Best Dog Food for Weight Gain How to Bulk Up Your Pooch!

Dogs are a lot like people when it comes to body weight – they are more likely to become overweight than underweight. Nevertheless, certain circumstances can leave a pup in need of some surplus calories.

Fortunately, there are a variety of dog foods for weight gain and supplemental products available that can help you accomplish this goal of reaching a healthy weight!

We’ll share a few of our favorite weight gain dog food recipes below, explain some of the most important things to look for when making your choice, and explain how to put weight on a dog safely.

Just be sure that you work in conjunction with your veterinarian, to ensure you have remedied the underlying problem which caused your dog to become underweight, and that your pooch gains weight in a steady, healthy manner.

Read our full post on how to pick out a weight gain dog food to fill out Fido, or check out our quick picks below:

Best Dog Foods and Supplements for Weight Gain: Quick Picks

#1 Bully Max High Performance Super Premium Dog Food [Best Overall Dog Food for Weight Gain]: With a whopping 535 Calories per cup, this food will help you pack some pounds on your pooch quickly and easily.

#2 Purina Pro Plan Sport Dog Food [Most Affordable Dog Food for Weight Gain]: Despite being very affordably priced, this food will provide your pup with a ton of protein and calories.

#3 MVP K9 Formula Mass [Best Dog Supplement for Weight Gain]: A great option for owners who want to bulk up their pooch without switching foods.

How Can You Tell if Your Dog Is Underweight?

Some of the most obvious signs and symptoms associated with underweight dogs include:

Obviously visible ribs, hips or shoulders

Reduced energy level

Poor coat condition or reduced shine

Depression

Poor eating habits

dog weight apperance

Image from Purina

None of these signs necessarily indicate that your dog is underweight, but they should alert you to the possibility of a health issue. There’s little to be lost by being proactive, so don’t delay in addressing the problem.

The Best Dog Foods For Weight Gain: Five Foods That’ll Fatten Your Dog

Consider choosing one of the following dog foods when it comes to bulking up your buddy. Each of these recipes is a great food for weight gain, which will help your pup pack on a few additional pounds.

1. Bully Max High Performance Super Premium Dog Food

Bully Max High Performance Super Premium Dog Food is a no-nonsense, high-protein dog food, designed to pack on the pounds and help your pooch fill out.

Best Overall Dog Food for Weight Gain

Bully Max High Performance Super Premium Dog Food (15 lbs.)

Bully Max High Performance Super Premium Dog Food

A protein-packed, grain-inclusive food formulated with probiotics.

See on Amazon

Features:

535 Calories per cup

33% protein content

22% fat content

Contains no corn, wheat, or soy

Ingredients List

Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Dried Plain Beet Pulp...

Pros

Bullymax is the most protein-rich option among the foods we recommend for weight gain

Includes probiotics to help promote proper digestion

Unlike some other super-high protein dog foods, this is a grain-inclusive recipe

Cons

We’d prefer if the food contained a whole protein at the top of the ingredient list

This recipe contains no produce aside from kelp

This food is fairly expensive

2. Elite K9 Maximum Bully All Stages Dog Food

Elite K9 Maximum Bully All Stages Dog Food is a chicken-and-pork dog food designed to deliver more protein and fat per bite than most other foods.

Best Dog Food for Weight Gain (Runner Up)

No products found.

Elite K9 Maximum Bully All Stages Dog Food

A high-calorie dog food that’s packed with calories, protein, and fat.

See on Amazon

Features:

481 Calories per cup

Multi-protein recipe that most dogs find palatable

32% protein content

22% fat content

Ingredients List

Chicken meal, pork meal, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), white rice, whole barley...

Pros

This recipe contains a ton of protein, fat and calories to help bulk up your pooch

We like the inclusion of antioxidant-rich produce and probiotics

Despite being a low-carb recipe, this food is grain-inclusive

Cons

Though packed with protein, this food doesn’t contain any whole animal meats

Foods with multiple protein sources are a bad choice for dogs with food allergies

Don’t Confuse Maximum Bully with Bully Max

Do not confuse “Maximum Bully” with “Bully Max.” Despite their similar names, they are entirely different products.

3. Nature’s Logic Dry Dog Food

Nature’s Logic Chicken-Flavored Dry Dog Food is a nutritious, premium-ingredient dog food, coated in a nutrient-rich mix of digestive enzymes for bulking up your pup.

Highest Protein Content in a Dog Food for Weight-Gain

Nature

Nature’s Logic Dry Dog Food

A protein-packed, innovative dog food featuring non-traditional ingredients.

See on Chewy

See on Amazon

Features:

417 Calories per cup

36% protein

15% fat content

Contains probiotics to aid digestion

Ingredients List

Chicken Meal, Millet, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Pumpkin Seed, Yeast Culture...

Pros

This recipe has more protein per cup than any other option discussed here

Features a number of antioxidant-rich fruits and veggies

Formulated with probiotics to support proper digestion

Cons

Though packed with protein, this recipe’s caloric value isn’t especially high

Chicken meal is a valuable ingredient, but no whole proteins are included

The food’s unusual ingredients may cause tummy troubles for some pets

4. Purina Pro Plan Sport Dog Food

Although it isn’t specifically formulated as a weight-gain formula, Purina Pro Plan Sport Formula is a high-calorie dog food for weight gain that is packed with flavor and available at a competitive price point.

If you can’t find this formula near you, Purina Pro Plan Large Breed may be an alternative option, as large breed dog foods and large breed puppy food also tend to be higher calorie.

Best Budget-Friendly Dog Food for Weight Gain

Purina Pro Plan Sport Dog Food

An affordable dog food with more calories and protein than many other options.

See on Chewy

See on Amazon

Features:

475 Calories per cup

30% protein

20% fat

Contains natural sources of glucosamine

Ingredients List

Chicken, Corn Gluten Meal, Brewer's Rice, Animal Fat Preserved with Mixed-Tocopherols (Form of Vitamin E)...

Pros

Very reasonably priced, given its quality

Glucosamine-rich ingredients may help prevent joint issues.

Most dogs seemed to really like the taste of this food (which makes it easier to get your dog to consume more calories)

Cons

Includes a variety of low-quality ingredients, such as corn gluten meal and brewer’s rice

Though unlikely to sicken your pet, garlic oil is an ingredient many owners like to avoid

Contains no probiotics or antioxidant-rich produce

5. Crave Grain-Free Dog Food

Crave Grain-Free Dog Food is a protein-packed dry dog food for weight gain that may help your pup pack on a few extra pounds. Made with several different animal-based protein sources, this food definitely deserves consideration from owners looking for a high-calorie dog food.

Best Multi-Protein Dog Food for Weight Gain

Crave Dog Food

Crave Grain-Free Dog Food

A US-made, high-calorie, grain-free dog food with a ton of protein.

See on Chewy

See on Amazon

Features:

443 Calories per cup

34% protein

17% fat

Manufactured in the USA

Ingredients List

Salmon, Chicken Meal, Chickpeas, Split Peas, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols)...

Pros

This recipe has the second-highest protein content of any food discussed here

Most dogs love the taste of this meaty, multi-protein recipe

Several of the food’s vegetable-based ingredients (such as chickpeas) are also high in protein content

Cons

Multi-protein recipes are not ideal for dogs with food allergies

We’d prefer if this recipe contained more antioxidant-rich produce

Contains no probiotics

Quick Reference Table

There’s a lot to wrap your head around when trying to pick out a food that’ll help your pet pack on the pounds. But don’t worry — we’ve put together the following table to help you quickly compare the calories, protein and fat contained in each of the five foods we recommend.

This should help you pick the best dog food to help your pet gain weight and muscle.

Food Calories per Cup Protein Content Fat Content

Bully Max 535 33 22

Elite K9 481 32 22

Nature’s Logic 417 36 15

Purina Pro Plan SPORT 475 30 20

Crave Grain Free 443 34 17

Dog Weight-Gain Supplements help dog gain weight

It isn’t always necessary to switch foods to help your pup gain a bit of weight – you can also use supplements to help boost your dog’s body weight and muscle mass.

Most such supplements are easy to prepare and serve, and dogs typically don’t mind the taste they impart.

We’ll discuss a few of the most effective weight-gain supplements below so you can determine which one is ideal for your pet.

1. MVP K9 Formula Mass

MVP K9 Formula Mass is a weight-gain supplement formulated with healthy fats and whey protein to help your dog add weight in a safe and gradual manner.

Best Overall Dog Supplement for Weight Gain

MVP K9 Formula Mass Weight Gainer for Dogs - Helps Promote Healthy Weight Gain, Size and Muscle in Dogs - Great for Skinny, Underweight, Picky Eaters. All Breed Formula, Made in USA (90 Servings)

MVP K9 Formula Mass

A protein-and-fat-rich weight-gain supplement that features one of the simplest ingredient lists around.

See on Amazon

Features:

Each scoop contains 50% fats and 28% protein

Contains no fillers, salts, or sugars

Made in the USA

Backed by the manufacturer’s 100% satisfaction guarantee

Pros

Many owners reported excellent results and rapid weight gain

Several owners mentioned that their dog appeared to put on extra muscle after using the supplement

It proved useful in a variety of situations (malnourished dogs, canine athletes, etc.)

Cons

Though broadly effective, it didn’t work in all cases

A small number of dogs experienced digestive difficulties after using this supplement

Ingredients List

Vegetable Fat, Whey Protein, Flax Seed, Creapure (brand name for creatine monohydrate)...

2. Bully Max / Gorilla Max Canine Supplement Combo

When you purchase this combo package, you actually get two different weight-gain supplements for one reasonable price. Bully Max is designed to help sick, malnourished or underweight dogs put on more body weight, while Gorilla Max is specifically designed for canine athletes.

Best Dog Food and Supplement Combo for Weight Gain

Bully Max Dog Muscle Supplement (Bully Max & Gorilla Max Combo)

Bully Max / Gorilla Max Canine Supplement Combo

A weight-gain food and supplement combo that provides a one-two punch for bulking up your pup.

See on Amazon

Features:

Comes with 60-day supply of Bully Max and a 30-day supply of Gorilla Max

Gorilla Max contains probiotics to help maintain proper intestinal function

These supplements are fortified with vitamins and minerals

Made in the USA

Pros

This supplement-and-food combo kit produced very good results for many owners

Appears to work well for active dogs who need some extra calories

Several older or malnourished dogs were able to put on some pounds with this combo kit

Cons

Several owners reported minor digestive upset after using these products

Some dogs didn’t seem to love the taste of these supplements

Bully Max Ingredients

Ingredients List

Dicalcium Phosphate, Maltodextrins, Dried Whey, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Lecithin...

Gorilla Max Ingredients

Ingredients List

Whey Protein Isolate, Pea Protein, Corn Syrup Solids, Vegetable Oil, Omega Fish Oil Concentrate...

3. Dyne High Calorie Animal Supplement

Dyne High-Calorie Animal Supplement is a liquid product designed to help dogs gain weight and enjoy higher energy levels. According to the manufacturer, it is even effective for pregnant, lactating, dehydrated or geriatric dogs.

Most Affordable Weight Gain Supplement for Dogs

Dyne High Calorie Liquid Dietary Supplement for Dogs, 16-Ounce

Dyne High Calorie Animal Supplement

An affordable weight-gain supplement produced in a vanilla-flavored liquid form that is easy to administer.

See on Amazon

Pros

Owners report it helping in a broad range of scenarios

This is the most affordable weight-gain supplement we found

This is one of the most affordable weight-gain supplements on the market

Cons

We’d prefer if this supplement was made without artificial flavors

A few owners complained about issues with the packaging

Features:

Provides 150 additional Calories per ounce

Most dogs find the vanilla flavor tasty

Made in the United States of America

Fortified with vitamins

Ingredients List

Soybean oil, sugar, water, glycerin, dried skimmed milk...

4. Muscle Bully Muscle Builder

Muscle Bully Muscle Builder is designed to help promote muscle growth and muscle definition in dogs who are a little undersized. This supplement comes in a chewable tablet form, which allows for quick and easy supplementation on a daily basis.

But one of the things we like most about this product is that the manufacturer not only backs the product with a satisfaction guarantee, they’ll also provide guidance for owners who’re not seeing the results they want.

Dog Weight-Gain Supplement with Best Customer Support

Muscle Bully Muscle Builder for Dogs - Proven Muscle Building Ingredients That Support Muscle Growth, Size and Definition. Ultimate Canine Muscle Building Supplement. National ABKC Champions Approved!

Muscle Bully Muscle Builder

A high-quality weight-gain supplement, produced by a manufacturer who will provide owners with guidance for their dog.

See on Amazon

Features:

Veterinarian-approved formula

Natural chicken liver flavor

Made in the USA

Backed by the manufacturer’s 100% money-back guarantee

Pros

This supplement received some of the best reviews we could find in the entire product category

Reportedly produced results very quickly (some owners saw weight gain in as little as two weeks)

Tablets have a taste most dogs liked

Cons

Some owners may not like all of the 50-cent words in the ingredient list

It didn’t help all dogs gain weight, but this is going to be the case for all supplements

Ingredients List

N,N-Dimethylglycine HCl, Methionine, L-Lysine, L-Carnitine, Creatine Monohydrate...

Reasons Your Dog May Need to Gain Weight

reasons dog may need to gain weight

Remember, low body weight is a symptom, not a disease; if your dog is underweight, there may be an underlying illness or issue at work, and you must work with your veterinarian to determine the root of the problem. Only after fixing this, will you be able to help your pooch add a little padding.

Reasons your dog may be exhibiting lower-than-normal body weight include:

Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Diabetes

Intestinal parasites

Surgery

Illness

Thyroid Problems

Anxiety

Liver Disease

Dental Problems

While there are several legitimate reasons for trying to increase your dog’s body weight, trying to get your young puppy to grow more quickly is not a good idea.

Puppies should grow at a gradual, natural rate for proper skeletal development. There are many dog foods specifically designed for puppies that will help your pup gain weight in a healthy manner while supporting bone and brain growth.

Always work with your vet to establish a good daily intake for your puppy (or adult dog) and strive to keep him at his ideal weight.

Packing on the Pounds: How to Put Weight on a Dog Safely

dog food for weight gain 2

While you may need to help your dog bulk up a bit, this doesn’t mean you should just start cramming food in his mouth at all hours of the day and night!

Just as is the case when trying to reduce a dog’s weight, you should try to help your dog reach a healthy weight gradually. He didn’t become underweight overnight, and you aren’t going to be able to get him back to his target weight overnight either.

This is especially true of dogs who’ve become extremely thin, as well as those who’ve been underweight for an extended period of time. In such cases, it is imperative that you learn how to put weight on a malnourished dog safely.

At a basic level, helping your dog to add a few pounds entails nothing more than tweaking his caloric intake and output. If your dog consumes more calories without burning any additional calories, he’ll gain weight (assuming he doesn’t have an underlying medical condition).

Some of the best, healthiest ways to help your pup put on some more pounds include:

Increase the frequency with which you feed Fido. You may be able to get your dog to consume more food on a daily basis by dividing meal times up rather than feeding him once per day.

Select a food with more calories and protein. A little bit more fat is alright, but you don’t want to just start feeding him the dog-food equivalent of cheese fries (all this talk of fat is making me hungry).

You can switch to an ad libitum feeding strategy (“free feeding”). Although leaving food out for your dog at all times is often discouraged, it can be a great strategy for helping underweight dogs add some weight. In fact, ad libitum feeding may encourage your dog to eat a little when he is bored (let’s face it, humans are often guilty of this).

Provide him with high-calorie treats or supplements. While the bulk of your dog’s additional calories should come in the form of a nutritious, balanced food, it’s OK to supplement his diet with some fat- and protein-packed treats.

Switch to a puppy food growth formula. Puppy foods have more protein and calories per serving than many dog foods, making them a good choice for underweight dogs. You can also look for foods designed for “all life stages,” as these are essentially puppy food.

Use caution with homemade weight gain dog food recipes. A lot of well-meaning owners devise their own dog foods to help their pooch bulk up. But unfortunately, many of these recipes are improperly balanced, and may therefore cause additional problems.

Include Drool-Worthy Extras. You can also help your pet gain weight by adding foods that’ll fatten your dog with his kibble. This includes things like peanut butter, shredded chicken, yogurt, or a cooked egg.

Moisten the Food. Some dogs may not be eating much if the food is too hard or if they have sensitive teeth. Adding some moisture and softening up the food may help

In addition to the strategies discussed above, it is also wise to keep a journal while trying to help your dog gain weight. Record any food changes you make, as well as any supplements you begin administering. It’s also important to track your dog’s weight on a weekly basis.

A journal will not only help you to determine which strategies are producing the best results, it will help when discussing the issue with your vet too.

Search This Blog

Best High-Calorie Dog Food