Owners of lean pups needn’t worry anymore with dog supplements for weight gain, providing the necessary nutrients to get some meat on those bones. Of all dog supplements you can pinch for your pooch, weight gain supplements for dogs may be the most important, especially if your new companion has come from a rescue centre – or is having a tough time with their health. These smart and vet-approved powders and food to help dogs gain weight can help your pooch look (and feel) healthier than ever before.
Helping your dog to gain weight can not only feel stressful for you, but other owners may judge you by the way your dog looks. If you’ve adopted a rescue, their weight loss may be due to stress and trauma, says Buddy & Lola. It’s “not always one thing” and can range from pickiness to requiring probiotic support. So, weight gain supplements for pooches work by providing them with the extra calories and nutrients they need to bulk up to a healthy weight.
Dog supplements for weight gain at a glance
• Best dog food for weight gain: Lily’s Kitchen Recovery Recipe - View offer at Lily's Kitchen
• Best high-protein weight gain treat: Pooch & Mutt High Protein Beef Jerky - View offer at Pooch & Mutt
• Best dog supplement for weight gain: Buddy & Lola Dog Weight Gainer Supplement - View offer on Amazon UK
Leaner pooches may have “a slight narrowing around your dog’s waist - and in certain breeds, a faint outline of their ribcage,” according to Buddy & Lola. Alongside trying dog food for weight gain, you may be able to encourage your food-avoidant pooch to take a bite of their food by changing their dinnertime environment, removing pressure from other dogs and ensuring there is little movement around their dog bowl. However, if you're concerned about the welfare of your pup, always speak to your vet.
Finding the best dog supplements for weight gain can be helped by a dog DNA test, which can determine your pooch’s breed, and shed light on potential health issues and food sensitivities. After all, every dog is different and will require specific changes for weight gain. For example, greyhound racers are notoriously lean and when rescued, can have dental issues – which can be a cause of poor intake. So, we’ve found the best supplements for weight gain in dogs to ensure good health - not to mention high-calorie dog food to bulk up your dog naturally.
Best dog supplements for weight gain
Start with diet changes
Best dog food for weight gain
www.lilyskitchen.co.uk
This grain-free Lily’s Kitchen Recovery Recipe features fresh chicken, banana, and potato, supplemented with prebiotics for a robust digestive system. It promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, ensuring a healthy digestive system and aiding in recovery. Perfect for recuperating or as a standby for extra care days - and to help out with weight gain.
Customer review: "My dog had a spate of sickness and diarrhoea and this food was palatable for her and easy to digest and she loved it. Turned her nose up at everything else at the time. So, thank you for that."
Pros
- Easy-to-digest ingredients
- Environmentally-friendly company
- Grain-free, prebiotic recipe
Cons
- Unsure if suitable for puppies
- Recommended as a temporary diet
| Ingredients | Fresh Chicken (50%) Potatoes, Bananas, Prebiotics FOS and MOS |
| Quantity | 6 x 400g |
| Preparation | Wet Food |
| Suitability | Adult and Senior Dogs |
| Dosage/Portion | Feed for Around 2 Weeks, Portion by Feeding Guide |
Best weight gain treat for on-the-go
www.lilyskitchen.co.uk
Supplement your dog's appetite with some delicious Lily’s Kitchen Beef On The Go Bar in addition to their four smaller meals throughout the day to make sure they're getting a hearty, weight-gaining amount of calories. Our pocket-sized, nutritionally complete meal bar is perfect for active days. Packed with flavour, fresh meat, and essential nutrients, it's vet and nutritionist-approved for a healthy and delightful experience. It's suitable for dogs from 4 months old.
Customer review: "So so handy for when out and about. A little on the crumbly side but not have to worry about bowels and opened tins etc it was amazing. Great idea."
Pros
- Perfect for taking on walkies
- A flavoursome, beefy recipe
- Vet and nutritionist-approved
Cons
- Some customers say this is a little on the crumbly side
| Ingredients | 60% Freshly Prepared Beef, Potato, Pea Protein, Glycerin (derived from Vegetable Oil), Minerals, Flaxseeds, Blueberries, Spinach Cinnamon |
| Quantity | 40g |
| Preparation | Bar |
| Suitability | From Four Months |
| Dosage/Portion | Portion by Feeding Guide |
Best dog treat for helping weight gain
www.lilyskitchen.co.uk
These bite-sized, protein-rich Lily’s Kitchen Chicken Protein Bites, featuring chicken, peanut butter, and flaxseed, are ideal for sustaining your active canine companion and helping them gain some weight. Supplement these bites alongside your pooch's meals. Vet and nutritionist-approved, they ensure a healthy, happy dog. Suitable for dogs from 4 months old, with a recommended maximum of 5 treats daily. Supervision during consumption is advised.
Customer review: "My dog loves these she has them for treats as and when excellent."
Pros
- Pack a real protein punch for weight gain
- A healthy, grain-free recipe for all ages
- Features favourite chicken and peanut butter
Cons
- Your dog may need supervising when eating this treat
| Ingredients | 72% Freshly Prepared Chicken, Pea Protein, Glycerin (derived from Rapeseed Oil), Flaxseed, 1% Peanut Butter, Apple, Pumpkin Seeds, Cinnamon |
| Quantity | 40g |
| Preparation | Bites |
| Suitability | From Four Months |
| Portion/Dosage | Portion by Feeding Guide; Maximum Five Daily |
Best high-protein weight gain treat
www.poochandmutt.co.uk
The Pooch & Mutt High Protein Beef Jerky is made from 90 per cent beef jerky, slow-dried over 24 hours from grass-fed Finnish cows, and guarantees a mouthwatering, grain-free reward. Tried and tested with numerous dogs, it's the ideal training treat for guaranteed good behaviour - and to help your pooch bulk out with a complete protein.
Customer review: "Great sized bag. Burty thought these were absolutely amazing. A real winner. Given the choice he would have demolished the bag in one go but it lasted well because the pieces are easy to break down. Really well made."
Pros
- Puppy-friendly recipe
- Protein-packed and hypoallergenic
- No grains and all-natural ingredients
Cons
- May need halving for smaller mouths
| Ingredients | Beef 90%, glycerin of vegetable origin, lignocellulose, sodium chloride, rosemary extract & tocopherol extracts from vegetable oils |
| Quantity | 210g |
| Preparation | Jerky Bites |
| Suitability | Suitable for all breeds of dogs from 8 weeks old. |
| Portion/Dosage | Portion by Feeding Guide |
Best value treat bundle to help weight gain
www.petspurest.com
A selection of 100 per cent natural treats, this Pets Purest Sausage Treats Bundle contains no artificial additives, preservatives, or fillers, ensuring your pet is well looked after. For use as a complementary pet food for pups to help weight gain - or as a reward - we recommend supervising your pet when they chow down. Plus, make sure their water bowl is nearby.
Pros
- Made from natural ingredients
- Delicious and nutritious
- A great selection of high-protein treats
Cons
- No customer reviews yet
| Ingredients | Pork and Beef Sausages; Venison and Duck Sausages |
| Quantity | Bundle, 3 Packs |
| Preparation | Sausage Treats |
| Suitability | Adult Dogs Only |
| Portion/Dosage | Unspecified. |
Best high-protein peanut butter
www.petspurest.com
Finally, to support weight gain, we recommend topping your pooch's wet food and/or treats with the Pets Purest Natural Peanut Butter. You could even stuff it in a toy or food mat and it will keep your dog occupied for hours. Hypoallergenic, all-natural and nasties-free, Pets Purest Peanut Butter is perfect for providing extra (and tasty) calories.
Customer review: "My little Rescue from Bosnia. Absolutely loves this peanut butter. NO Palm oil. Came well package will definitely buy again."
Pros
- 100 per cent natural peanuts
- No palm oil, xylitol or nasties
- Protein-packed and super tasty
Cons
- May not be right for your pooch
| Ingredients | 100% Roasted Peanuts and vegetable oil |
| Quantity | 340 g |
| Preparation | Nut Butter |
| Suitability | All Ages |
| Portion/Dosage | Up to 5kg is 1tbsp, 5-10kg is 1-2 tbsp, 10-20kg is 2-3tbsp |
Then, consider supplements
Best dog supplement for weight gain
Tailored for rescue dogs and finicky eaters shedding pounds, this Buddy & Lola Dog Weight Gainer Supplement offers high-quality, protein-rich nourishment, bolstering weight gain and appetite. Packed with amino acids, it nurtures joint, skin, and coat well-being. With an appealing taste that appeals to selective eaters, it serves as a convenient calorie-boosting alternative to extra meals. Buddy & Lola's supplement is perfect for your pooch who looks a little lean.
Customer review: "I think this product should be aimed more at picky eaters to help them gain weight as I have been using this for a few weeks now at the recommended scoops and I have not noticed any considerable weight gain on my boy, but he does love the taste of it. The one thing this is great for is hiding his tablets in his food as he is too busy wolfing his food down to notice them."
Pros
- High-quality protein to promote growth
- Convenient way to add extra calories
- Irresistible flavour to encourage fussy eaters
Cons
- Will require some patience
| Ingredients | Vegetable powder, soy protein, flaxseed, coconut milk, pumpkin protein |
| Quantity | 300g |
| Preparation | Powder, Wet Food Topper |
| Suitability | Suitable for all dogs aged 12+ weeks. |
| Portion/Dosage | 1 Scoop is Approx. 7g; Refer to Feeding Guide |
Advanced muscle builder
ProDog Muscle+ Dog Weight Gainer is a top-tier dog weight gain supplement, effortlessly incorporated into meals. It caters to all dog sizes and breeds over 24 weeks old, utilising superior proteins, nutraceuticals, and superfoods for robust muscle growth, speed, and strength. Judging by the customer reviews, its supremely protein-rich formula has helped more than just a few dogs get back into shape. It even helps with digestion, too.
Customer review: "This has been a great addition to my dog's diet. I fed him Prodog raw food and he looked great. Sadly after a routine operation, he dropped a lot of muscle and just needed a little extra help to regain it. Muscle + has done a fabulous job. I can highly recommend this product. It's easy to mix into his raw food and he has never turned his nose up at it. 5 stars from me!"
Pros
- Formulated using premium natural ingredients
- Perfect as a meal topper for wet food
- A safe and healthy way to reach a desirable weight
Cons
- A larger pack size is recommended for larger dogs
| Ingredients | Tri-protein blend, fish and collagen oil, L-taurine, rolled out oat flour, L-glutamine, glucosamine sulphate, pumpkin seed powder |
| Quantity | 300g |
| Preparation | Powder, Wet Food Topper |
| Suitability | All dogs 24+ weeks; Seek advice if pregnant |
| Portion/Dosage | Up to 15kg is 1 Scoop, Over 15kg is 2 Scoops P/D. If new to the supplement, start with a quarter scoop, then half a scoop and 3/4 a scoop every 3-4 days. |
Natural dog supplement for weight gain
Ace Antler's abundant deer antler cutting, produces a nutrient-rich by-product: Deer Antler Powder for Dogs, which is a powder with 40 per cent protein, ideal for enhancing your dog's diet. Ethically sourced from naturally shed antlers, it offers 21g calcium, 10g phosphorus, 26mg magnesium, and 998ppm iron per 100g. Conveniently packaged in eco-friendly shakers, providing 250g for your convenience. Sprinkle on your dog's wet food for a healthy boost.
Customer review: "I bought this as I'm interested in the health benefits for my two dogs, as well as a nice healthy treat for them. As soon as I opened the pot, they went mad for the smell. They absolutely love it and lick their bowl clean more than usual! I have a Staffordshire bullterrier and a black labrador retriever for those who may want to know!"
Pros
- Gluten and grain-free food topper
- A by-product of deer antler cutting
- Natural - no animals were harmed
Cons
- Unspecified dosage instructions
| Ingredients | Deer antler powder |
| Quantity | 250g |
| Preparation | Powder, Wet Food Topper |
| Suitability | Unspecified. |
| Portion/Dosage | Unspecified. |
Verdict: Which is the best dog supplement for weight gain?
Our top pick is the Buddy & Lola Dog Weight Gainer Supplement, which should be tested after you make some changes to your pooch's diet with excess treats, high-calorie wet food and protein bars.
What to consider in dog supplements for weight gain
Before you dive into our picks, consider if weight gain supplements are right for your dog. If you’ve attempted to bulk your dog out with a change in diet and have seen no change, a supplement may be a good option, says Buddy & Lola. But, we’d recommend speaking to your vet first, who can advise on if this is "right for your dog based on their health and dietary needs,” as well as dosage.
As a general rule of thumb, start small and gradually increase the amount.
When it comes to the best weight gainer for dogs, Buddy & Lola have a few pointers:
High quality – protein helps “dogs grow bigger, stronger and healthier.”
Convenience – providing a way to “add extra calories without adding an extra meal.”
Irresistible flavour – can encourage “fussy eaters and sickly dogs.”
FAQs
What do I do if my dog is underweight?
There are so many reasons why your dog might not be at its optimum weight. This can be a result of picky eating, recovery from an illness, re-homing or even when nursing puppies. Your vet should be the first port of cool when you notice any sudden (and unexpected) loss of weight. So, how do we fatten up a dog?
Consult the scales – from time to time. Though it’s not easy to put your temperamental pooch on some scales, it can help keep track of any changes. Next, appearance is another factor, namely their silhouette and the fat that should be around their ribs. Buddy & Lola adds: “Remember that some breeds are ‘leaner’ than others, but there should always be some padding between ribs and skin.”
Review their diet – by consulting a dog feeding guide, taking into account age, breed and activity levels. Your vet may propose a new diet and exercise regime, for example, adding “an extra daily meal or offering smaller, more frequent meals,” suggests Buddy & Lola. Supplementary calories can even be added as dog biscuits or even human food; for this, think protein and avoid anything toxic.
Consider a high-calorie supplement – which can usually be sprinkled “onto your dog’s existing food.” Catering to the fussiest of pups, powder supplements typically come flavoured – Buddy & Lola’s Weight Gainer is a delicious chicken. Energy and protein are both vital for your pup to stay in good shape. Much like a joint support supplement, a weight gainer can support your pup’s well-being, too.
What do I do if my dog is eating – but losing weight still?
Unpredictable, sudden weight loss can be a sign of a bigger problem. And – if you’ve exhausted all your options – from supplementation to diet changes, to no avail, then you should be concerned. Health issues such as endocrine disorders, infections and cancer can cause weight loss in dogs:
Intestinal parasites – is a common cause of weight loss, triggering diarrhoea and vomiting.
Diabetes – can affect dogs too, causing weight gain or weight loss in our furry friends.
Maldigestion – is a term used to define a dog’s issues with digesting their chow properly.
Malabsorption – describes a dog’s “inability to absorb food properly”, cutting off vital nutrients.
Dental disease – is a “leading cause”, as discomfort from chewing can prevent chowing down.
Kidney disease – can be spotted by “increased thirst, urination and appetite.”
Liver disease – could be the root problem of your pooch’s sudden weight loss.
Heart disease – may suppress a pooch’s appetite, resulting in a sudden weight loss.
Cancer – and tumours are a common cause, too, as these cells consume all of our energy.
Other signs to look out for weight loss is “lack of energy, decreased appetite, excessive drinking or urination, decreased mobility or pain, vomiting, head shaking, and anything else out of the ordinary,” says Buddy & Lola. Start with reviewing their diet, as weight loss can be due to feeding and nutrition.
A great starting point is to feed your pooch “three to four small meals per day”, to up their calorie intake, suggests Buddy & Lola, whilst complimenting the meal with a weight-gaining supplement.
Piper Huxley is a Homes, Garden and Wellness Product Writer for Take a Break, specialising in pet health. When she’s not barking about dog supplements, she’s online devouring cat content.