My dog, Max, is a American Bulldog, full breed. We've had him since he was 8 weeks old. He was the runt of the litter. And at almost 3 years old, he only weighs 90-95 lbs. How do I get him to put on some weight, he should be in the 100-120 range. I feed him, and I've taken him to the vet, he's healthy. He just doesn't seem to want to gain more weight.
Thanks!
(I have a female, and she's in her average weight area)
2007-10-24 00:30:00 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
Ask your vet for reccomendations. If your vet has evalutated and said he was okay, you don't need to worry about him gaining weight. Naturally, the runts WILL be smaller and weigh less than the average. However, if you do really need to, you should put him on a diet that has the right amount of protein. Generally, you want 26% protein and you can find that in good dog food brands such as Innova (I have that for my puppy.)
2007-10-24 00:37:46 · answer #1 · answered by Southern Sweetheart 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Split his normal daily amount into 5 meals a day.
Buy a high quality complete food if you are not already using one.Make sure it is a least 25% protein.
It's a good idea to worm him first so the worms don't get all the goodness.
You will see a difference within a week & the target weight can be reached in as little as 3 weeks by this method.
It is hard work feeding a dog at regular intervals throughout the day for a few weeks,especially if you have other dogs around.But it is well worth the effort as they can go back to once a day when the weight is gained.
2007-10-24 07:52:15 · answer #2 · answered by Another Planet 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The runt of the litter is usually smaller. If you over-feed the dog, you may increase his weight, but you will also introduce health problems. His internal organs - heart, lungs, kidneys etc might not be able to cope with a weight gain that is beyond what is normal for him. If he's healthy and happy, then I wouldn't worry about putting weight on him.
2007-10-24 07:39:51 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My dog has the same problem. He has lots of allergies and every time he has a bad bout with his allergies, he looses weight and won't gain it back. The following recipe I obtained at an AKC meeting. It can be cut in half or quarters and frozen in packages. The ingredients are just mixed together and fed to the dog raw. Hope this helps.
10 pounds of fatty hamburger
1 large box of Total Cereal
1 large box of Quaker Old Fashioned Oatmeal
10 packets of non-flavored gelatin
10 eggs
1 jar of wheat germ
1 cup of safflower oil
1 bottle of molasses
2007-10-24 14:16:03 · answer #4 · answered by Debbie Queen of All ♥ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Talk to your vet first. Mine told me to add a spoon of cot cheese to the food every day for a few weeks.Also can make some home made food (boiled chicken with rice and frozen veggies and sweet pot ) Go slow dont add alot a change in foods may give him the poops!!And you don't say what kind of food you feed your dogs? Maybe look for a better food?That is why you should talk to your vet !!
2007-10-24 07:43:41 · answer #5 · answered by EducateDon'tJudge! 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just as all humans are not the same size,even though we are all the same species.....all dogs even of the same breed are not going to be the same size.
He may have already reached his max weight,just think how much easier it is going to be on his joints NOT to be carrying around those other 15/20lbs,not to mention his back,heart,lungs.
Enjoy your boy like he is. I bet he is beautiful.
2007-10-24 07:43:27 · answer #6 · answered by my best guess 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hey , it is not healthy to force feed a dog to make it gain weight.
2007-10-24 07:33:11 · answer #7 · answered by WC 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If he's smaller than most then he may be at an appropriate size for his particular body. If the vet isn't concerned then just feed him normally.
2007-10-24 07:35:52 · answer #8 · answered by Boss 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋