When Toby lost weight after a bout of illness, I felt a knot in my stomach every time I saw his ribs.
He was still my bright-eyed boy, but I knew something was wrong.
I wanted to give him every chance to get back to a healthy weight — but I also wanted to do it safely, without risking his long-term health.
If your dog is underweight, feeding them isn’t just about filling the bowl.
It’s about choosing the right foods — ones that support healthy weight gain, rebuild muscle, and restore their spark.
Here’s what vets and nutritionists recommend.
Step 1: Rule Out the “Why” First
Before making dietary changes, it’s crucial to work with your vet to find the cause of weight loss.
Possible reasons include:
- Parasites
- Dental disease
- Digestive problems
- Thyroid or metabolic issues
- Poor absorption of nutrients
Only after medical issues are addressed should you focus on nutrition.
Step 2: Focus on Calorie-Dense, Nutrient-Rich Foods
To help your dog gain weight safely, you need more than calories — you need nutrient density.
- High-quality protein: Builds lean muscle mass.
📎 See: Balancing Protein, Fat & Carbs: Dog Nutrition Decoded - Healthy fats: Provide concentrated calories and improve coat health.
📎 See: Healthy Fats for Dogs
📎 And: How to Add Healthy Fats to Your Dog’s Diet Naturally - Digestible carbohydrates: Offer steady energy and support digestion.
📎 See: Carbohydrates in Dog Food: Beneficial or Filler?
Step 3: Foods to Include in an Underweight Dog’s Diet
Here are vet-approved food options for healthy weight gain:
- Lean meats (chicken, turkey, lean beef, salmon)
- Eggs (scrambled or boiled, no seasoning)
- Cooked starchy vegetables (sweet potatoes, pumpkin)
- Healthy oils (fish oil, coconut oil, olive oil)
- Whole grains (oatmeal, brown rice) — if tolerated
For complete meal ideas, check out my Homemade Dog Food Recipes for Weight Gain.
Step 4: Feeding Schedule Matters
Instead of two large meals, try:
- 3–4 smaller meals per day
- Adding calorie-dense snacks between meals
- Feeding at consistent times to stimulate appetite
📎 For more feeding strategy tips, see How to Fatten Up a Dog Safely & Naturally.
Step 5: Monitor Progress and Adjust
Healthy weight gain is gradual:
- Small/medium dogs: 0.5–1 lb per week
- Large breeds: 1–2 lbs per week
If your dog isn’t gaining after 3–4 weeks, revisit your vet to adjust the plan.
Final Thought
Feeding an underweight dog isn’t just about adding food — it’s about restoring health and energy.
Every bowl is an opportunity to rebuild muscle, strengthen their immune system, and bring back that playful spark.
Because at the end of the day, food is love.
And every tail that wags after a good meal reminds us why we care so much.
One bowl at a time.