Should I feed my skinny dog cheap dog food so he can gain weight?

[Shell Beau]

I am only half-way kidding. I know those cheap foods are filled with fillers. He is such a picky eater, but my other 2 are garbage disposals. What can make him gain weight in a healthy manner? He is a healthy dog. No worms of any kind, etc. The vet doesn't have a problem with his weight, but I'd like to see him put on about 10 lbs.

edit: He is 47 lbs. and I think he would be better at 55 or 57 lbs.

[ScreamingMeemie]

1. Cheap dog food almost killed my baby Jessie.

Too much magnesium and she ended up needing surgery to remove a bunch of bladder stones. She never complained and I didn't notice until she started hemorrhaging. :(

[Shell Beau]

2. Oh!! Damn! Good thing I have always gone for the good stuff!

That is awful. They shouldn't be able to sell it if it can be bad for a dog. I am sure lots of people feed their dogs that stuff because they don't know better. I just thought that it was filled with fats and not a whole lot of nutrients, but I never knew it could really harm a dog!

[LanternWaste]

65. The eyes can play funny tricks,,,

I swear that when I first saw the header to your post it read, "Cheap dog food almost killed my baby Jesus". It's been a long, long week.

I am glad your dog's better-- frinds and spouses come and go these days, but a dog lives in our hearts forever!

:)

[China_cat]

3. A can of cat food once a week or so added to his kibble.

A really 'hot' kibble such as Venison and Rice from Nature's Recipe (my dogs don't have to eat it...they'll put on weight just smelling it) Any weight he'd gain on a cheap food wouldn't be a healthy gain. I'm needing to get 20 more pound OFF one dog and onto his brother.
I'm finding taking it off the one is easier than putting it on the other.

[Shell Beau]

4. Gosh I am trying to do both. One needs to lose and one needs to gain.

But they want to share food. It is so freakin' hard. Is cat food okay for a dog? I know that sometimes dog stuff is bad for cats and vice versa! Although I have seen my dog eat poo! What could be any worse than that?!?! :puke:

[achtung_circus]

5. The major difference

between cat requirements and dog requirements is that cats require a higher protein diet. Carnivores, you know, versus omnivores.

Dog food won't meet those requirements long-term.

[Shell Beau]

7. My poor friend (not knowing the effects) gave her cat

some doggie flea medicine. The cat went into convulsions but was okay after an emergency trip to the vet. She also has dogs and the cat had fleas. The cat and the dog weighed the same so she thought it was the same!! Expense and scary lesson.


But dogs are carnivores just as cats are. They aren't omnivores.

[China_cat]

14. Yes, dogs are omnivores

Dot's favorite treats are whole carrots. She goes through about 10 lbs. a week. Dogs, unlike cats, can even do well on a vegetarian diet. Cats, being obligate carnivores, can't...they can eat stuff other than meat but they get no nutrition from anything else.

You don't want to feed dogs onions, grapes or raisins, though. They cause Heinz body anemia which is 100% fatal...no treatment, no cure.

[Shell Beau]

23. Well, I have read a lot about them being both

omnivores and carnivores, but dogs do best on meat. They eat veggies when they don't have meat. But I did not know that about the grapes and onions. My Lolly loves both!! :scared: No more will she get them.

[flvegan]

31. You should tell that to the couple hundred dogs

I've sent through my rescue.

All vegetarian. Dogs are opportunistic carnivores at best. Dogs do best on proper nutrition. To suggest that filling them with crappy Dog Chow because there's allegedly "meat" in it, as opposed to a truly healthy diet is akin to doing the same to a person. Sure...eat a Big Mac. It's meat, and meat is good for you!

[Shell Beau]

32. That isn't how I think at all. I just feel that dogs prefer meat. That is what

they would naturally hunt on their own. I've seen my dogs do it. Squirrels, birds, possums, etc.

[flvegan]

37. Domesticated dogs don't really know how to "hunt"

so to speak.

Actually, canines in the wild, go after herbivores. When taken, they eat the gut remnants first, not the muscle. Domestic dogs aren't wolves, lions or anything the like.

"but dogs do best on meat" is your quote, and I felt the need to address it as untrue.

[Shell Beau]

38. Domestic dogs can and do hunt. I see it all of the time with mine.

But, having said that, dogs prefer meat. Even domesticated dogs, and if that is what they are instinctually attracted to, then I think that is what is best for them.

[flvegan]

39. Really?

So you've seen the wild pack mentality? Or have you seen your dog stalking a squirrel? Big dif.

Dogs prefer what's good for and presented to them. Many dogs would rather eat the excrement of another dog. You saying that they "prefer" one thing or another is projection at best.

Think what you want.

[Shell Beau]

40. No, I have seen all three of my dogs get together and

stalk a squirrel and catch and kill it. That is what I call hunting. I am not going to change your opinion on dogs prefering meat. But, I know that they do. Lay down a steak and whatever you feed your dogs and see which they fight over.

[bicentennial_baby]

57. Shell, no offense, but

He knows waaaaay more about dogs than either you and I. This I know :)

[Shell Beau]

58. Honestly, I know quite a lot about dogs.

I read tons of literature about it. He knows a lot no doubt, but I know a lot too. I am fascinated with all animals. I watch Animal Planet and Discovery like crazy. I also buy lots of books on dogs. My mom-in-law has over 40 dogs (she rescues them). I know a lot. I am not saying I know more than he, but don't count me out. He also looks at things from a vegan standpoint a lot of the time. I don't.

I was pretty much kidding about the cheap food. I just want my dog to pack on some pounds before summer gets here.

[Karenca]

42. Carnivores: animals that eat herbivores.

Carnivores: animals that eat herbivores. The carnivore's digestion is unable break down vegetable cell walls.

Herbivores: animals that eat vegetation. They are able to digest and use as food the cellulose which forms the cell walls of all plants.

The dog is a pure carnivore.

All carnivores' digestive systems are the simplest, being essentially a long piece of pipe with a single bulge near the beginning.

Comparison between the digestive tracts of a carnivore, a herbivore and Man: Link - http://209.85.165.104/search?q=cache:rqTTMAYCL2oJ:www.second-opinions.co.uk/carn_herb_comparison.html+wild+dogs+carnivore+herbivores&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=4&gl=us

[China_cat]

6. Well, I have to monitor their eating times

because before they came to live here they were fed together and Jake was pushing Elwood out and eating his food, too. I know it's hard to sit and watch them eat and make sure everybody gets just what they're supposed to have but sometimes you have to make the effort.

I'm talking the 6 oz. CANS of catfood and not all the time...once a week at most. They are higher caloric value than most dog foods. Elwood gets almost double the amount of kibble that Jake gets with (at different times) some canned dog food, the canned cat food, chicken or beef broth, an egg, a large tablespoon of cottage cheese (at least 3 times a week on that for all the dogs so that we can breathe) and he gets fed at least twice a day. Jake has already lost 5 lbs. and Elwood has gained almost that much but it's a real balancing act that has to have a close eye kept on it.

Elwood's going to need surgery on one knee but until he gains some weight the vet doesn't want to take the chance on the sedation he'll need to get the proper x-rays done, let alone the actual surgery.

[Shell Beau]

8. See, mine will not eat if they aren't all together because they are

worried what the other one has. I have tried it so many times. My two overweight ones will eventually eat, but my skinny one, I swear, would almost starve himself to death. He is sooooo weird when it comes to that. He went 4 days without eating while he was boarded at the vet. He is a strange dog.

[China_cat]

12. Mine eat in the same room next to each other

But I'm sitting right there and won't let Jake take Elwood's food. Jeez, Jake and Elwood are so bonded that they have to go to the groomer together because you can't take one somewhere alone without the other howling for the whole time he's gone. They clean each other's ears like cats do and Jake sucks on Elwood's left ear like a security blanket.

And I'm talking BIG dogs here. Jake right now weighs 120 lbs and is 30 inches at the shoulder. Elwood is 88 lbs and 31 inches at the shoulder.

[Shell Beau]

17. Wow! What breed is Jake?

This is Hank my 90 pounder... No need to diet here

I do have to put a blanket down because his hair gets EVERYWHERE!!!!!

(another cute one minus the beer, salsa, and chips!!)

My skinny ass Hutch...

Hank and Hutch together


And my one and only fattie Lolly!! My baby cakes!

This was 7 ot 8 lbs. ago!! And her face is gray now. I need to download some better ones of my baby!

[MadMaddie]

33. Your little girl looks like my little girl...

Mine is part Rhodesian Ridgeback and we are thinking datsun..seriously...she is pretty just like yours.

[Shell Beau]

34. Rhodesian Ridgeback and dachsund?????

Rhodies are HUGE!! While dachsunds are small! I don't quite know if it's possible! What makes you think it is part Ridgeback?

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

35. My cousin has a pit bull/dachsund/beagle mix.

It's a weird looking thing. Great with the kids, though.

[Shell Beau]

36. I've heard of weirder, but Rhodesian Ridgeback

at close to 100 lbs. or more or the

Dachshund

at 25 lbs.

?????

[China_cat]

44. No problem if the smaller dog is the male.

I once had a dog that was St. Bernard/Bassett hound. Talk about your funny looking dog.

[Shell Beau]

54. Wow!!! Dogs aren't picky are they!!

:P

I would have loved to see that dog!!

[China_cat]

43. Jake, Elwood and Dot

are all Bouviers.

The Bouv Brothers, Jake and Elwood


From right to left, Elwood, Dot on the couch, Jake (taken the day we got the boys)


Jake standing, so you can get a better idea of his size.

[Shell Beau]

45. Gorgeous!! I love Bouviers!

I have always wanted one!

[China_cat]

47. ABRL is always looking for potential adopters.

(American Bouvier Rescue League) and there's always plenty of rescued Bouvs needing homes.

[Shell Beau]

48. Maybe when I have less dogs I can think about it.

I also really want a Rhodesian Ridgeback, but will do the rescue league thing also. I just can't see myself going to breeders anymore when so many dogs need homes. 2 of mine are rescue pups.

[mopinko]

9. feed him puppy food

i have a skinny girl that i have been trying to fatten up for 2 years, since i rescued her from the pound. i have finally resorted to puppy food a couple of months ago. she is still skinny, but at least her ribs are barely noticeable, and her dandruff is gone. shoulda seen her when i brought her home, tho.

[Shell Beau]

10. Good idea! Do you give your dog a vitamen or does the puppy food

provide enough nutrients?

[mopinko]

15. not usually a real good idea to give extra vitamins with

a manufactured diet. a good quality food should have everything that they need. (costco carries a pretty good one. purina one is also a decent food.) the puppy food is higher in that stuff. too much is not good.
she will go back to adult food when i am happy that she has rebuilt her muscles.
she raised a large litter of pups in the city pound on plain dog food. not enough exercise, not enough food. no idea how long she was stray. she had not only lost all her fat, she lost most of the muscle on her hind legs. kept her sense of humor, tho.

[Shell Beau]

20. Ok! I just know that puupy food and adult food are different in the

nutrition area. I guess a puppy would need more though!! Duh!

[mopinko]

22. i actually know more about birds than dogs, but

manufactured bird diets for breeders also serve well for sick or injured birds. but normal adults fed a breeder diet get kidney trouble, mostly.

[Alenne]

11. Do you feed him wet food?

At the shelter I work at we give dogs that need to gain weight wet food mixed in with the dry. If they are really skinny we give them wet puppy food mixed with dry. You can use a high quality wet food, it doesn't have to be cheap.

[Shell Beau]

13. Good thought! He typically turns his skinny ass nose up at wet food, but

it is worth a try. He will only eat milk bones as a treat. I buy him those Beggin' Stips and Snausages but he sniffs and walks away. He is soooo picky. I have never had a do turn down a Beggin' Strip!

[Alenne]

19. We get those at the shelter too

probably only eats dry food. We just feed those dogs more of their dry food, three times a day instead of two. Not much you can do with a really picky eater unless you want to cook real food for it.

[Madspirit]

16. NO!!

Cheap dog/cat food is the worse thing you can feed them. Most is indigestible; the rest is toxic. Feed him more of his good food but if the vet is happy with his weight, don't stress.
Lee

[Shell Beau]

21. I try not to stress but his hip bones stick out and I know he could

use a few pounds. I do feed him good food. Nutro was what I bought the last time. But I feel like he must always be hungry. But if he were, he'd eat more, right?

[Madspirit]

24. Maybe

You should change vets. Even with my animals if something has me worried, I will get a second opinion.

Also, one of my cats had bad constipation and so wasn't properly absorbing all her food and so was too skinny. I took her to a vet who also did animal acupuncture. She did acupuncture on my cat. It was odd. My kitty, Boogie...just laid there and seemed blissed out. We came right home and she pooped and did better ever after. Gained weight and everything.

If you are concerned MAKE your vet listen to you, as with any doctor. If they don't listen to your concerns get another vet or at least get a second opinion.
Lee

[Shell Beau]

25. My vet and I have talked about his weight.

My vet is so knowledgeable and I trust him 200%. He is the most caring doc out there. He cried with my aunt when she had to put her 16 year old Bichon down. But he says that Hutch has always been small for his size (Hutch is 5) and that since his weight remains constant, he is healthy (everything checks out great), and he is still very active and no changes in his activity, etc. Nothing to worry about. I think he needs more meat on his bones, but my husband thinks he looks fine. I may be paranoid. He is a chow/Australian heeler mix. Who knows what their sizes are combined!

[Madspirit]

26. Wonderful

It's very important to trust your vet.

Last advice...<g>

Maybe you should relax.
Lee

[idgiehkt]

27. nutro is great food

he must have a really high metabolism. it will probably slow down as he ages...in time he might even be a bit chubby.

[Shell Beau]

28. I can't wait. He's 5 and for an almost 50 pounder, he is

close to getting old. In another 2 years, he'll be considered old. Hopefully he will put on some weight. He just isn't a big eater and never has been really.

[Mz Pip]

18. Feed him more of what he will eat.

When my old dog was sick I mixed her dog food with high calorie stuff she loved - bacon, ground beef, chicken. I mixed them together. As sick as she was at the end, she never lost any weight.

Of course he may just be genetically thin. Lucky dog. Unlike some of us humans...:-)

Mz Pip
:dem:

[flvegan]

29. Don't second guess your vet.

If you honestly think your dog is skinny, then seek a second opinion from another vet.

[bicentennial_baby]

56. My thoughts exactly

:hi:

[bullwinkle428]

30. Here's a really high-protein dry dog food (43%) that would probably help

with building muscle:

http://www.castorpolluxpet.com/store/natural_ultramix/natural_ultramix_adult_canine_formula

I'm currently feeding my cat the indoor cat formula made by this manufacturer, and she loves the taste of it. There's little bits of dried fruits and vegetables (even in the cat food) that supposedly give them the proper balance of nutrients. I get it at Petco...

[murielm99]

41. Has your dog had his thyroid checked?

When I thought my older dog was too skinny, we took him to the vet. They did the blood work, and checked for masses, and checked the thyroid. They also cleaned his teeth, because sometimes bad teeth can make a pet eat less.

He was just a skinny guy. There were no problems.

We did that recently with our cat. She is fine, too. She is ten years old, and a picky eater. She always has been picky. But she is healthy.

[LibertyLover]

46. No, no - not cheap dog food

I would suggest Nutro Max High Performance. It's got a greyhound on the bag I think. It's a good quality dog food with lots of protein and carbs and intended for active dogs. We were getting it for a while for our greys (and the whippets and Siberian Husky too) because we thought they needed the extra calories. After they had gained some weight, we switched to regular Nutro Max or Iams and they are staying at a good weight now.

[philosophie_en_rose]

49. Maybe the other two are eating his food?

If your vet says your dog is healthy - why add weight? He's probably just fine.

Dogs will eat, when they're hungry. If he's not getting enough, try feeding him some extra on his own. Maybe a slice of natural balance or some low-fat pupperoni.

[Shell Beau]

51. I do give him extra food when the others are asleep. I watch them

eat. He just doesn't like to eat. I guess some dogs can be like that. I only want him to gain weight because I know he will lose some once summer rolls around because dogs tend to do that in the heat. I'd like him to have some extra cushion is all.

[merh]

50. NOOOOOOoooooooo

Ooopps - didn't mean to scream - but doggie diets, oy you have to be so careful. Call your vet and ask him/her about diet supplements that aren't harmful. You could take him to the lake or a body of water and let him swim on a long leash - that bulks them up and muscle adds the weight.

I'd bulk him up with muscle over fat.

:hi:

Ruff - Winston says hello :)

[Shell Beau]

52. I am soooo happy he is okay!!!

I knew he would be!

I really was only kidding about the cheap food. He won't eat much of any food so it doesn't matter what I feed him.

:)

[merh]

53. Bulk him up - get a doggie treadmill!

And yeah, Winston is better, not 100% yet, but he is with me and he will be okay.

thanks for the good vibes & concern. :hug:

[idgiehkt]

67. good to hear about Winston

I was wondering about him. :) :hug:

[Taverner]

55. Well, one thing that is good for dogs is also good for us: lean protein

Especially if active...

[Orsino]

59. Try switching to another vet if you don't believe yours.

A second opinion might help. I don't recommend cheap dog food; those fillers pass right through, if I understand correctly, and only bulk up the stool volume (and odor).

[Shell Beau]

60. No, I trust my vet completely. He is the vet of vets in my community.

All other vets really look up to him. He has been a vet for over 30 years. I switched to him after tons of people told me about him. I couldn't ask for more in a vet. I don't not believe him, I just think my dog could stand a few pounds. But like some people are genetically thin, I guess he is too.I have a friend who is a vet (somewhat new at it) and all of her colleagues and she know only good things about my vet.

[Orsino]

61. Ah. Did the vet recommend a way to put on some pounds?

I've done it by feeding just a little bit extra. Weight gain and loss should be gradual, when the situation's not critical.

[Shell Beau]

62. He suggested feeding him a different food than the others.

But it is quite hard to do. I am not giving up on it, but he isn't interested in eating a lot of the time. He has too much else to do.

[Orsino]

66. Feeding separately can be tough.

I have so many dogs, though, that I've formed the habit. Four dogs on three different foods (two adult, one senior, and the other senior on S/O prescription).

[bicentennial_baby]

63. Then trust him on this as well

You have an opinion, based on some aesthetic notion of how you think your dog "should" look. Your vet has an informed medical opinion, based on years of both education and experience. Think about it.

[Shell Beau]

64. I am not worried about my dog aesthetically. If I was, I wouldn't have

gotten a chow/heeler mix. I do trust my doc., but he can stand a few pounds. He loses weight in the summer. Most dogs do. I just don't want him any thinner.

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

70. I agree. Bulking up a healthy dog for aesthetic reasons is ridiculous, IMO.

[Shell Beau]

75. And as I said it isn't for aesthetic reasons.

I don't give 2 shits about how my dogs look. I do, however, care for them to be at their best.

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

78. The vet said it was a healthy weight. You want to put 20% body weight on a healthy dog.

Why don't you want to listen to the vet's advice on the dog's weight?

20% is a huge amount, too.

[Shell Beau]

81. I have listened to him. He said I should change his food,

He doesn't have any issue with him gaining some weight. But like people, you can be thin and be healthy. Doesn't mean it would hurt to put on a few pounds.

[bicentennial_baby]

85. 20% is not a few pounds...

If I gained 20% of my weight, I'd weigh 160 lbs, and be considered obese for my height. Again, listen to your vet.

[Shell Beau]

87. That has been said here a few times. Let me rephrase what I said.

I would like him to gain a HEALTHY amount of weight whatever that may be. I have said all along that I wanted to do this in a healthy manner. Even though some skinny or fat people may be healthy, it doesn't mean they can't stand to gain or lose a few pounds.

This has been taken way out of context anyway. I would never do anything to hurt my dogs. I don't care what they look like. I rescue my dogs. I don't go out looking for the most beautiful breed. I want my dogs to be at their best. Whatever that may be for them. My Lolly is a little too fat but is healthy, doesn't mean she can't stand to lose a couple of pounds. I know my dogs. I know what is best for them for the most part. I consult with my vet before I do almost anything. He doesn't have a problem with Hutch gaining some weight.

[Kali]

68. 10 lbs on a 50 lb critter is a 20% weight gain - how would you feel

if you ballooned up 20%? Healthier?

[Shell Beau]

69. If I was too skinny, then yes I would feel healthier.

Also notice that I said I wanted to do it in a healthy manner.

[Kali]

71. except that your vet already told you the dog was healthy

a pound or two might be fine but a 20% gain in an adult dog "before summer" is too much in my opinion.

[Shell Beau]

76. The doc said he was healthy but that doesn't mean he

can't stand to gain a few pounds.

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

80. 10lbs is not a few pounds. 10lbs would be a lot of weight to add on me and I'm TWICE the size

of your dog.

[Shell Beau]

82. Whatever. This has been taken way out of context. I said

do it in a healthy way. Whatever would be a healthy amount for my dog. Jeez! :eyes:

[LostinVA]

89. There's no way to do it healthy, because it's NOT healthy

That's what your vet and other posters have been telling you. You can't make an unhealthy thing healthy.

If you doubt your vet, get a second opinion.

[Shell Beau]

92. Read again what I wrote. My vet NEVER said it was unhealthy for

him to gain weight. He even gave me tips on how to do so in a healthy manner. So yes it CAN be done in a healthy manner.

"You can't make an unhealthy thing healthy." Well if that is true, then we live in a sad sad world.

[LostinVA]

88. No, he can't stand to gain a few pounds -- the vet says he's healthy

A 20% weight pain for ANY animal (human, dog, cat, horse) is UNHEALTHY.

And, would you feed a child that the doctor said was healthy but you deemed underweight Little Debbie's and McDonald's to "weight up"?

:sigh:

[Shell Beau]

91. Let's get ridiculous about it why don't we? My vet said he

could stand to gain a few pounds even though he is healthy. So unless you have as much knowledge about my dog as my vet does, then what you say has no merit. And if you would read ALL I wrote, then maybe you would already know that.

I don't understand coming into a thread without having read everything and jumping in without the right info.

[skygazer]

72. If he's healthy and not losing weight, I wouldn't worry about it

My male Boxer was almost impossible to put any weight on until he reached the age of about 6 or 7 and lost a smidgen of his energy. He burned so many calories just being Jake that it was tough. But he was perfectly healthy and got plenty of nutrition. Your dog may have a high metabolism.

You don't say how often you feed your dogs - if you really want to put some weight on him, try spreading his feedings out to three times a day away from the others. A good quality kibble and some good canned food. He may retain more of it.

Or he may not. It never put much weight on Jake but it kept him from losing any. This is Jake -

[Shell Beau]

77. Thanks!! Beautiful dog you got there!

[applegrove]

73. If you can feel his ribs..but not see them..then he is healthy. Most dogs

are overweight.

[Shell Beau]

79. Ok! I can't see them, but when I feel him, he feels like bones.

But you are right about most dogs being overweight.

[applegrove]

84. I think your dog is very healthy. Lucky you!

[Shell Beau]

86. Well I try my very best to keep all of dogs healthy.

One gets a constant ear infection because he is so hairy and Goldens tend to get them (he is part Golden part Australian Shepherd). They know him well down at the vet. I have changed his food thinking it is an allergy problem but he still gets them. If dogs are this expensive, I am really in for it when I have kids!! But that is the commitment you make when you decide to be a pet owner.

[LostinVA]

90. If you can't see them, he's healthy

[Ms_Dem_Meanor]

74. Try heating up his food...

he may like for his food to be warm. That may get him to eat enough to put on some more weight.

[Shell Beau]

83. I did used to do that and he liked it for a while then that got old I guess

because he went back to his regular not eating much ways.

[sammythecat]

93. If the Vet has no problem with his weight,

I'll assume he thinks he's healthy. If he's healthy, why do anything to change that. I would be more concerned with the ones that are overweight. I'd follow the advice of the Vet as to whether or not his weight is unhealthy. If I had doubts, I'd get another opinion from another Vet before taking any action on my own.

It's obvious you love your pets and only want what's best for them, and people like you get a gold star in my book.

[Shell Beau]

94. Thanks!! I am concerned with the ones overweight.

It is quite difficult getting the overweight ones to eat their food and getting my skinny one to not eat it. I have to separate them and then they don't eat. It will take some time to get them in the routine, but I am going to try my best. You are very sweet!! :)