As a dog owner, I know how important it is to keep our furry friends healthy and at a proper weight. Some dogs may struggle to maintain a healthy weight, whether it’s due to a fast metabolism, being picky eaters, or medical issues. In these cases, it’s important to find the right food to help them gain weight in a safe and healthy way.
While there are many commercial dog foods available that are designed for weight gain, some dog owners prefer to give their pets human food as a supplement. It’s important to remember that not all human foods are safe for dogs to eat, so it’s essential to choose the right ones that are both safe and beneficial for weight gain.
In this article, I will discuss some of the best human foods that you can safely give your dog to help them gain weight. From protein-rich meats to healthy fats and carbohydrates, these foods can help your dog pack on the pounds in a healthy way. Remember to always consult with your veterinarian before making any significant changes to your dog’s diet.
The Benefits of Incorporating Human Food into Your Dog’s Diet
As a devoted dog owner, I have discovered the numerous advantages of including human food in my canine companion’s diet. Not only does it provide variety and excitement for my fur baby, but it also offers health benefits that commercial dog food may not provide.
By supplementing my dog’s diet with certain human foods, I have noticed improvements in his coat quality, digestion, and overall energy levels. Additionally, incorporating human food into his meals has helped him gain the necessary weight to maintain a healthy body condition.
- Improved Nutritional Content: Adding human food to my dog’s diet ensures that he receives a wider range of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that may be lacking in commercial dog food.
- Better Digestibility: Some human foods are easier for dogs to digest, leading to improved gut health and reduced gastrointestinal issues.
- Weight Management: Human food can help underweight dogs gain weight in a healthy manner, ensuring they reach and maintain an optimal body condition.
Protein-rich foods that can help your dog gain weight
When it comes to helping your dog gain weight, protein-rich foods can play a crucial role in building muscle and promoting overall health. Including high-quality sources of protein in your dog’s diet can help them pack on the pounds in a healthy way.
Some protein-rich foods that can help your dog gain weight include:
- Chicken: Lean chicken meat is an excellent source of protein for dogs and can help them build muscle mass.
- Salmon: This fatty fish is not only high in protein but also contains essential omega-3 fatty acids that can help promote weight gain in dogs.
- Eggs: Eggs are a complete source of protein and can be a great addition to your dog’s diet to help them gain weight.
- Beef: Lean beef is another protein-rich food that can help your dog put on weight and increase muscle mass.
- Greek yogurt: This dairy product is high in protein and can be a tasty and healthy addition to your dog’s diet to help them gain weight.
Healthy fats to include in your dog’s diet for weight gain
When it comes to helping your dog gain weight, incorporating healthy fats into their diet can be beneficial. Not all fats are created equal, so it’s important to choose the right ones that will support your dog’s overall health and help them reach a healthy weight.
Some healthy fats to consider adding to your dog’s diet include salmon oil, coconut oil, and flaxseed oil. These oils are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can support your dog’s skin and coat health, as well as promote weight gain in a healthy way. You can drizzle these oils over your dog’s food or mix them in with their meals to help boost their calorie intake.
- Salmon oil: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, salmon oil can help reduce inflammation and support your dog’s skin and coat health.
- Coconut oil: A source of medium-chain triglycerides, coconut oil can provide a quick source of energy for your dog and help promote weight gain.
- Flaxseed oil: High in omega-3 fatty acids, flaxseed oil can improve your dog’s skin and coat health while also aiding in weight gain.
Carbohydrates for Increasing Caloric Intake in Dogs
When it comes to helping your dog gain weight, incorporating the right carbohydrates into their diet can make a significant difference. Carbohydrates not only provide a good source of energy for your dog but can also help increase their overall calorie intake, leading to weight gain.
Some beneficial carbohydrates to include in your dog’s diet to help them gain weight are sweet potatoes, brown rice, and oatmeal. These complex carbohydrates are easily digestible for dogs and can help boost their calorie consumption in a healthy way. Additionally, incorporating carbohydrates like pumpkin and quinoa can also provide your dog with essential nutrients while helping them pack on the pounds.
- Sweet Potatoes: Rich in vitamins and minerals, sweet potatoes are a great source of carbohydrates for weight gain in dogs.
- Brown Rice: High in fiber and easily digestible, brown rice can help increase your dog’s caloric intake for optimal weight gain.
- Oatmeal: A nutritious whole grain, oatmeal is a good carbohydrate option to help your dog gain weight in a healthy manner.
- Pumpkin: Low in calories but high in fiber, pumpkin can aid in weight gain for dogs by filling them up without adding excessive calories.
- Quinoa: A complete protein and carbohydrate source, quinoa can help your dog gain weight while providing essential nutrients for overall health.
Vitamins and minerals essential for your dog’s weight gain
Ensuring your dog receives the necessary vitamins and minerals is crucial for their overall health and weight gain. Vitamin A is essential for healthy skin and coat, as well as supporting vision and immune function. Foods rich in Vitamin A include liver, carrots, and sweet potatoes.
Another important nutrient for weight gain is Vitamin D, which helps regulate calcium and phosphorus levels for strong bones and teeth. Foods high in Vitamin D include fatty fish like salmon and mackerel. Additionally, Zinc is important for metabolism and helps with proper growth and development. Sources of Zinc include beef, chicken, and dairy products.
- Vitamin A: Liver, carrots, sweet potatoes
- Vitamin D: Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel
- Zinc: Beef, chicken, dairy products
Feeding guidelines and precautions when adding human food to your dog’s diet
When adding human food to your dog’s diet, it is important to follow some feeding guidelines to ensure their health and well-being. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Consult with your veterinarian: Before making any changes to your dog’s diet, it is important to consult with your veterinarian to ensure that the foods you plan to add are safe and appropriate for your dog.
- Introduce new foods slowly: When introducing new human foods to your dog, do so gradually to allow their digestive system to adjust. Sudden changes in diet can lead to stomach upset and digestive issues.
- Avoid toxic foods: Some human foods, such as chocolate, grapes, and onions, are toxic to dogs and should never be fed to them. Always do your research to make sure the foods you plan to add are safe for your dog.
- Monitor your dog’s weight: Keep an eye on your dog’s weight when adding human food to their diet. If they are gaining weight too quickly, adjust their portions accordingly to avoid obesity.
Remember, while adding human food to your dog’s diet can be a great way to help them gain weight, it is essential to do so in a safe and responsible manner. By following these guidelines and precautions, you can ensure that your dog stays healthy and happy while enjoying their new diet.
Best Human Food For Dogs To Gain Weight
Buddy & Lola Dog Weight Gainer Supplement - Protein For Dogs, Helps Build Muscle, Aids Recovery, Great for Fussy Eaters, A Must Have For Rescue Dogs Who Need to Gain Weight and Build Muscle
Features
| Part Number | 0734038338100 |
| Model | 0734038338100 |
| Warranty | 30 Day Money Back |
| Color | Plain |
| Size | 300 g (Pack of 1) |
| Language | English |


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ProDog Muscle+ Dog Weight Gainer | 76% Protein Per Scoop - 60 Servings | Must Have For Dogs Struggling To Gain Weight | Aids Injury Recovery | Perfect for Fussy Eaters, Underweight, Malnourished Dogs
Features
| Part Number | Muscle |
| Model | Muscle |
| Energy Efficiency Class | A |


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Dog Weight Gainer Hench Range Advanced Formula, Gain For Muscle,Working,rehab, Weak & Aging


ProDog Maximus Performance Supplement For Dogs - 60 Servings | Targets Lean Muscle Growth | Superior Health, Strength, Speed, Conditioning & Vitality | 58% Protein Per Scoop | For All Dogs
Features
| Part Number | maximus-300 |
| Model | maximus-300 |
| Size | 300 g (Pack of 1) |
| Energy Efficiency Class | A |


Advanced Animal Care Dog Muscle Builder All Breeds Muscle Gainer for Dogs Dominate Bully Maximum Gain Strength Energy Chew


Husse Optimal Light Dry Dog Food for Less Active Overweight or Dogs That Tend To Gain Weight (15 kg)
Features
| Part Number | 479 |
| Model | 479 |
| Size | 15.00 kg (Pack of 1) |


The Hunger of the Wolf Dry Dog Food - For All Breeds and Working Dogs, High Calorie and High Energy Formula with Chicken, Adult - 14 kg
Features
| Part Number | 502000 |
| Model | 502000 |
| Release Date | 2019-12-23T00:00:01Z |
| Size | 14 kg (Pack of 1) |


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Skinner’s Field & Trial Light & Senior – Complete Dry Dog Food, Ideal for Older, Overweight or Less Active Dogs, 15kg
£34.99
Features
| Part Number | 29046 |
| Model | 02SKFTLS |
| Warranty | 1 year manufacturer |
| Size | 1 count (Pack of 1) |
| Language | English |


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ROYAL CANIN Dog Food Mini Light 8kg
£57.79
Features
| Part Number | 1074 |
| Model | 02RCML8 |
| Color | May Vary |
| Is Adult Product | |
| Release Date | 2011-01-18T00:00:01Z |
| Size | 8 kg (Pack of 1) |
| Language | Italian |


Royal Canin Medium Light Weight Care Adult Dry Dog Food 12kg
Features
| Part Number | RO305330 |
| Model | RO305330 |
| Size | 12 kg (Pack of 1) |


Question-answer:
What is the best human food for dogs to gain weight?
The best human food for dogs to gain weight includes lean meats like chicken and turkey, cooked eggs, and high-fat foods like peanut butter and cheese.
Can fruits and vegetables help dogs gain weight?
Fruits and vegetables can be a healthy addition to a dog’s diet, but they are not the best choice for helping them gain weight. It is better to focus on high-calorie, nutrient-dense foods.
Are carbohydrates good for helping dogs gain weight?
Carbohydrates can be a good source of energy for dogs, but it is best to focus on proteins and fats if you are trying to help your dog gain weight.
How often should I feed my dog human food to help them gain weight?
You should consult with your vet to determine the best feeding schedule for your dog. In general, feeding small amounts of human food as a supplement to their regular diet can help them gain weight.
Are there any human foods that are harmful for dogs to eat when trying to gain weight?
Yes, there are several human foods that are toxic to dogs, such as chocolate, grapes, and onions. It is important to avoid feeding these foods to your dog and stick to safe options like lean meats and high-fat foods.
