I have a two & half old male Doberman that I can not seem to get to gain weight, any ideas how to fatten up?

Question

I feed him twice a day (10 cups of Chicken &rice formula IAM's). He weighs about 65lbs. and that's as heavy as I seem to be able to get him. His dad weighed 105lbs & his mom was about 90lbs. I have taken him to the vet and he said he had some kinda of gland issue, and of course would need exstensive testing done $$. Just looking to see if anyone has faced something similar and may have some old fashion remedies.

Answer 1

Male Dobermans can take up to 3 years of age before they fill out.
Thyroid is what the vet is likely talking about. The test isn't much. But you have to make sure you find out what his normal is. You can't start giving thyroid medication on the results from one test. You must have at least 3 tests done... Find out his normal first then decide if it's a thyroid problem.

You should have him checked out tho. There are liver issues that can come up that you don't want to just start increasing fat in the diet cause you will cause far more harm than good.
If he isn't scrawny, and looking sick from being thin, I would just wait him out, once the testing is done and you find him to be clear of health issues.

Answer 2

As i look at how much you are feeding your dog (10 cups) It seems rather unhealthy and i think your vet would agree.
a) Did the vet say he needed to gain weight?
b) What did the VET reccomend?

Upping feed is not a very good solution and can only make them sick, rather i suggest 2 cups in the morning and 2 cups at night-- it seems to me like your feed isn't working, so try gradually changing it.. ( each day mixing more and more new in with the old, and adding less old-- sudden diet changes will upset their stomachs ) I think you should try Innova Large Breed adult.... here is the link, your should check it out

http://www.naturapet.com/display.php?d=product-detail&pxsl=%2F%2Fproduct%5B@id%3D%271260%27%5D

However, since he has some kind of gland issue, i'm not sure how much more weight you will be able to put on him.... Since the male generally weighs between 75 and 90 pounds, it sounds like he is in a pretty healthy weight range, considering his condition.

If you really have talked to your vet and still think he needs to gain weight-- You can add any kind of rice, vegetables, garlic, pumpkin, raw or cooked meats to his feed... Raw bones are a great treat, too. One of my dog's favorites is raw egg with a little bit of honey.

Just be sure to avoid cooked bones, chocolate, onions, raisins, and salt. Oh, and beans. I found that one out the hard way! Yikes...

OR
Here is a link to some natural treats you can make to help your pet gain weight....

http://lowchensaustralia.com/health/diet4.htm

GOOD LUCK

Answer 3

If you vet says its a gland issue then your going to have to have that taken care of...what is happeneing is that your dogs body isnt breaking down and properly using the food you are giving him. 10 cups is ALOT of food for a dobie ( I have 2 and volunteer for a dobie rescue) they should be weight proportionate. Getting him to gain weight isnt going to help. ( this could actually do damage) There are vitamines and other things you can add to his food to help but medical interevention IS going to be needed. Yahoo has great groups that you can ask advise on also....Doberman_Pincher, Blue dobes and I live in Pittsburgh PA and there is a GH dogs group that I've learned wonders in.

Answer 4

We had an aussie that couldn't seem to gain weight, and stayed really thin. We switched her to PMI high protein dog food, which did put some weight on her, now that we have had her fixed, she looks like a totally different dog.

Answer 5

Have you tried worming him? because every so often he might need to be wormed especially if he was a puppy they need to be wormed at least 3 within the first 3 months

Answer 6

Have you tried cooking him white or brown rice?

Answer 7

bacon fat in their food, or you could just try doggy vitamins if you want to go the healthier more expensive route...