How can I fatten my dog up?

Question

I have a 9 Month Chihuahua Mix. We adopted him from the pound and they knew the mom was a Chi but didn't know what the dad was, whatever it was it was also small because our dog is about 4 lbs. He is pretty small height wise but is a little bit larger than a chihuahua. I wanted to give a little bit of background but anyway. The vet told us his weight is fine but to me he looks too skinny. I feed him two cans of Cesar (he won't eat more, I've tried) everyday and throughout the day he eats dry Beneful food (very little). My question is do you all know what kind of food would be good to give him to fatten him up. Not necessarily extra food since he does not like to eat much...but what could I switch him to that is healthy and will make him gain weight. And I guess it wouldn't hurt to know of a recipe or something to help him gain some weight.

I guess I did set myself up for that one. But you all are going to sit there and tell me that just because someone (with more authority/knowledge than you) told you something you didn't go and do something else? I am not trying to kill my dog gee. But when I pet him I can feel his little (ribcage) bones and it's sort of concerning...which is why I am going to go to another vet for his next check up. But gee you all act like I'm going to kill it. Thanks for the good answers though.

Answer 1

if you think he is to skinny and your vet thinks he is fine then i wouldnt worry about his weight cause the vet knows what he is suppose to look like and if you dont trust your vet then get another oppion from another vet,,,I had a dog that was very skinny and took her to the vet and the vet said she looked fine to her, so if you want to add just a few more pounds to him but not to many cause it causes more health problems if they are over weight then i would suggest to give some Cottage Cheesse and mix it into his dry dog food at night before bed time, cause that is what we did and after no time she started looking alot better plus its more calcium for their teeth and her coat started looking shinier,,, so i would suggest that you put Cottage Cheesse in his dry food and he will start to gain weight but then start to taper him off of it cause like i said you dont him over weight,,, I hope this has helped and good luck with your new pup,,,

Answer 2

Well it sounds as though you are offering him adequate amounts of food , but maybe you should give him his wet food in the am and pm and then just have the regular food available to him at all times. I have found that like humans animals like the option of being able to going and getting a bit to eat when ever they want to. I'm assuming that since he was purchased from a shelter he has been fixed so this may help him as well in fatten him up. Also make sure that you have wormed regular and this will also help. Since he is still just a pup give him a few more months and this might help taper some of the thinness in him as well, remember chis are fragile body animals so even though he may seem thin to you and I ( since I like a animal with some meat on their bones ) he is probably just fine ! Keep up the good work !

Answer 3

I don't know that it's a good idea to try to fatten him up. If he isn't very old, you should expect him to gain some more weight as he gets older. Give it a little time. And if he's new to you or your home, maybe he's just nervous. He'll get better.
Also, I don't know that a chihuahua can eat much more than two cans of food. Unless the cans are small...

Answer 4

I have a skinny dog. He looks like he should be running alongside the Horseman of Famine in the Apocalypse. He's always been that way; when he was young and healthy, teenagers would yell "FEED YOUR DOG!!!" as we walked by. We tried feeding him meat, bacon grease, special nutrient jell, you name it, but it only made him finicky and he'd always go back to eating the same amount. Ten years later, he's even thinner, but there's nothing wrong with him. That's just the way he is.
If your dog is eating all he wants to eat, he's fine. It's normal to be able to feel a dog's ribs; in fact, if you can't feel them, that means the dog is overweight.
Watch his teeth. Since canned dog food doesn't scrape plaque off a dog's teeth at all, you might need to brush them every day with a baby toothbrush.
Take him for longer walks, or teach him some jumping tricks, and he might pack on some muscle.

Answer 5

He is young yet, as he gets older he'll "fatten up." If the vet said his weight is fine, and he eats good, he'll be fine. I wouldn't increase the fat or caloric intake of what he's eating because like I say, he will fatten up as he gets older.

We have a 5 yo chihuahua who was 4lbs and is probably 6 now.

Answer 6

First thing to do is take a fresh "sample" to the vet for testing for parasites (worms).There are some types that cannot be seen with the naked eye like hook worms.The vet can detect any type & dispense the right medicine according to body weight.Usually a one time pill called Droncit.Follow the directions completely.Bleach home flooring often & dog bedding.A home made dog food consists of rice with boneless boiled chicken,,beef,,liver or fish.Veggies may be added if cooked completely.Cool completely before serving.

Answer 7

Look for a place that is sells just animal food but not pet smart or other big stores look for smaller ones they usually have the good dog food. Because they don't have to sell brands and buy this crappy expense dog food. I will not spend 45 dollars on a small of dog food and it is crappy.

Answer 8

It's normal for young dogs to be skinny. If the vet thinks his weight is fine, leave him alone. He will fill out with maturity.

Obesity is a far bigger problem than being a bit underweight.

Answer 9

If the vet says he is fine, then he maybe the type dog that doesnt gain weight. Forcing him to gain weight he doesnt naturally carry can cause him unneeded health issues. Make sure he is wormed regularly, up to date on all his shots, and continue feeding him as you are. If you feel a need to supplement, you may try one raw egg a week. This will also help put a good shine on the coat. I wouldnt bother with the egg myself. I would make sure that he is vetted properly and love him as he is.

Answer 10

I always go with puppy chow.. Although your dogs weight is probably just fine.. I have a mini female poodle I thought she was to skinny too but the vet informed me she was fine,
As long as you cant see thier ribs sticking out.