Usually, it’s the opposite, people search for weight loss options for their dogs. And even for kibbles for weight loss. However sometimes some dogs have trouble gaining weight, even with dry food. Their metabolism has special needs that standard compositions don’t meet. Sometimes these dogs are picky and tend to refuse food.
Let’s look at the ideal characteristics of dog food specially formulated for weight gain.
1. High in fat 🐟
Fat is life, especially for an underweight dog!
Fats are the most efficient energy source for a dog. Dogs can draw energy from several sources, including fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. However, fat is the most optimal energy source for dogs, as they get 2.5 times more energy from fat than from carbohydrates or proteins. Indeed, fats provide about nine calories per gram, while proteins and carbohydrates provide about four per gram.
It’s good to remember that dogs, like many carnivores, have a metabolism optimized to oxidize fats. This means they efficiently use fats as their primary energy source. It’s estimated that dogs can metabolize 90 to 95% of fats. Of course, it’s even better if these fats come from fresh and natural foods like homemade meals or raw food (BARF).
For kibble: Named animal fats should be in the first ingredients. Look for chicken fat, fish oil, or beef fat – these are quality sources! Avoid generic “animal fat” listings. Dry food to gain weight should have a fat content of at least 15% and ideally close to 20% (25% in some cases). Of course, it should be good fats, like a named animal fat.
For wet food: Wet food naturally contains more animal fats. Look for varieties labeled “high energy” or “for active dogs”. These usually pack 25-30% fat (in dry matter). The moisture makes it super palatable too! Many skinny dogs love wet food. Mix it with kibble to make dry food more appealing.
For homemade and raw diets: This is where you can really pack in healthy fats! Include:
- Fatty cuts of meat (lamb, pork belly, chicken with skin)
- Oily fish (sardines, mackerel)
- Egg yolks (amazing fat source!)
- Oils (salmon oil, olive oil) – add them at the end Aim for 30-40% fat in dry matter. Start slow when increasing fats to avoid digestive issues.
2. More caloric 🔥
On average, dry dog food has an energy density of around 3600 kcal/kg. It’s not uncommon to see these levels raised for working dogs or large breeds to allow them to absorb more calories and nutrients without eating more. This is an interesting strategy for dogs that need to gain weight without overloading the stomach.
Kibble: Look for options providing at least 3800 kcal/kg. High-energy kibbles are the most concentrated source of calories and practical for increasing intake.
Wet food: Although lower in calories per kg due to high moisture content (typically around 1000-1200 kcal/kg), wet food is often more palatable and can encourage better food intake. Consider mixing with kibble for better caloric density.
Homemade/Raw: Caloric content varies by recipe, but you can increase calories by serving slightly larger portions while maintaining balanced nutrition Adding healthy fats like egg yolks or oils. Including nutrient-dense ingredients like organ meats.
Calorie-dense organs:
- Beef liver (nature’s multivitamin!)
- Heart (packed with taurine)
- Kidney (nutrient powerhouse)
- Brain (if available – super fatty)
- Sweetbreads (rich in calories)
Healthy oils (1-2 teaspoons per meal):
- Salmon oil (omega-3 rich)
- Olive oil (heart-healthy)
- Coconut oil (quick energy)
- Fish oil supplements
3. Quality proteins in reasonable quantities 🍖
In the current dog food market, new brands are competing with old ones with high animal protein rates.
The trend is towards high protein or even hyper-protein content. This isn’t a problem for some dogs. For others, however, like puppies or large breed dogs, it can lead to growth disorders or skeletal loss.
The key is therefore moderation and quality. Choose fresh or dehydrated meats, with named animal sources. For thin dogs, it’s best to avoid too much protein (especially in kibbles) to maintain the balance of other macronutrients (fats and carbohydrates) which are more effective in providing energy and even producing “fat”.
Kibble: Choose products with 25-32% protein, ensuring the first ingredients are named meat sources rather than meat by-products or plant proteins.
Wet food: Look for options with 35-45% protein on a dry matter basis. Wet foods typically contain more animal-based proteins and are highly digestible.
Homemade/Raw: Aim for 40-50% protein on a dry matter basis through.
Rich protein sources:
- Lean meats (chicken, turkey, beef, lamb)
- Organ meats (liver, heart, kidneys) – about 10-15%
- Eggs – nature’s perfect protein
- Fish (sardines, mackerel) – bonus omega-3s!
- Heart meat – both protein and taurine Balance is key – don’t overdo organ meats.
4. Slightly richer in carbohydrates 🍞
Often demonized lately, carbohydrates nevertheless have an important role.
Since carbohydrates are the most readily available energy source, when the diet is low in carbohydrates, the dog’s body draws more from its protein reserves to meet its energy needs.
As long as the dog’s protein intake is sufficient, this is probably not a problem, but for already thin dogs, it is.
When protein reserves are not sufficient or the body seeks to preserve proteins for other essential functions, a dog’s body begins to metabolize fats for energy.
This process is called ketosis. A trendy diet for humans, good for overweight dogs, but harmful to underweight dogs. Fats are then broken down into fatty acids and ketone bodies that can be used as an energy source in the absence of sufficient carbohydrates.
To prevent this from happening, it’s necessary to provide the dog with enough quality carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates with a low glycemic index should be preferred, such as sweet potatoes, brown rice, peas, lentils…
Kibble: Look for 30-35% carbohydrates from quality sources like sweet potatoes or brown rice.
Wet food: Generally lower in carbs (20-25%), which is fine as the higher moisture and fat content help maintain energy levels.
Homemade/Raw: Can go as low as 10-20% carbohydrates, focusing on easily digestible sources like cooked vegetables and starchy ingredients when needed. Note that High-carb foods take up space that could be used for more caloric ingredients. So you can make room for more energy-dense ingredients. This is especially important for weight gain!
Some good sources :
- Sweet potatoes (great digestibility)
- Brown rice (steady energy)
- Oatmeal (good for sensitive tummies)
- Peas and lentils (in moderation)
Avoid corn and wheat if possible – less nutritious.
5. Slightly lower in fiber 🥦
High-fiber dog foods are often intended for overweight dogs, as they increase satiety, decrease caloric density, and accelerate intestinal transit. They reduce the time available for nutrient absorption in the intestine. This is everything we want to avoid for a dog that needs to gain weight.
Kibble: Keep below 3% fiber. Check the guaranteed analysis and avoid foods marketed for weight control.
Wet food: Naturally lower in fiber, aim for less than 2% on a dry matter basis.
Homemade/Raw: Fiber comes naturally from vegetables and other ingredients – no need to add extra fiber sources.
Summary of criteria
For Kibbles
| Criterion | Ideal Range |
|---|---|
| Fat content | Around 20% ideally |
| Energy density (metabolizable energy) | Preferably more than 3800 kcal/kg |
| Protein content | Between 25% and 32% |
| Carbohydrate content | 30 to 35% ideally |
| Fiber content | Less than 3% |
For Wet Food (Cans)
| Criterion | Ideal Range |
|---|---|
| Fat content | Around 25-30% ideally |
| Energy density (metabolizable energy) | 1000 kcal/kg (as fed) |
| Protein content | Between 35% and 40% (of dry matter) |
| Carbohydrate content | 25% to 30% (of dry matter |
| Fiber content | Less than 3% |
For Homemade and Raw
| Criterion | Ideal Range |
|---|---|
| Fat content | 30-40% (of dry matter) |
| Energy density (metabolizable energy) | Varies by recipe |
| Protein content | 40-50% (of dry matter) |
| Carbohydrate content | 10-20% (of dry matter) |
| Fiber content | Natural from ingredients |
