question about underweight dog?

Question

I have a dog that is adopted and is about 5-10 lbs underweight. He is still healthy for the most part, full or energy, happy, loving, etc. The thing is, for the past 2 weeks, i've been feeding him the regular amount of food a dog his size/breed should be eating. He is gaining weight but very slowly. My question is, should i continue to be feeding him the amount averaged for his breed (4 cups) or should i feed him more (5 cups) until he is up to weight? The dog is about 2 years old and i know that dogs are normally thing at this age because they are just ending or about to end puberty. Any suggestions?? Please, no stupid or unnecessary comments. Use tact and candor.

Answer 1

You said he's gaining weight slowly, so I would keep on doing what you are doing - gaining quickly is not good for him. You said he's active and happy, so don't worry.

All my greyhounds were underweight when I got them because that's the way they keep them when they're racing. They were healthy, though, and all of them gained weight slowly over a couple of months - being underweight is much better for a dog's health than overweight.

Answer 2

Try mixing it half and half with puppy food, and then mixing in a few tablespoons of canned dog food- it has more fat in it. I wouldn't feed him too much more than reccommended, you don't want him to get sick. Try supplementing his food with small amounts of these:
Plain, cooked chicken, beef, or lamb
Baby food (meat only)
Boiled eggs (especially the yolk)

Start with the same amount of dry food you've been using, and add the canned food and/or people food on top of that. The extra food should be about 1/2 Cup if you're already feeding him 4 cups. Be patient, slow weight gain is preferable because it means he's gaining muscle weight, not just fat.

Answer 3

You probably would do best to keep him on his current feeding schedule since dogs do best with routine. It'll help keep him from begging or being out of sorts from a change. Dogs who get their food supply cut get a little cranky, just like people do and that could lead to excessive begging.

However, instead of regular adult food, you might try giving him puppy food instead. It has more calories and more fat in it to promote growth.

When changing foods, it's best to use a 50/50 mix of old and new for a week so as not to shock the dog and give him loose stools. Then, when your dog is up to weight, switch him back to the adult food.

Answer 4

I got a dog out in the middle of no where and she was bone skinny ,too. Since we didnt have dog food (we were on vacation)
we gave her little bits of human food and she gained weight fast so maybe you can give your dog a LITTLE bit of leftovers. don't go overboard and give it alot it will make him/her sick , just a little amount

Answer 5

You want the dog to gain weight slowlly. To fast is as bad as not at all.
Remember too that just like people what is proper for one dog might not be proper for his brother.