Best Dog Foods for Weight Gain
As dogs get older, their eating habits often shift, and this can sometimes cause them to lose weight. If a veterinarian has already ruled out any health issues, the next step is to choose food that is more appealing and packed with the right nutrition. The focus should be on meals that are rich in calories, balanced in nutrients, and made with quality ingredients.
Foods designed for “active” or “working” dogs are often higher in calories, which makes them a smart choice for weight gain. It’s also important to look for recipes that include healthy fats, as these provide concentrated energy to help dogs reach a healthier weight. Lean proteins like chicken, turkey, and pork play an essential role too, since muscle development supports proper weight gain.
Below you’ll find a guide to the Best Dog Foods for Weight Gain, recommended by pet nutritionist Laura Ward. If you’re caring for a senior dog that’s struggling with weight loss, our related article may also be useful.
The Farmer’s Dog Chicken Recipe
The Farmer’s Dog Chicken Recipe is a fresh and balanced option that can encourage dogs with low appetite to eat more consistently. This meal earns high marks because of its rich protein and fat levels, as well as its use of organic zinc, which helps stimulate taste and appetite. Dogs that lack zinc may eat less, so this formula addresses that concern directly.
According to analysis, the recipe contains 46% protein, 25% fat, and about 21% carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 55%.
Ollie Chicken with Carrots
Ollie Chicken with Carrots provides a nutrient-packed, well-rounded diet that supports safe weight gain. Combined with Ollie’s customized feeding plans, it gives dogs the nutrients they need in the right portions.
Made with fresh chicken and carrots, the recipe avoids fillers and unnecessary additives. This helps with digestion and makes nutrients easier to absorb, which is especially important for underweight dogs.
Nutritional analysis shows 31% protein, 12% fat, and 50% carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 38%.
Go! Solutions Carnivore Grain-Free Lamb + Wild Boar Recipe
Go! Solutions Carnivore Lamb + Wild Boar is designed to be calorie-rich, offering more energy in each serving. This makes it especially helpful for dogs that need to gain weight without eating a large volume of food.
With the savory taste of lamb and wild boar, the recipe appeals to picky eaters and encourages better feeding habits. It’s also easy to digest, which means more of the nutrients are absorbed and put to use for healthy weight gain.
The formula delivers 36% protein, 18% fat, and 39% carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 50%.
Nom Nom Beef Mash
Nom Nom Beef Mash is a calorie-dense choice that works well for dogs needing extra weight. With beef as the main protein, plus healthy fats and balanced nutrients, it supports muscle growth and overall wellness. The option to adjust portion sizes makes it easier to meet individual needs.
The analysis shows 35% protein, 17% fat, and 40% carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 50%.
Merrick Grain-Free Puppy Real Chicken and Sweet Potato
Merrick Grain-Free Puppy Real Chicken and Sweet Potato is an excellent pick for young dogs that need extra calories to reach a healthy weight. Real chicken provides quality protein, while digestible carbohydrates and fats supply steady energy.
This recipe supports both growth and safe weight gain, giving puppies the nutrition they need for development. According to analysis, it has 32% protein, 17% fat, and 44% carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 54%.
Raised Right Adult Chicken
Raised Right Adult Chicken is low in carbohydrates but high in calories, making it effective for dogs needing weight support. The recipe focuses on premium chicken protein, healthy fats, and minimal processing, which promotes muscle development and steady weight gain.
It also supplies vitamins and minerals for bone health, immunity, and energy. This ensures that dogs not only gain weight but also stay in good overall condition. Analysis reveals 61% protein, 24% fat, and 7% carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 40%.
Annamaet Original Ultra Chicken Meal & Brown Rice
Annamaet Original Ultra Chicken Meal & Brown Rice is especially useful for Huskies and other active breeds that need calorie-dense food. The mix of digestible chicken protein, balanced fats, and slow-burning carbohydrates supports both energy and weight gain.
This recipe helps maintain healthy body condition while fueling an active lifestyle and keeping coats strong. The breakdown shows 36% protein, 22% fat, and 34% carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 63%.
Now Fresh Large Breed Adult Grain-Free Recipe with Turkey, Salmon & Duck
Now Fresh Large Breed Adult Turkey, Salmon & Duck is designed for giant breeds like Great Danes, who require calorie-rich meals but can’t be overfed. This food delivers nutrients in a concentrated form, making it easier to maintain weight without excess bulk.
The main protein comes from turkey, and analysis shows 30% protein, 14% fat, and 48% carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 48%.
Wellness Core Grain-Free Large Breed Original Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal & Turkey Meal Recipe
Wellness CORE Large Breed Chicken and Turkey Recipe is a strong choice for muscular dogs like Pitbulls, offering joint and bone support along with quality nutrition. Ingredients such as glucosamine and chondroitin help maintain joint health, while lean protein and healthy fats assist with controlled weight gain.
This recipe contains 38% protein, 13% fat, and 41% carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 35%.
Tips for Helping a Dog Gain Weight
If you’re unsure about your dog’s condition, check with a veterinarian to confirm whether weight gain is needed and to get a tailored plan for safe progress.
Here are three practical steps:
- Make changes slowly: Sudden switches to rich diets can upset digestion or even trigger conditions like pancreatitis.
- Choose carefully between wet and dry: Wet foods are usually more appealing, while dry foods provide more calories. Mixing both can give balanced results.
- Feed smaller meals more often: Multiple meals encourage better intake. Leaving some dry food out can help too, though it makes tracking appetite harder.
Conclusion Of Best Dog Foods for Weight Gain
Helping an underweight dog fill out safely comes down to steady calories, quality protein, and meals your dog actually wants to eat. Choose nutrient-dense recipes with healthy fats and digestible ingredients, and feed smaller, more frequent portions while you track progress. If you’re comparing options, look for formulas that match your dog’s life stage and activity level, and don’t skip a vet check if weight loss is sudden. With the right plan, the Best Dog Foods for Weight Gain can support lean muscle, better energy, and a healthy body condition.
