2 Best Dry Dog Food for Weight Gain [Pitbull Diet Tips]

A skinny Pitty? Contrary to the common image of Pitbulls, they’re not always muscular and stocky. Some pooches have problems gaining weight and building muscles. It could be due to a health condition or a poor diet. If your dog’s vet ruled out any underlying condition, it’s time to look for the best dry dog food for weight gain.

DOG FOOD	DOG FOOD BRAND	EXPERT RATING	CHECK PRICE
	Purina Pro Plan SPORT Grain-Free Dry Dog Food Formula		Check Price
	Earthborn Holistic Coastal Catch Grain- Free Dry Dog Food		Check Price

I spent at least a month trying and researching dog food products that have the right formula and nutrition for weight gain. As much as I’ll share my personal picks and tips, it pays to consult with a pet nutritionist for the individual needs of your dog.

MY TOP PICK:

RUNNER-UP:

Earthborn Holistic Coastal Catch Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

For picky eaters, the Earthborn Holistic Coastal Catch Dog Food is an irresistible choice. It has herring as the main ingredient which will surely make every Pitty craving for more.

The other ingredients include potatoes, peas, canola oil, tapioca, pea fiber, egg product, and sweet potatoes. It’s also blended with a salmon meal, cranberries, blueberries, apples, spinach, carrots, and more.

Each serving of this dog food contains 32% of protein, 18% of fat, and 4% of fiber. It also contains Omega fatty acids as well as a DHA. For optimal nutrition, your Pitty would also enjoy the right balance of Phosphorus, Calcium, Taurine, L-Carnitine, and Vitamins E and C.

Since the protein is sourced from ocean fishes, it’s easy to digest and there are no by-products used as fillers. It’s also free from gluten and grains to reduce the risk of allergic reactions.

For better digestion and nutrient absorption, the Earthborn Holistic dog food is also rich in live cultures. It has dried Lactobacillus casei fermentation product that contains probiotics which can survive on a dog’s GI tract.

Take note that each cup of this dog food contains 435 calories. Always serve the right portion to avoid overgrowth and obesity.

The bag of this best dry dog food for weight gainis resealable and guaranteed to be BPA-free. Although the 5-pound bag is pricier, it’s totally worth the splurge if you want your doggo to gain some weight.

How I chose these dog food products for weight gain

To choose the two reviewed products, I considered its protein, fat, and carb balance. Since it’s intended for weight gain and building lean muscles, the protein level shouldn’t go below 30%.

Also, the fat and carb content should be enough to provide energy for the dog’s daily activities. Aside from packing up with fats, it’s also important that the canine would have the energy to exercise.

Aside from the nutritional profile, I also took a close look at the ingredients. I ensured that these are free from grains, by-products, and additives.

Why some Pitbulls find it hard to gain weight

There are many reasons why a Pitbull can’t gain weight. Here are some of the most common reasons based on my dog’s vet:

*Poor nutrition. Check the food you’re giving your dog. Does it have enough nutrition to keep up with their activities? Remember that Pitbulls need more protein than other breeds, more so American Bullies.

The best dry dog food for weight gain could be the answer to your Pitty’s underweight condition.

*Underfeeding. Sometimes, it’s not the quality of food but the quantity you’re giving. Many Pitbull owners unintentionally underfeed their dogs. Depending on your Pitbull’s activity level and physical condition, they may need more or less than the suggested amount on the food’s bag.

*Parasites. This one has been the case with my previous dog. Although I’m feeding him the best food at the right amount, I noticed that the pooch remains thin. If your dog has diarrhea, vomits, and has a distended abdomen, have it checked right away.

*Bad teeth. Any dental problem will make it difficult for your pooch to eat. Make sure that you get this treated right away.

*Diabetes. Pitbulls with Type 1 Diabetes lack insulin which is responsible for fat storage. This is the reason why some Pitties can’t gain weight despite eating right.

*Diseases. Other conditions can cause lack of appetite among dogs. Also, sickly canines will likely have slimmer bodies. Proper treatment is necessary for this situation.

Signs that your dog is underweight

Not sure if your doggo is underweight? Watch out for these signs before it’s too late:

*Poor appetite

*Dull coat/matted spots

*Their ribcage is visible

*Lethargy and lack of enthusiasm for physical activities

*Diarrhea and vomiting

*Difficulty swallowing food

*Loss of muscle mass

Weight loss among Pitties can be difficult to notice since it happens in a gradual shift. It pays to check your dog from time to time for the mentioned symptoms.

However, take note that being fat isn’t always healthy. You should also consider checking your dog for the possibility of obesity.

Not sure if your dog is underweight? Here is Colleen Pelar to help us:

How much food do Pitbulls need?

The actual amount of food will depend on the actual breed of your Pittie. Here, I’ll try to give some approximations based on age.

Healthy adult Pitbulls need at least 1,100 calories per day. Meanwhile, active adult Pitties would require up to 1,700 calories to maintain their weight while sustaining their nutritional needs.

Lastly, for senior Pitbulls, an average of 875 calories per day. Take note that these are just mere approximations and not a one-size-fits-all measurement for all canines.

Here’s a brief breakdown of Pitties’ nutrition based on their age.

Puppy Pitbull: Around 32% to 40% of protein, 14% to 17% of fat, 1.1% to 1.5% of calcium

Adult Pitbull: Around 15% to 30% of protein, 15% to 20% of fat

Senior Pitbull: Low protein, high-carb

Just make sure that you spread the day’s food in at least three servings. This will prevent gas and bloating among Pitbulls.

Ingredients to look for

When shopping for your Pitbull’s weight gain food, make sure that you check the following ingredients:

*Protein

This is the main component of your dog’s diet. It will likely compose anywhere from 20% to 40% of your pet’s meal. I always prefer ocean fishes, chicken, lamb, turkey, or venison as protein sources. Beef will do but you have to check your dog’s allergies.

*Healthy Fats

Don’t just feed any fat to your Pitbull. Always opt for healthy fats from flaxseed, salmon, and fatty fishes. Omega fatty acids are excellent in keeping your Pitty’s fur and coat shiny.

Take note that Pitbulls don’t necessarily need too much fat on their diet. Just the right amount will do. Some protein sources will also contain fats.

*Complex carbs

Always look for sources of complex carbs on your dog’s food. It includes potatoes, carrots, yams, and more. These take more time to break down which lets your dog have a supply of energy for a long period.

Aside from being good sources of carbs, the mentioned items are also rich in vitamins and minerals.

*Balanced vitamins and nutrients

The addition of fruits and vegetables are important to attain the right balance of vitamins and minerals. As much as you can give your dog an additional supplement, you can save money and effort by getting a dog food rich in nutrients.

Also, look for the best dry dog food for weight gain that’s rich in antioxidants to keep diseases away.

AVOID the following:

At all cost, don’t purchase products with the following ingredients:

*Additives

Additives like colorants and excessive preservatives can be harmful to Pitbulls. Since these don’t have any nutritional value, it will just turn into wastes in your doggo’s body. Some canines would even react harshly to synthetic ingredients.

*Too many grains

I said ‘too many grains’ because grains aren’t really a bane in a dog’s diet. The likes of brown rice, whole grain sorghum, brewers rice, and the likes are excellent sources of fiber, carbs, and vitamins.

What you need to avoid are the likes of corn, soy, wheat, and gluten. These are simple carbs where many canines are notoriously allergic at.

*By-products

Meat by-products are blended into dog food to increase its protein level. As much as it contains amino acids, it’s stripped of other nutrients present in fresh meat cuts.

Also, by-products are difficult to digest which can be a big problem to Pitbulls with sensitive tummies.

Watch for these possible scenarios:

If you’re transitioning your dog to a new food, you should watch out for these possible conditions:

*Food allergies

Pitbulls are highly known for their sensitivities toward some food ingredients. Most of the time, it’s the protein source. Like humans, dogs can develop a variety of allergies along the way.

Some of the signs of food allergies among dogs include sneezing, vomiting, diarrhea, skin problems, and hair loss.

*Joint problems

Joint problems can develop as Pitbulls grow older. Take note that it can worsen if your dog becomes obese. As much as you want the dog to put on weight, it’s not a good idea to go beyond their ideal size.

Also, it would help to purchase a dog food infused with glucosamine and chondroitin.

*Bloating and gas

Pitbulls tend to eat too much too fast. Make sure that you control their food portions by at least three times a day.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How can I get my Pitbull to gain weight?

A: First, rule out any potential health conditions that cause your Pitbull to be underweight. After that, purchase a dog food with the right balance of macronutrients

Q: Will raw eggs help my dogs gain weight?

A: If fed right, yes raw eggs can make your dog gain weight. Raw eggs are common ingredients on raw diets. Since it contains a complete protein profile and tons of nutrients, it’s a healthy choice for Pitbulls.

Q: Are grains bad for my dog?

A: Not all grains are bad for dogs. What you have to watch out for are corn, soy, and wheat. Also, it depends on where your dog is allergic.

Conclusion

The best dry dog food for weight gain should have high protein and high-quality fat and carb sources. Aside from getting the right formula, you should also rule out any possible health problems that your Pitbull is experiencing.

Even if good quality food costs more, it’s unbeatable when it comes to nutrition. When it comes to your Pitbull, it’s not right to skimp on quality.