Can I Give My Dog a Mass Gainer?

Dog owners can use a variety of methods to help their pups gain weight. They can give them a high-calorie diet, or supplement their food with vitamins that promote healthy weight gain and muscle growth.

The MVP K9 Formula Mass Weight Gainer is a flavored gel that helps dogs add weight. It is also safe for dogs recovering from surgery or illness.

Canned Food

When dogs are recovering from surgery or illness, they can sometimes lose weight. Getting them back to a healthy weight is essential, so they can function normally again. Adding canned food to their diet can help them get those calories.

A good canned dog food for gaining weight should be high in protein and fat. It should also be easily digested, since a dog’s digestive tract may not be functioning as well after surgery or illness.

Look for foods that are free of guar gum and carrageenan, which can cause digestive issues. Also, try to avoid foods that are lined with BPA plastic, as this chemical can leach into the food. Lastly, be sure to spread the added food out into a few smaller meals throughout the day to improve digestibility and prevent bloat source. This can be particularly important for dogs prone to bloat, such as large, barrel-chested breeds. They can often develop bloat when they eat too much in one sitting, especially if it is an extremely heavy food like turkey, lamb, or chicken.

Peanut Butter

Peanut butter can be a tasty treat for many dogs, but it isn’t a good way to help skinny dogs gain weight. It is high in calories and fat, so even if your dog loves it, too much can make them overweight.

It’s important to only give peanut butter in small amounts, and choose a natural product without added salt or sugar. You should also avoid any peanut butter that contains xylitol, which can be poisonous to dogs (and sometimes humans) and causes hypoglycemia and liver failure. Look for the ingredients to see if it has xylitol, and steer clear of brands like Skippy that use it.

Some veterinarians recommend using peanut butter as a treat to reward a pooch, or as an ingredient in homemade toys and puzzles. They also suggest hiding medications in it, which can be an effective way to get your dog to take them.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is an edible oil extracted from mature coconuts that has gained popularity in both humans and dogs for its many health benefits. It is rich in medium chain triglycerides, a type of saturated fat that has been linked to health benefits like boosting metabolism, improving digestion, easing constipation, soothing irritated skin, and enhancing cognitive function. It also contains lauric acid, which is known to have immune-boosting properties.

Some holistic and naturopathic veterinarians recommend giving your dog a small amount of coconut oil daily. This can range from 1/4 teaspoon for smaller dogs to a full tablespoon daily for larger breeds. However, be careful with the amount of coconut oil you give your dog, as too much can lead to fatty stools and diarrhea. Also, it is important to consult with your veterinarian before introducing coconut oil into your dog’s diet. If you are concerned that your pet may have an allergic reaction to coconut oil, consider using cold water fish oil as a safe substitute.

Vitamins

When combined with a healthy diet, high-quality vitamins can help dogs with a variety of conditions. For example, vitamin C helps the body absorb other nutrients like iron and folic acid while fighting inflammation, strengthening immune function, reducing cognitive decline, and increasing circulation.

In addition to boosting the immune system, vitamins like D and E help your dog’s bones absorb calcium, fight oxidative stress, regulate cells, and make fats. Vitamin K is also a vital fat-soluble nutrient that activates blood clotting and allows your dog to form protective scabs after an injury.

Despite the benefits of certain supplements, veterinary nutritionists warn that giving too many can be more harmful than beneficial. Talk to your vet or a nutritionist before adding any vitamins or supplements to your pup’s diet, and always follow the dosage instructions.