How To Get A Dog To Put On Weight

[KathyM]

There is no "natural" food for a dog to eat, no such thing. Tinned food is as un-natural as dry.

why does it have to be tinned?? we get green tripe as natural as it comes from our pet food shop, also the mince they sell is balanced with the correct amount of fat, it dont come anymore natural than that!! look about & you will see a supplier of natural foods (much cheaper than the tinned stuff as well, no additives at all)

I don't get why you've posted this - I mentionned other diets - raw, homecooked, etc - none of them are "natural" if we're being honest though. Some may be healthier, but none of these diets is "natural". I purely pointed out the problem with commercial tinned meat, I didn't for one minute say that's all there was. I think you're preaching to the converted mate.

 

[venom2112]

how can raw meat or raw tripe not be natural?? what do dogs in the wild eat?? curry??

 

[callell]

IMO if you are concerned about him, a visit to the vet will help

We took our Puppy to the vet as we thought he was losing weight but after he was weighed examinedthe vet said his weight was spot on
and added "you should be able to feel the ribs but NOT see them"

We feed ours on a mixture of natures Menu/ & Diet, with a mix of Pets at Home Biscuit - apparently one of the best on the market -(By Which survey)

We take our boy to the vet at the drop of a hat - better safe than sorry mate



All the best - keep us updated on the progress

 

[angelmouse]

My springer spaniel has always looked underweight tryed feeding her more and giving lots of leftovers to fatten her up but made no difference. Vet said she is a perfect weight, you just see so many over weight dogs that you compare them too. She has just finished feeding puppies so she looks even more underweight, so im trying to fatten her up abit again.
Angel

 

[juliehainsworth]

One thing there Natsuko that really sticks out like a sore thumb for Ty behaviourally (and maybe health wise) is the Bakers Complete. Basically that (contrary to advertising) is the most awful food and can really contribute to behavioural issues. It's chockablock full of additives, and most trainers believe it causes serious hyperactivity and contributes to other issues.

Perhaps it is the bakers with his behaviour then although thats normally just a couple of handfuls in a treats ball to entertain him rather than his main diet which is Wagg Complete. I find tinned food gives Ty very smelly wind if its part of his main diet which is why I just use it in the Kong. I'll nip into the vets (at work right now so its just over road) and ask if I can nip Ty in and get him weighed as concerned then only prob is getting him up here with Morgan but I'll find a way.

Thanks again.

 

[KathyM]

how can raw meat or raw tripe not be natural?? what do dogs in the wild eat?? curry??

How many wild domesticated dogs do you know? I think you're thinking of other species maybe?

The nearest thing to a "natural" diet for domesticated dogs would be scavenged scraps. Not a healthy one like the variety of decent diets we can pick from for our dogs, but I still wouldn't say any of the options we feed them nowadays are a "natural" diet for the species. It's up to us what we believe is a good wholesome food, and I don't think I missed any options out?

I also think you're assuming I'm anti-raw feeding when actually I'm all for it, and am currently considering switching our two over to it (Dharma has had it before).

One thing there Natsuko that really sticks out like a sore thumb for Ty behaviourally (and maybe health wise) is the Bakers Complete. Basically that (contrary to advertising) is the most awful food and can really contribute to behavioural issues. It's chockablock full of additives, and most trainers believe it causes serious hyperactivity and contributes to other issues.

Perhaps it is the bakers with his behaviour then although thats normally just a couple of handfuls in a treats ball to entertain him rather than his main diet which is Wagg Complete. I find tinned food gives Ty very smelly wind if its part of his main diet which is why I just use it in the Kong. I'll nip into the vets (at work right now so its just over road) and ask if I can nip Ty in and get him weighed as concerned then only prob is getting him up here with Morgan but I'll find a way.

Thanks again.

Ace - let us know how you get on! I've got a major soft spot for Ty.

 

[Archer]

One thing there Natsuko that really sticks out like a sore thumb for Ty behaviourally (and maybe health wise) is the Bakers Complete. Basically that (contrary to advertising) is the most awful food and can really contribute to behavioural issues. It's chockablock full of additives, and most trainers believe it causes serious hyperactivity and contributes to other issues.

Perhaps it is the bakers with his behaviour then although thats normally just a couple of handfuls in a treats ball to entertain him rather than his main diet which is Wagg Complete. I find tinned food gives Ty very smelly wind if its part of his main diet which is why I just use it in the Kong. I'll nip into the vets (at work right now so its just over road) and ask if I can nip Ty in and get him weighed as concerned then only prob is getting him up here with Morgan but I'll find a way.

Thanks again.

Firstly I would change him to a better quality kibble.If budget is an issue(as it can be for any of us!) I would try Autarky.....all natural,no additives and a good quantity of meat.(cost about £14 for 15kg).
If he is well in himself and his toilet is ok then I wouldn't worry.To be honest its nice to see a trim fit dog rather than an obese one.GSD can be very slow maturers so he may not fill out for a while yet

 

[venom2112]

I also think you're assuming I'm anti-raw feeding when actually I'm all for it, and am currently considering switching our two over to it (Dharma has had it before).

no i dont think your anti raw feeding at all, just dogs eat meat, birds eat seeds & nuts etc... anyway be sure to introduce the meat slowly to dharma or your gonna kneed a new carpet!!!

 

[Danno]

Well I would say first check with a vet. If there is nothing wrong try a product called Puppivite. It is basically meat flavored calories.

 

[axor]

this is funny

 

[KathyM]

I also think you're assuming I'm anti-raw feeding when actually I'm all for it, and am currently considering switching our two over to it (Dharma has had it before).

no i dont think your anti raw feeding at all, just dogs eat meat, birds eat seeds & nuts etc... anyway be sure to introduce the meat slowly to dharma or your gonna kneed a new carpet!!!

LOL been there and done that - the first two attempts (Pitcairn diet) left her with severe colitis, so we will be very tentative this time (and won't be doing the Pitcairn diet). Still haven't decided whether to go ahead yet though.

 

[venom2112]

I also think you're assuming I'm anti-raw feeding when actually I'm all for it, and am currently considering switching our two over to it (Dharma has had it before).

no i dont think your anti raw feeding at all, just dogs eat meat, birds eat seeds & nuts etc... anyway be sure to introduce the meat slowly to dharma or your gonna kneed a new carpet!!!

LOL been there and done that - the first two attempts (Pitcairn diet) left her with severe colitis, so we will be very tentative this time (and won't be doing the Pitcairn diet). Still haven't decided whether to go ahead yet though.

go for it kathy! (just give dallas carpets a blank cheque!!)

 

[KathyM]

LOL I have laminate throughout so ner!

How's Ty doing Natsuko?

 

[Canis-Equus]

Hows it going?

I have to agree with Kathy, Bakers is flipping awful stuff (theres more E numbers in that than in a mcdonalds cheeseburger!!!)

I would expect a lot of your dogs thinness is due to this food, too much instant energy, not enough real nutrition.

Part of it is likely his age - he looks the same build as my own gsd x collie, who is basically not mature yet and when hes done growing up, he will grow out... slowly.

Part of it will be free feeding - thats extremely unnatural for a dog and they tend to pick out the bits they like, or save it for a rainy day (having food on tap not normal so the dog saves what he cant eat instantly, for when he is hungry but being a domestic pet he never IS hungry really.......)

It can be argued that no diet is natural, no diet we'd feed our dogs happily that is, and i would agree.

A wild or feral canids diet would be carrion, small rodents, birds, anything and everything he finds lying around, herbivore faeces, the odd bits of fruit and berries he finds.

I personally feel that a raw diet suits most dogs best and thats what i feed my four - its to my mind, the ideal naturally based diet for a dog, its what they would eat, if it was always available. Its what they are designed to thrive best on.

Sadly pet food manufacturers cash in on the fact that dogs are designed to SURVIVE on very little and will give you a shiny coat and bright eyes if fed sufficient oils and extra added cr*p, so the main content of the food can be cheap filler.

Great for their pockets, rubbish for our dogs!

 

[juliehainsworth]

Hi sorry its been a while been busy at home. I eventually managed to get Ty to the vets had to wait until I could get a friend to help out as its impossible for me (alone) to take Ty and Morgan out together these days which is very limiting. Apparently his weight is spot on for his size and age I was told he should eventually grow into his frame as he's not as ribby as I suspected its just certain angles and light that he looks it.

Kathy M I think you were right about the bakers complete being part of his behavioural problems since stopping that he hasnt barked as much in the house and his recall in the park and general off lead behaviour has improved greatly although still have the odd dash off to see other dogs who are off lead and play but he has started to come back quicker than before, still have the problem of him darting to where people used to come over the fence and trying to jump up when people come out of the house behinds door but thats still work in progress (although I found 3 bb gun pellets in that area so it looks like someones been shooting them over).

Also what is it with dogs always wanting to lick, my partner goes nuts at Ty for constantly trying to lick him, I keep telling him its his way of stroking us and reaffirming pack status (dont know if I'm right or wrong), oh and he keeps on sneaking licks to Morgan when he thinks nobody is looking.

Ty says hi to Dharma too by the way.