I have a shepard about to turn 3 and has no meat on her bones but isn't really underweight, weighs about 65-69 lbs. she eats 4 cups a day plus a bit of wet food mixed w/ it (purina dry and pedigree wet) but still is boney. she can run like a demon but not all the time. any suggestions on some food that would put a bit more weight and meat on her bones?
2006-06-20 12:55:08 · 10 answers · asked by LǢ size= 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I have a shepard about to turn 3 and has no meat on her bones but isn't really underweight, weighs about 65-69 lbs. she eats 4 cups a day plus a bit of wet food mixed w/ it (purina dry and pedigree wet) but still is boney. she can run like a demon but not all the time. any suggestions on some food that would put a bit more weight and meat on her bones? she goes to the vet regularly for her shots and have done fecals before and found nothing she gets blood drawn and nothing either.
2006-06-20 13:05:15 · update #1
The problem with those foods is the fillers they use. Look at the first ingredients on the bags....they are usually food that your dog can't even digest....like corn. They just poop it all out.
You need to find a food that has a PROTEIN as the first ingredient on the label...like lamb, chicken, or fish. Stay away from too much beef as it is hard to digest. Protein will help your dog get the nutrients she needs.
Finally: get your dog wormed by your vet. It may be that she has worms and she is not able to get and nutrients from her food. Do not use the wormers at the pet supply stores. They are usually cattle wormers that have been watered down. You'll need a wormer specifically for dogs.
Good luck!
~C
2006-06-20 13:02:47 · answer #1 · answered by dancing_in_the_hail 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Check out www.spoiled-rotten-pets.com
They have an area where you can rate you dog food by what is in it and they also have some ofthe best dog foods on the market today available to purchase or you can find a good one and get it in your area.
There are many foods that are far better than purina and pedigree
2006-06-20 20:12:54 · answer #2 · answered by tlctreecare 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Science Diet has a special dog food for show dogs, it's very high in fat and nutritional content, because show dogs usually exercise more than most dogs so as to keep up their physique. But the stuff is super expensive, it's like $50 for a 40lb bag and a big dog like your will eat a lot. You can also try feeding her as much food as she would like to eat, maybe she's not getting enough, different dogs burn fat at different rates, fill her bowl and keep it that way, see if that helps.
2006-06-20 20:00:19 · answer #3 · answered by chessapeke 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would probably take your dog to the vet, she may have a hyperthyroid. But the vet can determine that and also recommend the correct diet for your dog. If you have a petsmart with a "Banfield" inside, in your area I would try there. They usually run a special of your first visit free, and of course it would save you multiple trips bc they sell the dog food there, also.
2006-06-20 20:06:21 · answer #4 · answered by superchick 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Worm dog well and switch to a meat based kibble, with no corn.
You may want to get blood work done as Shepards can be prone to various problems that cause failure to gain weight. Consult your vet.
Bring fecal sample to check for worms,coccidia,and giardia.
2006-06-20 19:59:25 · answer #5 · answered by ARE YOUR NEWFS GELLIN'? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my vet refferred me to a wet food that is high in protein and fat. it will definitely go from skinny to fat wit tis stuff. my dog WAS 60 pounds, a week later, shes 130. i cannot remmember the name of it, but i know it worked. i had been mixing it in with her Scince Diet. i dont use it anymore, because 130 pounds and growing is a litlle much for a small 1-yearold lab/mutt!! reely, if yor vet isnt concerned, ask him if he can recommend a sort of treat that will at least put on a few pounds.
2006-06-20 20:16:05 · answer #6 · answered by whatnow?! 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
look for something with the highest protein and if you really want to add weight, give it baby formula mixed as you would for a baby. This also gives them a beautiful coat. Has the dog had all its shots? Certain ailments can keep them from gaining weight.
2006-06-20 20:00:59 · answer #7 · answered by swdMO 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If she's eating and not gaining any weight I would take her to the vet and get her checked for parasites. She could have worms. Also your vet would be able to tell you what foods would be best for her.
2006-06-20 19:59:28 · answer #8 · answered by Boober Fraggle 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Can food or the dog biscuits
2006-06-20 19:57:50 · answer #9 · answered by Teresita D 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
visit this web sight for the top rated dog foods http://www.animalarkshelter.org/animal/PetFoods.nsf/$$PetFoodsByManu?OpenForm
2006-06-20 19:58:50 · answer #10 · answered by aussie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋