It’s alright to worry if your favorite fur baby is losing weight. It may be suffering from an illness, so you have to bring it to your vet for a proper diagnosis.
If it’s in its pink of health but needs to gain weight, you have to choose the best dog food for weight gain.
Unfortunately, you may find it challenging to pick one from the tens and thousands of pet diets available. Let me help you make the right decision with this review of nine pet food products.
Table of Contents
Here are The Best Dog Food for Weight Gain:
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Purina Pro Focus Sensitive Skin & Stomach Recipe |  Top Pick |
| Check Current Price |
| 2. Purina Pro Plan Sport All Life Stages Performance 30/20 Formula Dry Dog Food |  |
| Check Current Price |
| 3. Earthborn Holistic Coastal Catch Grain-Free Natural Dry Dog Food |  |
| Check Current Price |
| 4. Merrick Backcountry Great Plains Grain-Free Red Recipe with Freeze-Dried Raw Beef, Lamb & Rabbit Dry Dog Food |  |
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| 5. Nature's Logic Chicken Meal Feast for All Life Stages |  |
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| 6. Solid Gold Barking at the Moon Grain-Free High-Protein in Beef, Eggs & Peas Dry Dog Food |  |
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| 7. Nulo Freestyle Limited+ Salmon Recipe Grain-Free Puppy & Adult Dry Dog Food |  |
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1. Purina Pro Focus Sensitive Skin & Stomach Recipe — Best Dry Dog Food for Weight Gain
My dog is allergic to chicken, so my vet suggested that I transition it to Purina Pro Focus Salmon and Rice Recipe for Sensitive Skin and Stomach.
I like this pet food because my beloved fur baby also gained weight. It has a highly digestible formula with prebiotic fiber that helps the beneficial bacteria in the intestines.
It also has oatmeal and rice as carbohydrates sources, and fish oil for the supply of omega fatty acids. It took some time for my best buddy to acclimate to its new nutrition.
Specs
- Kibbles form
- For adult dogs
- 429 calories per cup
- For sensitive skin and stomach
- AAFCO-approved
Pros
- Has real salmon for lean muscles
- Easily digestible oatmeal for sensitive stomachs
- Omega-3 fatty acids for mobility and joint health
- Omega-6 fatty acids and zinc for healthy skin and fur
- Corn-free, soy-free, and wheat-free
- No artificial flavors and colors
Cons
- Longer transitioning time
- Not palatable for some fur babies
If you want your furry companion to gain weight, you may try Purina Pro Focus Salmon and Rice Recipe for Sensitive Skin and Stomach.
It’s balanced and complete nutrition that provides 429 calories per cup. It has undergone feeding trials, so you have confidence that it has the essential nutrients that sensitive skin and stomach needs.
Overall Rating – 4.6
2. Purina Pro Plan Sport All Life Stages Performance 30/20 Formula Dry Dog Food
I like the 30/20 formula of Purina Pro Sport Performance for All Life Stages because it has real chicken. It provides 30% protein for lean muscles and 20% fat for energy.
This kibble promotes endurance and strength with vitamins and minerals. It also has amino acids, antioxidants, and glucosamine for mobility and healthy joints.
It’s a suitable balanced and complete diet for my fur babies of all ages and activity levels.
However, I notice that the kibbles are too tiny for my large breed dogs. They tend to choke while eating them, but they’re an outstanding choice for my small and medium breed canines.
Specs
- Dry canine food
- For dogs of all life stages and activity levels
- AAFCO-approved
- 475 calories per cup
Pros
- High-protein real chicken for strength and endurance of lean muscles
- Formulated with 30% protein and 20% fat for optimized oxygen metabolism
- Fortified with omega fatty acids, antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, glucosamine, and amino acids
- Doesn’t include soy, wheat, artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives
Cons
- Not liked by some fur buddies
- Too small kibbles for large breeds
- Needs to store in a cool, dry place
You may prefer Purina Pro Sport Performance 30/20 Recipe for All Life Stages if you want your fur babies to gain weight.
It’s complete and balanced nutrition that underwent feeding trials, so you have an assurance that it is premium-quality dog food.
It has real chicken and corn gluten meal as high-quality sources of proteins; therefore, it’s an exceptional product. You may also like that it doesn’t contain any artificial colors, preservatives, and flavors.
Overall Rating – 4.7
3. Earthborn Holistic Coastal Catch Grain-Free Natural Dry Dog Food
My canines like Earthborn Holistic Natural Grain-free Coastal Catch because it has fish. As a parent, I’m happy that they’re getting high-quality proteins for lean muscles and energy.
I also like that it has natural fibers with antioxidants that make their immune system healthy. It does not contain any gluten or grain, and it has L-Carnitine that converts fat into energy and omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat.
My only complaint is that it has an unpleasant smell, but my fur babies do not find it offensive.
Specs
- Dry dog food
- AAFCO-approved
- 400 calories per cup
- For all ages of canines
Pros
- Omega fatty acids for healthy skin and fur
- L-Carnitine for lean muscle maintenance
- Highly digestible whitefish meal, herring meal, and salmon meal as protein sources
- Grain-free and gluten-free
- Blend of Vitamin C and E with nutrient-rich vegetables for a healthy immune system
Cons
- Not liked by some fur companions
- Awful smell
You worry if your dog hasn’t reached its ideal weight. You may prefer Earthborn Holistic Grain-free Coastal Catch because it has protein-rich ingredients.
It derives its protein from meat-based components, so your pet will be getting an exceptional diet. It also doesn’t contain any unknown meat parts, preservatives, and artificial colors.
Overall Rating – 4.7
4. Merrick Backcountry Great Plains Grain-Free Red Recipe with Freeze-Dried Raw Beef, Lamb & Rabbit Dry Dog Food
My doggies like the Merrick Backcountry Great Plains Grain-free Red Recipe because they prefer beef flavor for their food.
I approve of this brand because it not only contains real deboned beef, it also has rabbit and lamb as protein sources. It’s a poultry-free and highly digestible formula with freeze-dried raw bites and raw-coated kibbles.
It also has high levels of omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. My only complaint is that I have to take out the kibbles from the package and thoroughly mix them.
Specs
- Dry pet food
- Grain-free
- 392 calories per cup
- AAFCO-approved
- For adult canines
Pros
- Freeze-dried beef raw-diet
- Also contains protein-rich rabbit and lamb
- Highly digestible poultry-free recipe
- Includes freeze-dried raw bites and raw-coated kibbles
Cons
- Expensive
- Fewer freeze-dried raw pieces at the bottom of the bag
Your canine buddies may prefer the freeze-dried raw bits of Merrick Backcountry Great Plains Red Recipe because it has real meats.
It also derives its carbohydrates content from gluten-free sweet potato and potato. It’s an outstanding food product that has no artificial preservatives, colors, and unnamed meal components.
Overall Rating – 4.5
5. Nature’s Logic Chicken Meal Feast for All Life Stages
It seems that Nature’s Logic Chicken Meal Feast is highly palatable because my fur babies like eating it. It’s meat-based and nutrient-dense with concentrates of select vegetables and fruits.
It has plasma protein and digestive enzymes with vitamins, albumin, minerals, and globulin proteins. I also like that it doesn’t use potatoes, lentils, peas, potatoes, wheat, corn, soy, and rice. It also doesn’t include chemically synthesized nutrients and ingredients.
However, the label says that it will take up to ten days to transition to this new diet. My canines took a while to eat it, but they like it now.
Specs
- In kibbles form
- For dogs of all life stages
- 418 calories per cup
- AAFCO-approved
Pros
- 100% chemical-free
- Minimal processing of food
- Includes digestive enzymes and probiotics for a healthy digestion
- Contains Low-sugar millet
- MSG-free, corn-free, wheat-free, rice-free, soy-free, and hydrolyzed-proteins-free
Cons
- Long transitioning time
- Not liked by some dogs
- Causes an upset stomach to some fur babies
You may like that Nature’s Logic Chicken Meal Feast underwent feeding trials, so you have an assurance of its nutritional adequacy. It provides balanced and complete nutrition with chicken meal as a quality source of protein.
It also has millet as a source of gluten-free fiber, phosphorus, manganese, Vitamin B, and magnesium. It also does not include any anonymous meat ingredients, preservatives, and artificial colors.
Overall Rating – 4.5
6. Solid Gold Barking at the Moon Grain-Free High-Protein in Beef, Eggs & Peas Dry Dog Food
My energetic dog likes Solid Gold Barking at the Moon Grain-free High-Protein with Beef, Eggs, and Peas. It gives him the extra power he needs for an active day.
I approve that it has a high protein mix with real USA beef and fresh ocean fish meal. It also has fruits and vegetables with probiotics and prebiotics for healthy digestion.
I notice that this pet nutrition is more expensive than the other brands, so pet parents on a tight budget may opt for other recipes.
Specs
- In kibbles form
- Grain-free and high-protein
- AAFCO-approved
- 415 calories per cup
- For fur babies of all ages
Pros
- Protein-rich for lean muscles
- Probiotics and prebiotics for gut health
- Grain-free and gluten-free
Cons
- Not palatable for some dogs
- Expensive
If your favorite canine likes beef and you want it to gain weight, you may try Solid Gold Barking at the Moon Beef, Egg, and Pea Formula.
It’s a balanced and complete diet for dogs of all ages. It also has ocean fish meal and dried eggs as additional sources of protein.
For its carbohydrates content, it contains gluten-free potatoes, peas, and pumpkin. It’s a quality diet because most of its proteins come from meat.
Overall Rating – 4.4
7. Nulo Freestyle Limited+ Salmon Recipe Grain-Free Puppy & Adult Dry Dog Food
I like Nulo Freestyle Grain-free Limited+ Salmon Recipe because it provides 30% crude protein in a single meat-based source.
It also has probiotics for a healthy digestive and immune system. Moreover, it includes omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat.
My only complaint is that its kibbles are too large and chunky for my small breeds of furry friends.
Specs
- Dry dog food for puppies and adults
- Limited-ingredient
- Grain-free
- AAFCO-approved
- 438 calories per cup
Pros
- Includes salmon as a protein source for lean muscles
- Contains 30% crude protein with vital nutrients
- Has GanedenBC30, a specialized formulation for probiotics
- Low-carb diet without tapioca and potatoes
- No chicken, peas, eggs, pea protein, corn, wheat, and soy
- Doesn’t include artificial preservatives and colors
Cons
- Too large and chunky kibbles
- Not palatable for some dogs
- Costly
- Contains canola oil
You may try Nulo Freestyle Grain-free Limited+ Salmon Recipe for your puppies, so you won’t change their dog food as they grow.
It has a single meat source for its protein source, so your dogs won’t have any issues with their gastrointestinal tracts. It’s a balanced diet, especially for canines that require extra gut care and protection.
Overall Rating – 4.5
Buying Guide For Dog Diet For Weight Gain
If your dog is underweight, it may have some issues that you have to resolve first. You may resort to some supplements and other aids and powders but can also opt for high-quality nutrition.
You have to consult your veterinarian to rule out other health concerns, so you can focus on keeping your canine healthy.
Reasons Why Your Fur Baby Is Underweight
Before you buy the best dog food for weight gain, you have to ensure that your vet has assessed your fur baby for any health issues that can cause weight loss. Let’s consider some of its causes.
Parasites
Puppies and newly-adopted canines are prone to tapeworms, whipworms, and hookworms. They also have protozoan parasites that are more challenging to diagnose; thus, you have to consult your vet to get rid of these problems.
Stress
Stress can also cause weight loss, especially if you’ve recently adopted a dog. You have to be aware that changes in the environment can affect the appetite, so you have to ensure that it’s adjusting fully.
Food Quality
You have to ensure that your pets are getting their nutritional needs from high-quality diets.
Diabetes
Undiagnosed diabetes can also cause weight loss, especially for middle-aged dogs. You have to bring your fur baby to a vet for the proper diagnosis.
Digestive Disorders
Pancreatic issues can limit the production of digestion enzymes. They may be the reason why your furry companion is underweight.
Qualities Of The Best Dog Food For Weight Gain
You may focus on some nutrients when you buy pet nutrition. If your canine has weight issues, you have to ensure that you’re feeding it premium quality food.
Protein
Your underweight fur buddy needs high-quality protein. You must ensure that it gets its protein requirements from an easily digestible meat source.
You also have to be wary about feeding grains to your underweight dog because it may not be able to process corn or wheat efficiently.
Fats
Aside from focusing on proteins, you also have to ensure that your furry companion is getting enough calories from fat.
Your pet needs a moderately high-fat content from its diet that it can get from salmon or fish meal, mussels, and fish oil.
Carbohydrates
You have to ensure that your chosen dog food has limited carbohydrates, so your canine can process fats more efficiently.
An outstanding diet also has fruits and vegetables for a healthy metabolism.
Probiotics
Probiotic cultures can balance the intestinal flora of dogs. They also promote efficient nutrient absorption and digestion. If your fur baby is frequently suffering from diarrhea, they can reduce its effects too.
Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamins and minerals ensure the cell functioning for optimal metabolism and nutrient absorption.
How Many Calories Does Your Fur Baby Needs To Gain Weight?
Generally, canines need about 30 calories per pound to maintain a healthy metabolism. Here’s a simple computation to help you determine the caloric requirement of your favorite buddy.
Compute The Resting Energy Requirement
Resting Energy Requirement (RER) is the number of calories that your dog burns every day. To calculate it, you have to multiply your canine’s body weight in kilos by 70 then raise it to the ¾ power.
Choosing The Appropriate Factor
It’s tricky to pick the right number, so you have to try different figures in the equation. For small breed canines, you have to choose a digit near 1.2.
Final Thoughts
If you regularly worry about your underweight fur friend, you have to bring it to your vet for a proper diagnosis. If you wish a healthy weight for it, you can pick an outstanding food product from this review.
If you find it challenging to choose from the nine dog foods I reviewed, you may want to try my top pick: Purina Pro Focus Salmon and Rice Recipe.
It provides 429 calories per cup with prebiotic fiber for digestive health. It also has omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. It’s also for fur babies with sensitive skin and stomachs.
