Needs to put weight on

[luvkoenandBriley]

I was at a show yesterday with my 16 month old male and was told over and over he needs to put weight on. He is not a big eater, and everyone said yes he was immature, but still should have more weight on. 3 other littermates of his are also showing and have more weight then him. I feed EVO grain free and I was so surprised that many famous breeders told me to switch to Pro plan or other lower foods. A famous breeder of over 30 years told me to give him mac and cheese and when I tried to explain about the food I was feeding he said he has raised many champions and knew what to feed them. What can I give my picky eater that is not unhealthy to help put a little weight on him. This also happened at the last show, everyone loved him but the judges said he needs weight on.

[rottcrazed]

Personally, I am against fattening up a dog for the show ring given most conformation dogs I have ever seen here in Canada are what I would call FAT ....

I have added 2 or 3lbs to my bitches to show them, not more. It is what I would consider a weight they can still be active and work in ....

SO, you are probably always going to get that if you keep your dog lean and try to show him. Maybe add a couple of pounds, but not more than you are comfortable with.

Kristi

[Malkun]

About 3 wks after Malcolm was diagnosed with thrombocytopenia naturally he lost weight almost 16 lbs in a week, I went to the health food store and spoke to the registered nutrionist and she suggested that I start Mal off with cod liver oil. Just a little to start with and slowing add more. He LOVED the taste, so much so that he started with that end of his bowl and finished with that end. He is a healthy 121 lb., baseball chaser!

[toobad]

I'd like to suggest testing for worms before changing his food. You never know. If you want weight on in a hurry try to google " satin balls for dogs " and see what you find.

Make sure you are feeding him enough in his regular feedings.

You are right about one thing. Lots of breeders feed pro plan, my own breeder feeds his dogs pro plan and they are healthy.

I'll check this thread again tomorrow and post the recipe for satin balls in case you can't find anything

[brunie's mom]

I've heard of some dogs having a hard time gaining weight on EVO and Orijen and other grain free foods. Because of the high meat content, it kind of works like the Atkin's Diet...high protein, low carbs...and you lose weight.

Try feeding Innova...some dogs gain weight eating a kibble with grain. Innova is high in calories (I think about 556 calories per cup?)....or keep him on the EVO and give him some oatmeal or pasta extra. I used to fatten up foster dogs with an extra meal of oatmeal.

You could also add in a raw meal... a couple chicken legs with skin on would probably give a few extra pounds?

It just may take time for him to fill in and mature...some dogs just need the time...not the weight.

Gina

[toobad]

A lady sent me this in a email once ....


This is a recipe to put weight on a dog that isn't eating, emaciated or has cancer. They say that this really is a life saver for an emaciated dog or can work on a dog who needs more weight for showing. Thought I would pass it on.

You may want to alternate another cereal for Total - there are ingredients
in there that many people don't want to feed their dogs (or their kids for
that matter) - but remember to balance out by adding vitamin supplements if
you supplement with something that doesn't have it.
Also - the molasses used is 'black strap' or un sulfured molasses.

Satin Balls
#10 of cheap hamburger meat [the kind you get in the plastic rolls]
1 lg bx of Total cereal [needs to be this brand, due to the vit/minerals]
1 lg bx of oatmeal
1 jar of wheat germ
10 eggs [raw]
10 sm pks of unflavored gelatin [like Knox brand has 4 sm paks to a box]
1 1/4 c of veg oil
1 1/4 c unflavored molasses
pinch of salt

mix all ingred well, much like a meat loaf.....

[brutus'mother]

I keep my dog pretty lean too but I don't show in conformation. Brutus had surgery at 14months old and lost a few pounds afterwards so I added some grain free canned food to his Orijen LBP to try and put those lost pounds back on. It worked fine. I wouldn't add grains of any kind just to add weight.
I now feed raw and he is still nice and lean. I have learned not to pay any attention to the comments about him being "too skinny" because he truly isn't. I agree with Gina that he probably just needs some time to fill out.