When your dog is too thin, every rib you see can feel like a little tug on your heart.
Whether it’s from illness, picky eating, or just a naturally high metabolism, helping a skinny dog gain healthy weight takes the right kind of food — not just “more food.”
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best high-calorie dog foods that can help your pup fill out safely, regain energy, and shine again.
Why Choose a High-Calorie Dog Food?
High-calorie dog foods are designed to deliver more energy and nutrients per cup, so your dog doesn’t need to eat a huge volume to gain weight.
They are especially helpful for:
- Underweight dogs
- Picky eaters
- Dogs recovering from illness or surgery
- Active working dogs
📎 If you’re not sure whether your dog needs weight gain food, see What to Feed an Underweight Dog: Vet-Approved Advice.
What to Look For in a High-Calorie Dog Food
- High-quality animal protein (chicken, beef, lamb, fish)
- Healthy fats like salmon oil or chicken fat
📎 Learn more in Healthy Fats for Dogs - Digestible carbs such as sweet potatoes or rice
📎 See Carbohydrates in Dog Food: Beneficial or Filler? - No excessive fillers like corn or wheat
Top High-Calorie Dog Food Picks
1. Purina Pro Plan Sport Performance 30/20
- Calories: ~475 kcal/cup
- Protein/Fat: 30% protein / 20% fat
- Great for active or underweight dogs who need calorie-dense nutrition.
2. Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain-Free
- Calories: ~409 kcal/cup
- Rich in meat-based protein and omega-3 fats for coat health.
3. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Original
- Calories: ~421 kcal/cup
- Packed with premium protein sources and nutrient-rich veggies.
4. Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Large Breed (for young underweight dogs)
- Calories: ~394 kcal/cup
- Vet-formulated for safe weight gain in growing dogs.
Homemade vs. Store-Bought High-Calorie Food
While commercial foods can be convenient, homemade recipes let you control every ingredient.
📎 Try my Homemade Dog Food Recipes for Weight Gain or see How to Fatten Up a Dog Safely & Naturally for vet-informed feeding tips.
Some owners choose a hybrid approach — a high-quality kibble base topped with homemade high-calorie add-ins, like cooked chicken or salmon oil.
📎 Learn how in How to Add Healthy Fats to Your Dog’s Diet Naturally.
Feeding Tips for Skinny Dogs
- Small, frequent meals work better than one or two big feedings.
- Track weight weekly for steady, gradual gain.
- Transition foods slowly to avoid stomach upset.
- Consult your vet before making major dietary changes.
Final Thought
Helping a skinny dog gain weight is about more than filling their bowl — it’s about giving them the nutrients to thrive.
Whether you choose a store-bought option, go homemade, or mix the two, the right high-calorie diet can bring back their bounce, shine, and that happy wag we all love.
Because food is love — one bowl at a time. ❤️