What Are The Healthiest Oils For Dogs
Fish oil: Fish oil contains EPA and DHA, omega-3 fatty acids that help arthritis, and also has some anti-cancer effects, says Nancy Scanlan, DVM, CVA, MSFP, and executive director of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Foundation. Fish oil can also improve your dogs memory.
The primary reason I recommend fish-oil based omega-3 fatty aids is to yield a natural anti-inflammatory effect that can help reduce overall inflammation in the body and potentially decrease my patients reliance on medications aimed at reducing inflammation and pain, says Dr. Patrick Mahaney, VMD, CVA, CVJ, and a certified veterinary acupuncturist with California Pet Acupuncture and Wellness .
Krill oil: While fish oil usually comes from fish higher on the food chain, like salmon, krill oil hails from tiny shrimp-like organisms that rank a little lower. This makes krill oil less likely to be contaminated with mercury, Dr. Scanlan says. It also contains EPA and DHA, and will help give your pet healthier joints and skin, in addition to other benefits.
All dogs are omnivores that lean towards the carnivorous side, so they best absorb non-vegetarian-based oils like fish and krill, explains Dr. Mahaney.
Flaxseed oil: This oil is high in alpha linolenic omega-3s, which puts it in the same ballpark as wild fish when it comes to boosting heart health. Like many of the other healthy oils, flaxseed oil also helps with mobility for arthritic dogs, and can aid in blood pressure and kidney function.
Other Causes Of Weight Gain In Dogs
Genetics plays a part in your dogs tendency to gain weight, too. Some breeds are just more prone to putting on weight than others.
The breeds more inclined to be obese include American cocker spaniels, basset hounds, beagles, Cairn terriers, Cavalier King Charles spaniels, dachshunds, Labrador retrievers, Norwegian elkhounds, rough collies, and Shetland sheepdogs.
Fluid buildup due to heart disease or liver disease can also trigger weight gain, as can tumors
Dogs which have been spayed or castrated are also more likely to be obese, probably because neutering affects energy expenditure and metabolism.
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What Are Dog Food Toppings
Dog food toppings are additives or mix-ins that you can put on your dogs food. Many of them are added for the nutritional benefits and occasionally, to encourage a picky eater. For example, oil has been promoted as a topping for dog food for years because of the positive effects it can have on your dogs skin and coat.
Dog food toppings liven up their regular meal and make it more flavorful and appealing. Dogs do not enjoy salty tastes, but they do enjoy sweet, and they find fresh flavors more appealing. Overall, even with fewer taste buds, dogs have been shown to enjoy a variety of flavors and textures in their food.
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Feed Them Small Meals Often
Set up a feeding schedule so your dog eats three or four small meals each day rather than one or two large meals. This is a great weight-gaining tactic because small portions help your dog better digest their food and metabolize the nutrition throughout the day. To make this strategy work, try not to go more than six hours between meals.
As you transition from larger meals to smaller ones, prepare one large, normal meal and then divide it into smaller meals to serve. This will help you understand how much youre feeding until you get used to the new routine.
Purina Pro Plan Sport Dog Food
- 475 Calories per cup
Chicken, Corn Gluten Meal, Brewer’s Rice, Animal Fat Preserved with Mixed-Tocopherols …,
Poultry By-Product Meal , Whole Grain Corn, Corn Germ Meal, Fish Meal , Animal Digest, Fish Oil, Dried Egg Product, Salt, Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Phosphate, Vitamin E Supplement, Choline Chloride, L-Lysine Monohydrochloride, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate , Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Niacin, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Sulfate, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Garlic Oil, Folic Acid, Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Calcium Iodate, Biotin, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex , Sodium Selenite. W-4461.
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Determining Your Dogs Ideal Weight
There is a two-step method to determine your dogs ideal weight. By comparing your dogs ideal weight to its current weight, you can determine whether or not you have an underweight dog or not.
STEP 1: Calculating Your Dogs Body Condition Score
The BCS is a score that uses a 9-point scale to estimate the amount of body fat on your dog. A visual and physical examination of your dogs ribs, stomach, and overall body composition determines your dogs BCS score.
You can determine your dogs BCS at home or choose to have your dogs veterinarian do it for you. A dogs BCS is evaluated on a scale of 1-9:
- Underweight Dogs : You have an underweight dog. A BCS of 1 means you have a very thin dog.
- Healthy Weight Dogs : Your dog is at a healthy weight. These dogs have body fat between 15-25%.
- Overweight Dogs : Your dog is overweight. These dogs have body fat above 30%. A BCS of 9 means your dog is severely obese.
STEP 2: Calculating Your Dogs Ideal Weight
Once you determine your dogs BCS, you can use it to determine its optimal weight. Heres an easy-to-follow example of how to determine your dogs target weight.
We will use the example of a 40-pound dog with a BCS of 8 to determine its ideal weight in five simple steps:
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe Red Meat Dinner Senior Grain
Top 5 Ingredients: 1.Beef, 2. Beef Broth, 3. Turkey, 4. Lamb, 5. Potatoes
Rocky Mountain Red Meat Dinner Recipe is a delicious, nutrition-dense meal for aging dogs who need to put on some pounds.
It is a great option for dogs who are picky and who are unable to chew dry kibble due to dental problems. Its protein content comes from beef, turkey, and lamb meat in the recipe. Overall, an excellent option for your aging buddy.
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Weight Gain In Dogs: Common Causes And Treatments
More than half of all dogs in the U.S. are overweight or obese. Being heavy puts our pets at higher risk for arthritis and shortens life expectancy. In addition, obesity has been associated with numerous other problems in dogs, such as certain tumors, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
To avoid weight gain, calories burned must equal or exceed calories consumed. Its as true for your pet as it is for you.
And just as with people, many things can cause your pet to gain weight — from eating too much to getting too little exercise to having a chronic illness. Because were not always the best judges of our dogs physique, its a good idea to talk to your vet if you think your dog may be overweight — especially if the weight gain is sudden.
Some common reasons dogs gain weight include:
Too much food. Often were not sure how many calories we need to maintain a healthy weight. So, its understandable we may overestimate the energy needs of our dogs. And overestimate, we do.
Age can be one reason for the calories-in-calories-out imbalance. Thats because as our pups grow older they often exercise less. Yet, we may continue to feed them the same quantity of food weve always done. The result: weight gain.
A dogs calorie needs can be surprisingly small. Little dogs that arent very active need as few as 185 to 370 calories a day. A dog weighing between 67 and 88 pounds may need between 1,100 and 1,700 calories a day.
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Food To Help Your Dog Gain Weight
Hello, We are adopting a rescue dog who is extremely thin. He is an adult Treeing Walker Coonhound. We know that he had a collar on when he was picked up, but his owners did not want him. The poor guy has been so freaked out by being at a shelter that he is just wasting away. His ribs are clearly visible in his photos. The rescue group said he is depressed and doesn’t wag his tail. He has been checked by a vet and is considered otherwise healthy.
We will be meeting him for the first time and want to do everything I can to get him healthy and happy ASAP. I’m planning on cooking some ground beef so that he smells that as soon as he walks in the house.
I know from reading about this breed that they like to graze. So, I was thinking to try starting him off with dog food plus rice and lean ground beef in small quantities several times a day.
I’m wondering if you have any suggestions of how to add calories without upsetting his stomach. He is coming from the South and I can only imagine that the stress has had a big impact on his digestive system.
Thank you for any suggestions and Happy New Year
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An Ideal Body Condition Is Essential To Support A Dogs Health While Its More Common For Dogs To Need To Lose Pounds To Achieve A Healthy Weight Some Dogs Need To Gain Them
A dog could be underweight for a variety of reasons. He may be recovering from an illness or injury, a recently adopted former stray, or simply a picky eater. With special care and nutrition, like dog food for weight gain, these dogs can get back to a healthy weight, supporting happiness and vitality.
So, how can you tell if your dog is underweight? The most obvious way is to look at the prominence of his bones. Can you see your dogs ribs, spine and pelvic bones with no evidence of fat? Does your dog have low energy? Has his coat lost its shine? If so, he could be underweight and in need of increased nourishment. Visit your veterinarian right away to determine whether theres a medical cause for his low weight.
After your veterinarian confirms that your dogs low weight is not due to a medical problem, you can begin to help your dog achieve a healthy weight. First, add more calories to his diet. The best formulas of dog food to gain weight have high levels of calories and protein. Consider switching to a dog food like Purina ONE® SmartBlend® True Instinct Nutrient-Dense Adult Formulas, which have 30% protein, 17% fat and real meat as the #1 ingredient.
If your dog is a picky eater, try enticing him with a wet food topper. Simply add a scoop of wet or canned food to his dry kibble for a boost of flavor and moisture and some extra calories! If he still refuses the food, you may need to switch to a different formula of dog food for gaining weight.
Why Exercise Is Important Even To An Underweight Dog
The fact is, to be healthy, all dogs need some level of exercise. Healthy, strong muscles are the main driver of metabolism. Without exercise, its hard for your pup to maintain a healthy metabolic rate. Plus, activities like fetching and running are great mental stimuli to keep your dog happy stress can be a factor in weight loss.
The thing to remember is that the amount and type of exercise that your pup requires is unique. From body type to restrictions to breed, each dogs exercise needs are unique.
Dogs who seem lazy or lethargic might need as much exercise as an energetic dog or even more. Finding the best way to exercise your dog can be a fun bonding activity for you and your pup. You get to explore new activities with your dog, and you might like them, too.
Different dogs like different types of play. Some dogs love to run. Some dogs delight in exploring at the dog park. Other dogs enjoy slower, but longer walks. It comes down to what both you and your dog enjoy. Location and climate also play a role. Youll find what works for both of you faster than you can say, Go fetch!
With any kind of dog, its important to start a new activity slowly to make sure its a good fit. For example: try a few rounds of fetch where your dog doesnt have to run extremely long distances. Then either add in more rounds or increase the length of space your dog runs.
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Bully Max The Ultimate Canine Supplement
Unlike the previous dog food brands, Bully Max is not a weight gain puppy food, but a canine supplement. This ultimate addition to your dogs everyday diet provides a wonderful lean mass builder for your puppies, and its not just for bullies either!
This ultra-convenient Bully Max and Gorilla Max combo supplement helps build strong muscles, increase overall strength, power, and speed. It also enhances the immunity and metabolism in your dog. The Bully Max aids in bone nourishment and helps protect the tendons.
The Gorilla Max is one of the best K9 supplements on the marketplace. It comes in a powder form while the Bully Max comes in tablets. Serving sizes depend on the size and age of the dog. Puppies as young as 12 weeks can start taking these supplements to increase their growth and weight. In only 1.5 months, some users have noticed an incredible difference in the size and structure of their dogs as chest and shoulders are increasingly bulked up.
Purinapro Plan 30/20 Sport High Protein
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Corn Gluten Meal, 3. Brewers Rice, 4. Animal Fat Preserved with Mixed-Tocopherols, 5. Poultry By-Product Meal
A 30/20 formula is what vets would generally recommend for dogs that need to gain some weight quickly. Purina Pro Plan Sport is one of my personal favorites when it comes to high-energy high-calorie formulas. It has real chicken as the first ingredient, followed by corn gluten, brewers rice, and animal fat. There is no way any dog cant gain a few good pounds within a few days on this diet.
Aside from weight, Pro Plan Sports is formulated to increase strength and endurance. That makes it an ideal formula for a dog recovering from sickness. It also has plenty of antioxidants to help your dogs immune system recover and get stronger.
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What Else Can I Add To My Dogs Food To Help Them Gain Weight
Other than peanut butter, eggs, and rice, are there other human foods you can feed your pup to help them gain weight? Fatten up your dog and share these treats with them :
- Cottage cheese full fat
- Lean meat raw or cooked depending on your dogs regular diet
- Quinoa it provides usable energy and contains amino acids for muscle building
Wet Vs Dry Food For Weight Gain
Wet food vs. dry food always makes for an interesting debate. While wet food is generally healthier because of moisture content, dry food tends to have more calories and is also easier to digest. Wet food can be more filing due to moisture, so your pet might not eat as much as it would eat dry food in one meal.
That said, picky dogs are usually more inclined towards wet food. It smells enticing and tastes closer to the real thing.
So, which one is better?
For picky dogs, you can always top dry kibble with a bit of premium wet dog food to make it more appealing for your friend. This way, your dog will consume more calories while still getting the taste and texture it wants.
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Why Feed Your Dog High Calorie Food
High calorie dog food is a great choice for a number of different reasons.
For one, as we mentioned before, bigger dogs need to eat a lot more food than smaller dogs. While this isnt a problem for some, for others simply eating enough food to get by can result in uncomfortable bloating and gastrointestinal problems. In extreme cases, this can result in your dog not getting the appropriate amount of energy, high protein, and healthy fats to sustain his or her size. High calorie dog food is an easy remedy for this, as large dogs wont need to eat as much of it as they would a normal dog food and therefore have an easier time getting enough energy.
High calorie dog food is also a great pick for a pooch who needs to pack on extra weight. Malnutrition can be a big problem for rescue pups or dogs who are sick or recovering from a surgery or other procedure . In such situations, returning your pup to a healthy weight is much easier with high calorie dog food.
On the owner-centric side of things, high calorie dog food can also be a benefit. While most high calorie dog foods are more expensive than low or medium-calorie foods, often the price-per-calorie works out to be much lower. This means that feeding your pup high calorie food will be more economical, not to mention the fact that a bag or can of energy dense food will last longer, which saves on excessive shopping trips.
Dont Forget To Exercise
Anytime you increase your dogs calorie intake, youll want to make sure theyre getting exercise too. Remember, you dont want your dog to gain too much unhealthy fatinstead you want your dog to maintain a healthy combination of fat & muscle. Which means that youll want to incorporate a good exercise routine.
Exercise can also help fight against muscle wasting . It can also help stimulate your dogs appetite, which is important when they need to gain weight.
A word of caution, however: if your dog is currently underweight, then you probably dont want to start them on a rigorous exercise plan right away. Start them off easy, and increase the intensity slowly and gradually. And if your dog has any medical conditions, then always ask your veterinarian how to best incorporate an exercise routine without causing any injuries.
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