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As dog’s age, their appetite and taste can change, and they can be prone to losing weight.
Once an underlying health condition has been ruled out by a vet, it might be worth considering switching your dog to a more palatable food. The focus should be on providing a diet that is calorie-dense, nutritionally balanced, and rich in high-quality ingredients.
Commercial dog foods labeled for “active” or “working” dogs are an option, as these typically have a higher calorie content. Also look for a food that contains healthy fats as these offer calorie-dense sources of energy that can help dogs gain weight.
Lean meats such as chicken, turkey and pork are important too, as high-quality protein is essential for building muscle mass. Muscle development contributes to healthy weight gain.
Below we share a list of the best dog foods for weight gain as recommended by our in-house pet nutritionist, Laura Ward.
You might also find this article on how to help a senior dog that’s losing weight helpful.
Best Dog Food for Weight Gain November 2024
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1. Best Overall Dog Food for Weight Gain: The Farmer’s Dog Chicken
Switching to a well-balanced, high-quality fresh food such as The Farmer’s Dog Chicken recipe can help encourage an underweight dog to eat.
This particular formula gets a 5-star rating from us. It boasts the highest protein and fat content in the range of just four recipes and contains an organic zinc compound which is particularly beneficial for dogs with a reduced appetite. A zinc deficiency can lead to an altered sense of taste and cause a dog to eat less.
Our dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 46% protein, 34% fat and 12% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 74%.
Read our review of the full The Farmer’s Dog range here
Things we like
- Organic ingredients
- Human-grade protein source
- Chelated minerals
Main Ingredients Chicken, brussels sprouts, chicken liver, bok‐choy cabbage, broccoli Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 46% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For Dogs and puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at thefarmersdog.com"This is the first time in a LONG time that Finnegan has been excited about dinner. We’ve gone through countless brands of canned food. I decided to switch… and am so glad I did. For the same amount of money, I have fresh food delivered that I know he is going to eat. Thank you for such a wonderful product!"
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2. Best Wet Dog Food for Weight Gain: Ollie Chicken with Carrots
Ollie’s Chicken and Carrot recipe provides a well-rounded, nutrient-dense diet that supports healthy weight gain in dogs, especially when combined with the personalized feeding approach that Ollie offers.
The use of whole, minimally processed ingredients in this recipe, including fresh chicken and carrots, means your dog is getting high-quality nutrients without fillers or artificial additives. This can help with digestion and nutrient absorption, making it easier for a dog to put on weight.
Our dry matter label analysis reveals this formula contains 31% protein, 12% fat and 50% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 38%.
Read our review of the full Ollie Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Things we like
- Caters to your dog's individual needs
- Caters to your dog's individual needs
- Quality protein
Main Ingredients Chicken, rice, carrots, chicken livers, peas Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 31% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For For all dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at myollie.com"Coco used to refuse food daily. She now sits and waits at my feet for Ollie. I was amazed. Ollie has made my life easier not worrying whether or not she will eat!"
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3. Best Dry Dog Food for Weight Gain: Go! Solutions Carnivore Grain-Free Lamb + Wild Boar Recipe
This Go! Solutions Carnivore recipe is calorie-dense, meaning it provides a significant amount of energy per serving. This is ideal for weight gain because it allows dogs to consume more calories without needing to eat large volumes of food.
The rich, meaty flavor of lamb and wild boar is highly palatable, which also encourages dogs to eat more. This is particularly important for dogs that are underweight and may not have strong appetites. Additionally, the formula is designed to be easily digestible, so dogs can absorb more nutrients effectively, aiding in weight gain.
Our dry matter label analysis reveals this food contains 36% protein, 18% fat and 39% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 50%.
Read our review of the full Go! Solutions Carnivore Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Above average protein
- No by-product meals or artificial preservatives
- Fruits and veggies to provide essential vitamins and dietary fiber
Main Ingredients De-boned lamb, lamb meal, de-boned salmon, herring meal, lentils Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 36% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For All dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My Lady loves this lamb recipe! It's very healthy for her and she is thriving eating this diet! "
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4. Best Senior Dog Food for Weight Gain: Nom Nom Beef Mash
Nom Nom Beef Mash provides a nutrient-dense, high-calorie option that is ideal for dogs needing to gain weight. With its high-quality beef, healthy fats, and balanced nutrition, it supports lean muscle growth, overall health, and weight gain in a delicious and easily digestible form. The ability to customize portions further enhances this food’s suitability for dogs with specific weight gain needs.
This particular recipe derives the bulk of its protein from beef and dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 35% protein, 17% fat and 40% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 50%.
Read our review of the full Nom Nom Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Things we like
- Personalized meal plan
- Formulated by experts
- Human grade ingredients
Main Ingredients Human grade ingredients Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 35% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For All dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"Great option for fresh food, customizable for your dogs size, easy single serve portions. My dogs enjoy the food very much and is a more affordable whole food provider."
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5. Best Puppy Food for Weight Gain: Merrick Grain-Free Puppy Real Chicken and Sweet Potato
Merrick Grain-Free Puppy Real Chicken and Sweet Potato is an ideal option for puppies that need to gain weight due to its high-calorie, protein-rich, and balanced formula. The use of real chicken, healthy fats, and easily digestible carbohydrates provides the necessary energy and nutrients for healthy weight gain and overall development.
We highly recommend this palatable and nutrient-rich recipe for supporting the growth and health of underweight puppies.
This particular formula derives the bulk of its protein from chicken, a high-quality, easily digestible source of protein. Dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 32% protein, 17% fat and 44% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 54%.
Read our review of the full Merrick Grain Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Developed by expert nutritionists
- Fresh whole fruit and veggies
- Above average protein
Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, potatoes, peas Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 32% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For All dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My pup started off on Iams dog food. When I got him he was 9 weeks old and all I knew was that he would be eating healthy foods. He loves this food and enhales it. He’s slowly gaining weight and completely healthy "
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6. Best High Protein Dog Food for Weight Gain: Raised Right Adult Chicken
Despite being low in carbohydrates, this chicken formula is calorie-dense and suitable for dogs that need to gain weight. The emphasis on high-quality chicken protein, healthy fats, and minimal processing ensures your dog can gain weight in a healthy, muscle-building way.
While high in protein, the recipe is also balanced with the necessary vitamins and minerals to support overall health. This includes essential nutrients for bone health, immune function, and overall vitality, ensuring your dog receives all the nutrients they need to thrive.
The bulk of the protein comes from chicken and dry matter label analysis reveals this food contains 61% protein, 24% fat and 7% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 40%.
Read our review of the full Raised Right Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Things we like
- 61% dry protein matter
- No added synthetic vitamins and minerals
- High quality human grade ingredients
Main Ingredients Chicken thigh, chicken heart, chicken liver, carrots, cranberries Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 61% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Dogs and senior dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at raisedrightpets.com"Very good!! We have a very large older dog who finished radiation treatments for cancer and was losing weight. With your food and supplements he is greatly improved. "
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7. Best Dog Food for Huskies to Gain Weight: Annamaet Original Ultra Chicken Meal & Brown Rice
Annamaet Original Ultra Chicken Meal & Brown Rice is particularly well-suited for Huskies that need to gain weight due to its high-quality protein, calorie density and balanced nutrition.
The food’s focus on easily digestible ingredients, healthy fats, and slow-burning carbohydrates makes it ideal for supporting the unique metabolic needs of Huskies, helping them to gain weight in a healthy, sustainable way while also supporting their active lifestyle and maintaining their thick coats.
This particular recipe derives the bulk of its protein from chicken meal and dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 36% protein, 22% fat and 34% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 63%.
Read our review of the full Annamaet Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Approved by veterinary nutritionists
- High in protein
- Contains L-carnitine
Main Ingredients Chicken meal, brown rice, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), whole dry eggs, herring meal Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 36% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For All dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"This is a great quality food for active dogs!! It's like anything else you get what you pay for. "
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8. Best Dog Food for Great Danes to Gain Weight: Now Fresh Large Breed Adult Grain-Free Recipe with Turkey, Salmon & Duck
Great Danes have slower metabolisms but need a calorie-dense diet to support their massive size. This food is designed to be nutrient-dense, providing the necessary calories to help a Great Dane gain weight without overfeeding. The balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates ensures that the calories are delivered in a healthy, controlled manner without risking obesity.
This particular recipe derives the bulk of its protein from turkey and dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 30% protein, 14% fat and 48% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 48%.
Read our review of the full Now Fresh Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Fiber rich sweet potato
- Easily digestible fresh protein
- High quality ingredients
Main Ingredients De-boned turkey, whole dried egg, potatoes, peas, potato flour Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 30% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Dogs and senior dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"Now dog food is helping maintain my dog's weight and because he likes it, he doesn’t feel deprived or hungry!"
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9. Best Dog Food for Pitbulls to Gain Weight: Wellness Core Grain-Free Large Breed Original Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal & Turkey Meal recipe
Although Pitbulls are not typically classified as large breeds, this Wellness CORE Large Breed formula offers additional joint and bone support, which is beneficial for a muscular and active breed like the Pitbull. The recipe includes balanced levels of calcium and phosphorus, as well as glucosamine and chondroitin, which support joint health.
The food’s emphasis on lean proteins, healthy fats, and digestibility ensures that Pitbulls can gain weight in a healthy, controlled manner while maintaining their muscular build and overall health.
This particular recipe derives the bulk of its protein from chicken and dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 38% protein, 13% fat and 41% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 35%.
Read our review of the full Wellness Core Grain Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- High in premium protein
- Nutrient-rich superfoods
- Veterinarians recommend Wellness
Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal (source of glucosamine), turkey meal (source of chondroitin sulfate), lentils, peas Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 38% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Dogs and senior dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"Products that have arrived have always been delivered as promised. She has really done well with the Wellness for large breeds, and the vet is very pleased with her growth, as she has maintained her weight."
More Top Picks
To view more top dog foods by category… click the link below that best meets your personal feeding needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my dog is underweight?
Measuring what a healthy weight looks like for your dog will depend on their breed and size, but generally, a dog is considered underweight if you can clearly see their ribs (learn more about doing a simple body condition test at home by watching this video).
What is the safest way to find out if my dog is underweight?
However, the safest way to check whether your dog is underweight is to seek advice from a veterinarian. Your veterinarian can prescribe treatment if needed and give you professional advice about altering your dog’s diet to help their long-term health.
Do I need to see a veterinarian about my dog’s weight loss?
As well as confirming whether your dog is underweight, a veterinarian will be able to assess your dog’s Body Condition Score and Muscle Condition Score. Even if a dog is at a healthy body weight, their muscle mass can be lower than average and that may be detrimental to their health.
Should I switch my dog’s food to encourage them to eat?
There can be multiple benefits to changing a dog’s food such as improving their appetite and boosting their nutrient intake. A food with high digestibility may also be a big boost.
As long as your dog has no underlying health conditions that might require nutrient changes and you’ve sought advice from a veterinarian and feel confident that switching their food is the right thing to do, it’s never too late to make a change.
Final word
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