes at a steep price.

PRO	CON
Comes in a 3-in-1 pack with calorie-dense ingredients containing no wheat, soy, or plant protein	Still comes at a steep price compared to other dog weight gain supplements

Dog Weight Gain Supplement: What Is It?

These are well-formulated dog food packed with high protein, healthy fats, and other nutritional elements that help your pooch gain weight.

These canine supplements can come in different forms such as weight gain pills, powder, dog treats, kibbles, or wet food.

It is best paired with a balanced diet and exercise can get your dog to reach a healthy natural weight as well as better overall well-being.

This article shows a list of the 8 best supplements for dog weight gain.

How to Know if Your Dog is Underweight

The most obvious sign that your dog is underweight is its body size, shape, and condition.

It is not always easy to spot weight loss in dogs because it often happens gradually, with small changes over time.

But using the below body condition score chart can help you decide whether your pup needs a special diet and dog weight gain supplement:

 

As indicated in the above chart, check whether your dog has a healthy weight by touching him on his sides.

If your dog is healthy, you will feel his ribs and a thin layer of fat over them.

Underweight dogs don’t have any padding between their ribs and skin.

Another test is to stand above your dog and look down.

If you see a noticeable hourglass figure instead of a definite waist indentation, your dog is probably underweight.

Take your dog to the vet to be sure for a dietary adjustment and recommendations for a dog weight gain supplement or other advice.

Loss of appetite and gastrointestinal problems are the most common symptoms of underweight dogs, and this condition can lead to many different, more serious health issues if not addressed.

Dogs can also become underweight due to medical conditions like:

• Cancer
• Anemia
• Pancreatitis
• Kidney failure
• Parasitic infections

Weight Gain For Dogs: How to Help Them Put on Healthy Pounds

A good protocol to accomplish weight gain for dogs is to give your dog a nutritious diet packed with high protein and fat foods.

See the best results in dog weight gain as you pair it with weight gain supplements and exercise.

Diet for malnourished dogs needs to be carefully structured.

Underweight dogs need to be on the highest quality diet that provides essential nutrients.

It is also important to feed your dog a high-calorie, high-protein diet to help him gain weight.

In some dogs who refuse to eat, specific foods for picky eaters can be more enticing for your pet, encouraging him to consume more calories.

Although it might seem counter-intuitive, regular exercise and playtime can also help your pet add some pounds and maintain a healthy weight.

Try to build up the intensity in your dog's playtime or exercise gradually, consistently increasing the time or the amount of work your dog does, which will make him hungrier.

Make sure that by the time you're increasing the load, the dog is already on a high-calorie diet and possibly taking some dog weight gain supplement.

A regular feeding schedule is important as well.

Adding another meal (e.g., lunch in between breakfast and dinner meals) to your dog’s diet can also help.

You can even supplement your dog’s diet with a little bit of safe human foods, like roasted skinless chicken or boiled eggs.

Sweet potatoes and pumpkins are also great additions to your dog’s diet.

There are several homemade weight gain dog food recipes for anyone into cooking for their dogs – here's one to try.

If you already know that your dog has a medical problem that leads to weight loss, it is important to first address this health problem before adjusting his diet or using a dog weight gain supplement.

Take your dog to the vet to get a proper diagnosis and therapy if necessary when you notice weight loss or the dog's inability to gain a healthy weight.

4 Additional Tips to Complement Weight Gain Supplements

While weight gain supplements are a great way to help your pooch gain weight, they should not be your only method.

We already touched on ways to help dogs gain weight along with the best weight gainers, but it is worth taking a closer look at them.

When in doubt, always talk to your dog's vet for recommendations and figure out your pup's ideal weight.

1. Figure Out Why Your Dog Needs to Gain Weight

The very first thing you want to figure out is why your dog is underweight.

This way, you can address the issue from its source. Your vet will help with this.

Sometimes, the issue comes down to dogs being picky eaters.

If they don't eat their food, they won't gain any weight. You can fix this by trying another food.

Your dog may also lose weight or fail to gain weight when he is stressed or sick.

Age-related issues can also be to blame.

For example, some older dogs have issues chewing dry food, so they don't eat as much.

2. Choose a Food for Weight Gain

In addition to the weight gain supplements, try swapping out your dog's current food for one with more healthy fats or protein.

Your vet can offer some suggestions for you to try. You can also try swapping dry kibble for wet food or even homemade food.

Just remember always to change your dog's food slowly. Going from one food to another overnight can lead to an upset stomach.

You can also supplement your dog's normal food with pumpkin or sweet potato. Both will help him gain weight and give him plenty of fiber.

Peanut butter is another delicious option that promotes weight gain. Just keep an eye on the sugar content of the peanut butter you choose.

3. Feed Your Dog at a Different Time

You may also be able to encourage healthy weight gain in your dog by changing his feeding schedule.

For example, you could increase the amount you give him at night and decrease how much you give him in the morning.

This works because eating close to bedtime encourages fat storage.

Another option is to give your dog more frequent smaller meals. This can work because he will receive nutrients throughout the day instead of all at once.

4. Rethink Exercise

When you encourage your dog to get exercise, you help him gain muscle. Muscle is an important part of weight gain because it is healthy.

Signs You Should Get a Dog Weight Gainer

All of the above advice assumes that your dog needs to gain weight. But how do you tell that this is the case?

The best sign that your dog needs to gain weight is if your vet tells you. Their expertise means that they can recognize the signs of an underweight dog.

They will likely look for the following things:

• Depression
• Poor eating habits
• Lower energy levels
• Poor coat health with reduced shine
• Obvious shoulders, hips, or ribs (in breeds where this is not normal)

If these signs are clearly shown in your pooch, best to perform the most suitable actions to help your dog gain some weight.

You can ask for a recommendation from your vet, or you can simply choose dog foods and supplements specifically formulated for weight gain for dogs.

Why is My Dog Still Not Gaining Weight?

There are plenty of reasons your dog is still underweight.

Picky eaters are just one possibility.

There may also be health issues, such as intestinal parasites, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, or pancreas issues.

Remember to consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to help your dog gain weight.

In general, adjustment of your pet's diet and increase in exercise and/or playtime can help promote appetite in your underweight dog, increase caloric intake through nutrition-dense foods, and thereby maintain a healthy weight.

Using specific weight gain dog food and dog weight gain supplement options can often help reach the desired result quicker but may not always be necessary.

READ NEXT: Pit Bull Muscle Gaining 101 – How to Bulk Up a Pit Bull Healthfully

What Else Can I Give My Dog to Gain Weight?

You can add more protein and healthy fats to your dog's diet.

For instance, peanut butter can be a great source of protein and a favorite treat for your pooch.

Eggs, rice, cottage cheese, lean meat, and quinoa are ideal weight gainers for dogs, and they can even help in muscle building.

Common Questions about Dog Weight Gain Supplements

As a dog owner, you probably still have some questions about weight gainer dogs and which products are the best. The following answers should help you with your dog's weight gain journey.

What Is the Best Weight Gainer for Dogs?

The best weight gainer will depend on your dog's specific needs. Every dog is unique, but you typically want to choose a food with high protein.

This protein promotes muscle growth. Any of the formula mass weight gainer options listed above would be a great choice for most dogs.

How Can I Fatten Up My Dog Fast?

If you want to increase your dog's body weight fast, then your best option is to get personalized recommendations from the vet.

Start by choosing a food with more calories. Ideally, choose one that is also high in protein and healthy fats.

It would help if you also considered switching to wet food or giving your dog fresh food you make at home.

You can also give your dog more frequent meals throughout the day instead of several larger ones.

Are Calorie Supplements Good for Dogs?

Most adult dogs do not need calorie supplements. If your dog doesn't need them, then they will not be good for him.

If, however, your dog is underweight or not eating enough, then yes, calorie supplements are good for dogs. Calories supplements frequently have weight gain results guaranteed.

This is important as that can prevent the side effects of your dog being underweight.

As a refresher, consider some potential side effects of your dog's eating habits not including enough calories.

Some include low energy, weight loss, malnutrition, and weight loss.

Is White Rice an Effective Dog Weight Gainer?

Yes, white rice can be a natural weight gainer for many dogs. That is because when your dog eats too many carbs, he is likely to gain weight.

How Can I Fatten Up My Skinny Dog?

Your vet may suggest a weight gainer supplement or change the dog food you buy.

You can also give your dog some safe-for-dogs human foods to encourage weight gain. Options include eggs, cottage cheese, quinoa, and lean meat.

What Do You Feed a Malnourished Dog?

You will typically want to give a malnourished dog food high in protein and fat and low in carbs. It should also contain phosphates, potassium, and magnesium.

How Often Should You Give These Weight Gain Supplements?

It would depend on the weight and health of your pooch. In general, you can give these supplements daily.

Dogs can be picky eaters, which could affect your feeding schedule. There are weight gain pills for faster intake, but you can always have dog food or powder types. You can also choose vitamins for dogs to gain weight.

Does Exercise Help My Pooch Gain Weight?

Another great option when it comes to weight gain for dogs is engaging them in regular exercise.

Your goal should be putting more muscles than fat for your dog's weight. Exercise is also important for their overall health.

Do Weight Gain Supplements Have Side Effects for Dogs?

Dogs with sensitive stomachs may experience vomiting or diarrhea when taking supplements. Make sure to follow the dosage and instructions on the label. You can also consult your vet about possible side effects.

How Long Does It Take Until You See Results?

You will need to continue giving weight gain supplements to your dog for about 4 to 6 weeks until you start seeing any results. Otherwise, don't get disappointed. It sometimes takes longer than expected.

Dog Weight Gain Supplements: Before You Go…

Weight gain for dogs can be challenging yet fulfilling when you see good results after consistent efforts.

There are so many dog weight gain supplements in the industry that sometimes you don't know which one to trust.

With this list, your dog can start to gain weight and achieve their ideal body mass.

Don't forget that a dog weight gainer wouldn't be as effective without a balanced diet, regular exercise, and consistent care from dog owners like you!

Related Articles:

• Top 7 Best Dog Foods for Weight Gain
• Recipe: Satin Balls for Dogs To Gain Weight
• How to Make A Dog Gain Weight the Healthy Way

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Disclosure: We may earn affiliate commissions at no cost to you from the links on this page. This did not affect our assessment of products. Read more here and find full disclosure here.