Top 5 Dog Foods for Healthy Weight Gain Review

Does your beloved dog look more like a shadow than a furry friend? Seeing your energetic pup struggle to keep weight on can be worrying for any pet owner. You feed them, you play with them, but the pounds just won’t stick. It feels like you’ve tried everything, and the confusion over which food truly works only grows.

Navigating the world of dog food for weight gain is tough. Shelves are packed with bags promising miracles, but how do you know which ingredients actually pack the necessary calories and nutrients your skinny dog needs? You want a healthy, happy, sturdy companion, not just more filler in their bowl. This challenge keeps many dedicated owners up at night.

Inside this easy-to-read guide, we cut through the marketing noise. We will show you exactly what to look for on labels, which types of food are best for safe and effective weight gain, and how to adjust feeding schedules. Get ready to learn the secrets to building a healthier, stronger dog, one delicious meal at a time.

Top Dog Food For Dogs To Gain Weight Recommendations

Bestseller No. 1

Bully Max Dog Weight Gainer Soft Chews for Puppies and Adults - High Calorie Dog Food Performance Supplements for Healthy Weight Gain, Immunity & Digestive Health - 75 Chews for All Breeds & Ages

EFFECTIVE SOLUTION FOR HEALTHY WEIGHT GAIN: Bully Max Weight Gainer Dog Chews provide a natural and effective way to support healthy weight gain in dogs. Each bag delivers 1,500 calories, ensuring your pitbull, bulldog, or any breed gets the essential nutrition for optimal health and vitality. These high-calorie supplements are ideal for underweight dogs, including growing puppies and senior dogs, helping them build muscle and maintain energy levels.
PROBIOTICS FOR DIGESTIVE & IMMUNE SUPPORT: Packed with 250 million CFUs of probiotics per bag, Bully Max Weight Gain Dog Chews promote better digestion and strengthen the immune system. Suitable for all dog life stages, these nutrient-packed chews provide comprehensive support for your pet's health. This dog weight gain supplement is ideal for all life stages, from young puppies to adult dogs, enhancing their overall health and wellbeing.
VERSATILE AS A TASTY DOG FOOD TOPPER OR TREAT: Bully Max Weight Gainer Power Chews provide a convenient and delicious way to support weight gain and energy. Ideal for dogs of all ages and breeds, these bacon-flavored chews can be given as a treat or easily crushed and used as a food topper. Perfect for walks, hikes, or play sessions, they’re packed with high calories, making them an excellent supplement for dogs needing an extra boost of energy and nutrition.
PURE & WHOLESOME INGREDIENTS: Bully Max Power Chews, made with high-quality natural ingredients and enriched with essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, are ideal for dog and puppy weight gain. These dog chews for gaining weight are free from added sugar, gluten, wheat, artificial flavors, animal by-products, glycol, and glycerine, ensuring a natural, balanced diet. These chews support healthy weight gain without harmful additives, providing nutrition and delicious taste in every bite.
PREMIUM QUALITY & VET-APPROVED EXCELLENCE: Made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients, our Bully Max Dog Chews meet the highest quality standards. Every product from Bully Max undergoes rigorous vet approval, backed by our commitment to zero recalls. Bully Max is dedicated to high-quality pet care, providing vet-approved, high performance wet dog food and dry dog foods, along with premium puppy & dog supplements, to guarantee top-quality canine nutrition for puppies and senior dogs.

Bestseller No. 2

All American Canine Dog Weight Gainer – High Calorie Dog Food Supplement & Protein Powder for Rapid Weight Gain, Mass, and Recovery – Appetite Stimulant – 60 Servings

HELPS DOG GAIN WEIGHT: All American Canine powder helps dogs to gain healthy weight fast. Our powder is a high-calorie weight gainer and is packed with vitamins, probiotics, and other digestive, joint, and muscle-supporting components that help your pets regain energy and vitality.
HEALTHY WEIGHT SUPPLEMENT: Our premium weight gainer is formulated with a unique blend of high-quality ingredients working to promote joint health, enhance muscle growth, boost the immune system, and support a dog’s overall well-being.
USEFUL INGREDIENTS: Beef broth protein powder, whey protein, ground flaxseed, beef, liver powder, sweet potato powder, pumpkin powder, blueberry powder, sunflower lecithin, organic kelp, and essential nutrients to boost your dog's weight to stay active and play more.
ADD WEIGHT & ENERGY TO YOUR PET FAST: Our high protein and fats powered are packed with essential vitamins and minerals to help your dog gain healthy weight and increase energy levels. They are easy to feed and taste great so your pet will love them.
NONE OF THE BAD STUFF: We're dog lovers. That is why we only use all-natural, safe, and nutritious components. There is no polypropylene (which is safe for cats), glycerin, artificial colors, or trans fats.

Bestseller No. 3

Miracle Vet High-Calorie Weight Gainer for Dogs & Cats - Multivitamin Nutritional Supplement Gel, Omega Fish Oil, Calcium - Puppy, Senior, Prenatal Cat & Dog Vitamins, Supplements for Weight Gain

HIGH-CALORIE WEIGHT GAINER for DOGS and CATS - Miracle Vet dog high-calorie weight gain multivitamin supplement is packed with calories and essential vitamins, and minerals to support overall pet health and formulated especially for multiple purposes, including senior dog supplements, dog prenatal vitamins, and dog electrolytes
29 VITAMINS & MINERALS - This cat and dog multivitamin is packed with 29 essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium for dogs and fish oil for cats, designed to support your pet's overall health and well-being. Ideal as senior dog vitamins, and dog food supplements, this versatile formula also works as a dog muscle builder and dog food topper for picky eaters ensuring your furry friend gets all the nutrients they need to thrive
#1 INGREDIENT IS OMEGA-3 FISH OIL - Miracle Vet Weight Gain supplement comes packed with omega-3 fish oil, which promotes healthy skin and coat while providing a natural energy source. Ideal for cat, dog moms and pet care enthusiasts, this dog and cat supplement support the overall health of your furry family members. Additional fish oil health benefits: protects the heart, provides support for dry, flaky skin in allergy, helps slow down the progression of kidney disease, aids arthritic joints
EASY TO USE NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENT - Our weight gainer for dog and cat multivitamin is simple to incorporate into your pet's daily routine, whether mixed with their regular dog food, used as a dog food topper for picky eaters, or added to water. Ideal for small breed dogs, senior dogs, and puppies, this dog and cat nutritional supplement is perfect for pet owners looking to improve their pet's health, muscle growth, and weight gain. Give your furry friend the care they deserve with Miracle Vet
APPETITE STIMULANT for PETS - Supportive appetite stimulant for dogs and cats will entice even the most finicky eaters, ensuring they get the vitamins and nutrients they need to thrive, including dog electrolytes and calcium for dogs and cats. It caters to various pet needs, making it ideal for cat and dog care. From weight gain and appetite stimulation to senior dog care and prenatal support, this all-in-one formula is perfect for pet parents who want the best for their furry companions

Bestseller No. 4

11-in-1 Muscle Gain Chews - Weight Gain Supplements for Dogs with High Protein & Amino Acids - Premium Muscle Builder for Bully & All Breeds - Healthy for Puppies - 150 Chews - Chicken

💪11-IN-1 CHEWS TO BOOST MUSCLE & STRENGTH: Packed with premium protein and essential amino acids like L-Arginine, L-Glutamine, L-Leucine, L-Isoleucine, and L-Valine to support healthy muscle growth and repair for a stronger, more athletic dog.
📈HEALTHY WEIGHT GAIN FORMULA: Calorie-dense chews provide the extra nutrition needed for lean mass and healthy weight gain, loaded with a bunch of natural and organic ingredients such as Tumeric root powder, Ashwagandha and Wild Alaskan Salmon oil. They are perfect for underweight or active dogs.
🐾SUSTAINED ENERGY & VITALITY: Formulated with Astaxanthin, Vitamin C and Glucosamine HCL to provide long-lasting energy, these delicious chews help fuel your dog's daily activities and promote overall vitality.
🐕‍🦺VET-APPROVED & ALL-BREED FRIENDLY: Designed with veterinarian input and suitable for puppies, adult dogs, and all breeds to help them thrive.
🐶IRRESISTIBLY TASTY TREAT: Your dog will love the delicious flavor, making these chews an easy and enjoyable way to supplement their diet for optimal health and gains!

SaleBestseller No. 5

Bully Max Dry Dog Food for Adults & Puppies - High Protein & Fat for Muscle & Weight Gain - High Performance Dog Food Supplements - Small & Large Breed Dogs (535 Calories Per Cup), Chicken, 5lb Bag

OPTIMAL MUSCLE & WEIGHT GAIN: Bully Max 30/20 High Protein Dog Food, the ONLY 5-star rated performance dog food by the world’s #1 online dog food review site, is designed for healthy weight gain and rapid muscle growth. With 30% more protein and 20% more fat than traditional options and a substantial 535 calories per cup, it efficiently nourishes your dog. This results in lower serving sizes with the same major dog fuel, particularly active breeds, receives ample energy for daily activities.
HIGH PROTEIN, BALANCED DIET: Bully Max 30/20, with its meat-based formula rich in Chicken Meal & White Fish, provides high-quality protein for dog health. Infused with Chicken Fat for essential fats, Dried Plain Beet Pulp for fiber, and Whitefish Meal for omega fatty acids, plus natural dry dog food vitamins, minerals, and trace nutrients. Supports healthy weight management, overall dog health and vitality across all dog breeds & sizes. Quality checked for freshness to avoid odor or spoilage.
ENHANCED CALORIC DENSITY: With 535 calories per cup, this high protein dog food is one of the most calorie-rich options available. Ideal for large breed puppies & adult dogs, it lets you feed up to 50% less while delivering optimal nutrition. Crafted to minimize metallic or lingering odors. Aroma, texture & flavor appeal to picky eaters. Formulated with premium natural ingredients, it's not just the best dry dog food for energy & growth but also a smarter, more efficient way to nourish your dog.
COMPREHENSIVE NUTRITION FOR ALL DOG BREEDS AND AGES: Designed to cater to every dog, Bully Max 30/20 Dog Food is suitable for small and large breeds at any life stage. This tasty chicken blend dry dog food meets AFFCO standards for complete & balanced nutrition, making it a top choice for all breeds, including champion show dogs. It supports a healthy, vibrant lifestyle from playful puppies to active adults. Free from these common allergens: corn, wheat, soy, by-products & artificial additives.
UNMATCHED BULLY MAX QUALITY: Made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients, Bully Max upholds exceptional manufacturing standards with a strict triple-check system for unmatched safety and quality, boasting zero recalls. Bully Max is dedicated to superior pet care, providing a spectrum of vet-approved, high-performance, wet dog food and dry dog foods, along with premium puppy & dog supplements, to guarantee top-quality canine nutrition for puppies and senior dogs.

Bestseller No. 6

All American Canine Dog Weight Gainer Liquid – High Calorie Dog Food Supplement for Rapid Weight Gain, Mass, and Recovery – Appetite Stimulant – 60 Servings

HIGH CALORIE WEIGHT GAINER FOR DOGS – All-natural liquid dog weight gainer designed to support healthy weight gain, mass, and recovery for dogs of all breeds and ages. Perfect high calorie supplement for dogs that need extra calories.
ALL-NATURAL INGREDIENTS & PURE OILS – Made with salmon oil, coconut/MCT oil, avocado oil, flaxseed oil, and olive oil. This dog weight gain supplement contains no fillers, harmful chemicals, or artificial flavoring.
SUPPORTS COAT, JOINT & MUSCLE HEALTH – Rich in essential omega fatty acids and nutrients, this dog supplement helps maintain joint health, muscle development, and a shiny coat while providing calorie-dense nutrition.
TASTES LIKE A TREAT, WORKS LIKE A SUPPLEMENT – Flavor-packed liquid dog food enhancer with a savory taste dogs love, making it easy to mix with meals. Ideal as a dog food additive and liquid dog food calorie booster.
PROUDLY MADE IN THE USA – Premium quality high calorie dog supplement manufactured with natural ingredients to provide safe and effective weight gain for dogs. Convenient serving sizes tailored for small to large breeds.

Bestseller No. 7

Miracle Vet Dog Weight Gainer Chews for Energy & Mass - High Calorie Dog Food Supplement - Appetite Stimulant & Healthy Weight Gain Supplements for Dogs - 60 Soft Dog Treats for Puppies and Adults

Helps dogs gain weight and adds extra energy - 1,500 calories. Our high-calorie weight gain supplement is perfect for adult dogs and puppies of all breeds and sizes. Whether you have a senior dog needing a boost in energy, or a puppy requiring extra nutrients for growth, our dog supplement is the ideal solution. Improve your pet's overall health and well-being with this natural, effective dog weight gain treat
Appetite stimulant for picky eaters - Our supplement supports digestion and ensure your dog gets the necessary nutrients for weight gain and overall health. The supplement supports metabolism and encourages your pet to eat more and get more out of its nutrition.
Probiotics for gut health - 250 million CFUs are beneficial bacteria that support your dog's digestive system, enhancing nutrient absorption and overall gut health, reduced bloating, and firmer stools. A healthy gut can boost your dog’s immune system, helping them fight off infections and allergies more effectively.
Supports during pregnancy, recovery from illness & injury - Miracle Vet dog weight gain and recovery supplement provides essential nutrients to support prenatal health or aid in recovery from illness and injury. The included probiotics help support digestion, ensuring your pet gets the most out of every meal.
For dogs of all ages - High Calorie Formula for senior dogs needing weight gain, recover or maintain weight and puppies requiring extra energy, this supplement supports overall health and recovery for all ages.

Bestseller No. 8

All American Canine Dog Weight Gainer Chews – High Calorie Dog Food Supplement for Rapid Weight Gain, Mass, and Recovery – Appetite Stimulant – 60 Chews

HELPS DOG GAIN WEIGHT: All American Canine chews helps dogs to gain healthy weight fast. Our chew is a high-calorie weight gainer and is packed with vitamins, probiotics, and other digestive, joint, and muscle-supporting components that help your pets regain energy and vitality.
HEALTHY WEIGHT SUPPLEMENT: Our premium weight gainer is formulated with a unique blend of high-quality ingredients working to promote joint health, enhance muscle growth, boost the immune system, and support a dog’s overall well-being.
ADD WEIGHT & ENERGY TO YOUR PET FAST: Our high protein and fats powered are packed with essential vitamins and minerals to help your dog gain healthy weight and increase energy levels. They are easy to feed and taste great so your pet will love them.
NONE OF THE BAD STUFF: We're dog lovers. That is why we only use all-natural, safe, and nutritious components. There is no polypropylene, glycerin, artificial colors, or trans fats.
Made in USA. Manufactured in United States of America.

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Dog Food to Help Your Pup Gain Weight

Is your dog too skinny? Maybe they are recovering from an illness, or perhaps they are just a picky eater. Whatever the reason, getting the right food can help your dog reach a healthy weight. This guide will show you what to look for when buying weight-gain dog food.

Key Features to Look For

When you want your dog to gain weight, you need food that packs a punch. Look for these important features:

High Calorie Density: This means the food has lots of energy packed into every bite. Your dog eats less but gets more calories.
High Fat Content: Healthy fats are a great source of concentrated calories. Look for good sources like chicken fat or fish oil.
High Protein Levels: Protein helps build muscle mass, not just fat. This ensures your dog gains healthy weight, not just fluff.
Palatability: If your dog won’t eat it, it won’t work! The food must taste good. Many weight-gain formulas use strong flavors to encourage eating.

Important Ingredients and Materials

The ingredients list tells the whole story. You want quality fuel for healthy weight gain.

Protein Sources

Good weight gain foods start with real meat. Look for named meat sources first on the list:

Chicken, Beef, Lamb, or Fish (like Salmon).
Avoid foods where “meat by-products” are the main ingredient.

Carbohydrates for Energy

Carbs provide the energy needed for the extra calories. Choose wholesome options:

Brown rice, oatmeal, or sweet potatoes are better than fillers like corn or wheat, though these can be used in moderation for extra calories.

Healthy Fats

Fats are crucial for calorie density. Good fats support skin and coat health too:

Chicken fat, flaxseed, or fish oils (which provide Omega-3s).

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Not all weight-gain foods are created equal. Some things make the food better, and some things make it worse.

What Improves Quality?

Digestibility: High-quality ingredients break down easily. This means your dog absorbs more nutrients from the food they eat.
Added Vitamins and Minerals: These support overall health while your dog gains weight.
Natural Preservatives: Look for ingredients like Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols) instead of artificial chemicals.

What Reduces Quality?

Excessive Fillers: Ingredients like soy or large amounts of corn offer low nutritional value and take up space where better calories could be.
Artificial Colors and Flavors: These are sometimes added just to make the food look appealing to the owner, not necessarily the dog.
Low Fat Content: If the food is low in fat, it will be hard for your dog to consume enough calories easily.

User Experience and Use Cases

Think about how you will use this food. It is not for every dog.

Who Needs This Food?

Underweight Dogs: Dogs who struggle to maintain weight due to fast metabolism.
Active/Working Dogs: Dogs that burn massive amounts of energy daily need extra calories.
Recovery Phase: Dogs recovering from surgery or illness often need calorie-dense food to rebuild strength.

What to Expect

When you switch to a weight-gain formula, you should see a steady, slow increase in weight over several weeks. Monitor your dog closely. If you see rapid, unhealthy weight gain, you might need to feed slightly less or switch to a formula that is less calorie-dense. Always mix the new food in slowly with the old food to prevent stomach upset.

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Weight Gain Dog Food

Q: How quickly should my dog gain weight on this food?

A: Healthy weight gain is slow. Aim for about 1% to 2% of their body weight per week. Too fast means they are gaining too much fat.

Q: Can I just feed my dog more of their regular food?

A: Sometimes, yes. But if your dog eats a lot and still doesn’t gain weight, they need a more calorie-dense food, not just more volume.

Q: Are weight gain foods safe for all dogs?

A: No. Do not feed these high-calorie foods to dogs that are already at a healthy weight, as it causes obesity. Always ask your vet first.

Q: What is the best type of fat to look for in the ingredients?

A: Look for animal fats like chicken fat or beneficial oils like fish oil, which offer Omega-3 fatty acids.

Q: Do I need to change how often I feed my dog?

A: Many owners feed weight-gain food in 3 or 4 smaller meals instead of 2 large ones. This can help dogs with sensitive stomachs handle the extra calories.

Q: What if my dog still won’t eat the new high-calorie food?

A: Try adding a little warm water or low-sodium broth to the kibble. This enhances the smell and makes it softer, which often encourages picky eaters.

Q: Should I look for puppy or adult weight gain formulas?

A: Always choose the formula based on your dog’s age. Puppies need specific nutrients for growth that adult formulas lack.

Q: What is the difference between weight gain food and puppy food?

A: Puppy food is high in calories and protein for growth, but weight gain food is specifically balanced to maximize calorie intake safely for an adult dog needing to bulk up.

Q: How do I know if the weight gain is muscle or fat?

A: If you feed a high-protein, quality food and your dog exercises, the gain should be mostly lean muscle mass. If they are sedentary, it will be mostly fat.

Q: Can I add human food to boost calories?

A: It is safer to stick to dog-specific food. Unbalanced human foods can cause digestive issues or nutritional deficiencies, even when trying to add calories.