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Weight loss in dogs can be the result of normal or abnormal circumstances. For example, your dog may still be healing an injury or illness, come from a history of abuse, or only is a picky eater.
Best high-calorie dog food can help you make your dog’s energy and body weight. Who can resist a playful dog with bright eyes and a smooth and shiny coat?
Very active work dogs, pregnant and nursing dogs, and underweight dogs can benefit from the best high protein dog food or high-calorie supplements.
Is your dog struggling to achieve his daily optimal calorie intake? If so, you are in the right place.
In the article below, you will find our buyer’s manual to help you choose the best high calorie dog food. We will also discuss the best currently on the market, all critical details about every product.
Before you go to our top choice for the best dog food for weight gain, let’s talk about the causes of weight loss in dogs and what they mean.
Table Of Contents
- What Causes Weight Loss in Dogs?
- 10 Best High Calorie Dog Foods for Weight Gain 2023
- 1. Orijen Original High Calorie Dry Dog Food
- 2. Purina Pro Plan Sport All Life Stages Performance
- 3. Wellness Core Natural Grain-free Dry Dog Food
- 4. Rachael Ray Nutrish Bright High Calorie Puppy Food
- 5. Crave High Protein White Fish & Salmon Adult Grain-free Dry Dog Food
- 6. Adirondack Dog Food 30% Protein high fat dog food for Puppy & Performance Dogs
- 7. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed High Calorie Dry Dog Food
- 8. Victor Classic High Energy Dry Dog Food
- 9. Kinetic Performance Power 30k Formula Dry Dog Food
- 10. Nature’s Logic Dog Food Canine Meal Feast
- FAQs About Best Dog Food for Weight Gain
- Conclusion
What Causes Weight Loss in Dogs?
There are several reasons why your dog may not gain weight when it should. Here are a few to look at:
- Insufficient or poor nutrition
- Low food intake due to dental problems
- Poor absorption or digestion of nutrients
- Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures
- Acute conditions causing diarrhea or vomiting
- Increase in stress, resulting in anorexia
- Your dog is a picky eater.
Although 10% weight loss is required to become a clinical problem, any changes in your dog’s eating habits or body condition should be a cause for concern and be discussed with your veterinarian. Your vet can determine the underlying cause of your dog’s weight loss, as well as the appropriate course of treatment.
10 Best High Calorie Dog Foods for Weight Gain 2023
If you are unsure which, high-calorie formula fits in with the needs of your pet, and this short guide comes to salvation! I have rated the ten best high protein dog foods that will help your four-legged friend feel healthier, happier, and more energetic.
1. Orijen Original High Calorie Dry Dog Food
Orijen Dry Dog Food is a grain-free formula that feeds dogs at every stage of life. This nutritious and biologically suitable dog food contains fresh and raw ingredients from whole animals.
Orijen dog food contains no vegetable proteins, synthetic additives, and harmful ingredients. About 85% of dog food consists of meat-based ingredients.
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Orijen dog food contains a balance of meat, organs, cartilage, and bone in proportions that reflect the entire prey. About 38 percent of the formula is protein. Your dog will thrive and stay healthy with this high protein dog food.
- Nutritionally complete and balanced
- Rich in protein
- Contains superior quality and ethically sourced meat
- Free from potentially harmful GMOs
- Duration
- Some dogs get diarrhea after eating this food
2. Purina Pro Plan Sport All Life Stages Performance
View On AmazonPurina ProPlan Sport Chicken & Egg Formula is grain-free and contains no corn, wheat, or soy. This is a high-quality formula with 30 percent crude protein and 20 percent crude fat. It is designed for performance dogs, growing puppies, and dogs struggling to maintain their weight. It has 541 kcal/cup. This is a formula for all stages of life.
These are just some of the foods with higher fat percentages and more calories. If you’re looking for a higher calorie dry dog food, look for foods with 17 percent crude protein or more.
Keep in mind that there are risks associated with feeding high-fat foods for some dogs. Some dogs have trouble digesting wealthy foods.
It is usually not a good idea to give your dog bits of fat in the kitchen or off your plate. Fat is an important part of a dog’s diet, but it should be fed with other healthy ingredients.
- Affordable
- It helps your dog gain weight and muscle
- Dogs love the taste of this dog food
- It contains multiple protein sources
- Lacks the calorific density
3. Wellness Core Natural Grain-free Dry Dog Food
This is a grain-free option for a balanced diet suitable for dogs that need to gain weight. It is rich in protein from turkey and chicken, the main ingredients of this tasty dry dog food.
It also contains vegetables that provide essential minerals and vitamins needed for healthy growth. The Wellness Core has about 80% more meat than most dry dog foods, so it is often recommended for very active dogs. Plus, this high-calorie dog food brand contains no corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, meat by-products, or artificial flavors. It is a natural product that is made and packaged in the USA.
It contains omega fatty acids, antioxidants, probiotics, and other ingredients necessary for healthy weight and muscle growth. You have to take your time with it, though, because it has such a high protein content.
It takes a few days, so make sure you mix it into the old dog food for five to seven days. After that period, you can switch completely to Wellness Core.
- Available in different sizes
- Grain-free
- All-natural ingredients
- Not recommended for dogs allergic to fish
4. Rachael Ray Nutrish Bright High Calorie Puppy Food
Many dog owners I spoke to report that Rachael Ray Nutrish is especially kind to sensitive tummies. Plus, picky eaters everywhere love this food (I know, a miracle!). Puppies. Be sure to take them on long walks, so all those extra calories are turned into muscle and not just fat!
Do you have a picky eater at home? Or maybe even worse, a picky pup who also has a sensitive stomach and many allergies? If so, this dry dog food could be a lifesaver.
Unlike the dog food that tries to mimic the wolf diet, Rachael Ray’s formula is more like what your parents would have cooked for their pups at home. No fancy bison meat or smoked salmon in this one (sorry, doggies). Simply delicious turkey, chicken, or beef with rice and vegetables.
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Despite the simple recipe, this high-calorie dog food provides your dog with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for a shiny coat and healthy skin and prebiotics for good health. Digestion. The vitamins and fiber are said to come from peas and rice.
- Supports digestive health for sensitive stomachs
- Supports a healthy coat
- Approved for picky eaters
- Has many pack sizes
- Part of the proceeds goes to animal charities
- Grain-free
- Affordable
- Contains corn
- Bites may be too big for small dogs
5. Crave High Protein White Fish & Salmon Adult Grain-free Dry Dog Food
Crave High Protein Dry Dog Food is a high-calorie recipe that aims to satisfy your dog’s ancestral desires. This high-protein recipe is made with real whitefish as the first ingredient.
It is a grain-free formula designed to meet the nutritional needs of small to large adult dogs. It also gives dogs the energy they need with carbohydrate sources like peas.
Crave High Protein Dry Dog Food contains all the nutrients your dog needs to maintain a healthy body and strong immune system.
The recipe contains no soy, corn, chicken meal by-products, wheat, artificial colors, preservatives, or flavors.
- Affordable
- High-quality ingredients,
- Rich in protein
- Boosts your dog’s energy
- Meets your mist’s instinctual needs
- Contains fewer calories per cup
- Contains some plant-based protein
6. Adirondack Dog Food 30% Protein high fat dog food for Puppy & Performance Dogs
Adirondack High Fat Puppy & Performance Recipe Dry Dog Food has 534.8 kcal per cup. This formula contains 20 percent crude fat. AAFCO approved for all life stages. No corn, no wheat, no soy.
Adirondack recipes are slow-cooked to perfection at a lower temperature to retain nutrients and promote greater stamina, energy, and immunity in your furry friend.
It also helps enhance the natural flavor of the ingredients, giving your pup a kibble he can’t resist!
- Nutritionally complete and balanced
- Supports healthy digestion
- Rich in proteins
- Contributes to a healthy and shiny coat
- It is not grain-free
7. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed High Calorie Dry Dog Food
The first ingredient here is deboned lamb to help your pup gain weight and build muscle. You can also continue feeding it after the desired weight has been reached to keep it at that level.
Dog food also contains whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
It contains all the essential vitamins, proteins, and carbohydrates to help your pet get energy. The Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids promote a healthy coat and skin in all breeds.
This high calorie dog food is unique because it contains LifeSource Bits. These are kibble made from a blend of vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals.
LifeSource Bits help your pup maintain a strong immune system for a healthy lifestyle.
It contains no chicken by-products, wheat, corn, soy, preservatives, or other artificial ingredients that could harm your pet. All ingredients are natural and carefully selected to help your dog reach and maintain the desired weight.
- Rich in calories, protein, vitamins, etc.
- No artificial colorings
- No poultry by-product
- Not for puppies
8. Victor Classic High Energy Dry Dog Food
Dogs that work hard all day need a high-calorie diet that will provide them with the continuous energy support they need. Without food such as Victor High Energy, dogs tire more quickly and cannot continue their work.
With each cup of dry dog food, your dog will consume 455Kcalories, a high energy source for active dogs. Active dogs burn calories faster with exercise, so they need foods like Victor’s to fuel them.
The primary protein source of this dry food is beef, which makes up 79% of dry dog food for both great taste and healthy fat content. Your dog will have lasting energy, stamina, and stamina with every meal.
Because the formula is free of corn, wheat, soy, and gluten, there are no fillers, and the diet is easier to digest. You don’t need to feed your dog so much of this diet because of the high-quality ingredients and still provide it with the energy source it needs.
Not only that, the diet contains all the essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals, essential fatty acids, and amino acids their bodies need to stay active and healthy. You don’t have to worry about changing your dog’s diet as they get older, as this diet has been formulated for all life stages so that any working dog can eat this diet and stay on its feet.
- Beef is the first ingredient
- 24% protein content
- Ideal for highly active dogs
- Easy to digest
- Free from corn, wheat, soy, and gluten
- It contains grains and oats
- Not suitable for moderately active dogs
9. Kinetic Performance Power 30k Formula Dry Dog Food
Kinetic Performance Power 30K Formula Dry Dog Food is designed for performance dogs, small and medium breed puppies, and dogs that struggle to maintain weight. This is a nutritious food with 20 percent crude protein. No corn, no wheat, no soy.
No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. It has 462 kcal/cup. AAFCO approved for all life stages. Kinetic also has Kinetic Performance Ultra 32K Formula dry dog food with 24 percent crude fat if you’re looking for even more calories. That food has 477 kcal/cup.
- Contributes to healthy skin and a firm, durable coat
- Supports good digestion
- Promotes happy and healthy hips and joints
- Some dogs don’t like the taste
- It contains 21 synthetic ingredients
10. Nature’s Logic Dog Food Canine Meal Feast
Another natural option is Nature’s Logic dog food. It’s packed with several ingredients that will help your dog build muscle and mass instead of just gaining weight.
The only size it comes in is a 4.4lb bag.
This is a family business that has been around for a while. It is reliable and proven to help dogs gain weight after rapid weight loss due to illness.
The high-calorie dog food contains no soy, wheat, corn, or rice that can cause possible allergic reactions.
Instead, the ingredients provide essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to keep your pet healthy and suitable for holding.
It provides albumin and globulin proteins that help build muscle rather than gain weight. It is recommended that dogs be underweight as it is lightweight and will not cause major weight jumps.
It’s great for all races and sizes, but you have to keep this in mind due to the size of the bag.
- All-natural ingredients
- Builds muscle instead of fat
- It has several vitamins and essential minerals
- It comes only in a 4.4 lb bag
FAQs About Best Dog Food for Weight Gain
What Can I Feed My Dog to Help Her Gain Weight?
Yes, many dogs can benefit from a portion of high fat dog food to support weight gain and other changes in their diet and lifestyle.
To help your dog gain weight, look for high-quality dog food high in protein, fats, and calories. Aim for a minimum of 30% protein and about 20% fat, and add high-calorie snacks to make up 10% to 15% of your dog’s daily diet.
What’s The Healthiest Food For Dogs?
Salmon, shrimp, and tuna are all safe for dogs to eat and are good protein sources. Salmon and tuna are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help keep a dog’s immune system, coat, and skin healthy. The B vitamins in shrimp can also help maintain a dog’s digestive system and promote healthy blood circulation.
Are High-calorie Dog Treats Available?
Yes. You can choose from the many high-calorie dog snacks available in the market. The best place to buy them is Amazon because of the wide variety of choices. High-calorie dog treats are another way to help your dog gain weight.
What is the Best Dog Food for Weight Control?
Some dogs are greedy eaters, while some breeds have relaxed energy levels. These breeds tend to gain weight easily and eventually bulge. The best dog food for weight management includes
- Orijen Fit and Trim Dog Food
- Hill’s Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight
- Wellness Core Reduced Fat Dog Food
Can Eggs Make My Dog Gain Weight?
Yes! Eggs are packed with healthy fats and proteins to help your dog gain weight. They also provide the amino acids your pup needs but can’t make naturally. The fatty acids in eggs are also good for your dog’s skin and coat. Eggs are a nutritious, easily digestible snack that can help your dog gain weight.
My Dog Is Eating, But Not Gaining Weight — Why?
If your dog appears to be eating normally but is still underweight and not gaining weight, one of two things usually happens: you are not feeding him enough, or there is an underlying problem preventing him from gaining weight. You can try feeding them more at mealtimes, but if they don’t gain weight no matter what you do, take your pup to the vet to make sure nothing else is causing their weight problems.
Conclusion
You must feed your dog high-calorie dog food when the condition requires it. Giving our dog extra energy and gaining weight can be done healthily with the best high-calorie dog food.
Although there are many choices, it is good to buy high-quality and well-known brands because they are more likely to be formulated by veterinary professionals. In addition, these better brands have more desirable ingredients that are great for your dog and provide the necessary nutrients for your dog.
Choosing one of these best high protein dog foods is a personal process, and when your dog is more active, healthier, and happier, you know you’ve made the right choice for your dog.
- allpetslife.com
- dogfood.guide
- dogstruggles.com
- puppypointers.com
