Best Weight Gaining Dog Food - Top Picks & Guide

Does your dog look more like a beanpole than a healthy pup? Watching a beloved dog struggle to gain weight can be tough. You want your furry friend to be strong and energetic, but sometimes, no matter what you feed them, the pounds just won’t stick. It feels frustrating when you see other dogs thriving, and yours remains too lean.

Choosing the right weight-gaining dog food adds another layer of confusion. Should you look for high fat? More protein? What ingredients actually help safely build muscle and bulk? Sifting through labels filled with confusing terms leaves many owners feeling lost and worried they are choosing the wrong thing for their dog’s health.

This guide cuts through the noise. We will break down exactly what you need to know about high-calorie formulas, essential nutrients, and how to spot the best options available. By the end, you will feel confident picking a food that supports healthy weight gain for your dog.

Top Weight Gaining Dog Food Recommendations

Bestseller No. 1

Bully Max Dog Weight Gainer Soft Chews for Puppies and Adults - High Calorie Dog Food Performance Supplements for Healthy Weight Gain, Immunity & Digestive Health - 75 Chews for All Breeds & Ages

EFFECTIVE SOLUTION FOR HEALTHY WEIGHT GAIN: Bully Max Weight Gainer Dog Chews provide a natural and effective way to support healthy weight gain in dogs. Each bag delivers 1,500 calories, ensuring your pitbull, bulldog, or any breed gets the essential nutrition for optimal health and vitality. These high-calorie supplements are ideal for underweight dogs, including growing puppies and senior dogs, helping them build muscle and maintain energy levels.
PROBIOTICS FOR DIGESTIVE & IMMUNE SUPPORT: Packed with 250 million CFUs of probiotics per bag, Bully Max Weight Gain Dog Chews promote better digestion and strengthen the immune system. Suitable for all dog life stages, these nutrient-packed chews provide comprehensive support for your pet's health. This dog weight gain supplement is ideal for all life stages, from young puppies to adult dogs, enhancing their overall health and wellbeing.
VERSATILE AS A TASTY DOG FOOD TOPPER OR TREAT: Bully Max Weight Gainer Power Chews provide a convenient and delicious way to support weight gain and energy. Ideal for dogs of all ages and breeds, these bacon-flavored chews can be given as a treat or easily crushed and used as a food topper. Perfect for walks, hikes, or play sessions, they’re packed with high calories, making them an excellent supplement for dogs needing an extra boost of energy and nutrition.
PURE & WHOLESOME INGREDIENTS: Bully Max Power Chews, made with high-quality natural ingredients and enriched with essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, are ideal for dog and puppy weight gain. These dog chews for gaining weight are free from added sugar, gluten, wheat, artificial flavors, animal by-products, glycol, and glycerine, ensuring a natural, balanced diet. These chews support healthy weight gain without harmful additives, providing nutrition and delicious taste in every bite.
PREMIUM QUALITY & VET-APPROVED EXCELLENCE: Made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients, our Bully Max Dog Chews meet the highest quality standards. Every product from Bully Max undergoes rigorous vet approval, backed by our commitment to zero recalls. Bully Max is dedicated to high-quality pet care, providing vet-approved, high performance wet dog food and dry dog foods, along with premium puppy & dog supplements, to guarantee top-quality canine nutrition for puppies and senior dogs.

Bestseller No. 2

All American Canine Dog Weight Gainer – High Calorie Dog Food Supplement & Protein Powder for Rapid Weight Gain, Mass, and Recovery – Appetite Stimulant – 60 Servings

HELPS DOG GAIN WEIGHT: All American Canine powder helps dogs to gain healthy weight fast. Our powder is a high-calorie weight gainer and is packed with vitamins, probiotics, and other digestive, joint, and muscle-supporting components that help your pets regain energy and vitality.
HEALTHY WEIGHT SUPPLEMENT: Our premium weight gainer is formulated with a unique blend of high-quality ingredients working to promote joint health, enhance muscle growth, boost the immune system, and support a dog’s overall well-being.
USEFUL INGREDIENTS: Beef broth protein powder, whey protein, ground flaxseed, beef, liver powder, sweet potato powder, pumpkin powder, blueberry powder, sunflower lecithin, organic kelp, and essential nutrients to boost your dog's weight to stay active and play more.
ADD WEIGHT & ENERGY TO YOUR PET FAST: Our high protein and fats powered are packed with essential vitamins and minerals to help your dog gain healthy weight and increase energy levels. They are easy to feed and taste great so your pet will love them.
NONE OF THE BAD STUFF: We're dog lovers. That is why we only use all-natural, safe, and nutritious components. There is no polypropylene (which is safe for cats), glycerin, artificial colors, or trans fats.

SaleBestseller No. 3

Bully Max Dry Dog Food for Adults & Puppies - High Protein & Fat for Muscle & Weight Gain - High Performance Dog Food Supplements - Small & Large Breed Dogs (535 Calories Per Cup), Chicken, 5lb Bag

OPTIMAL MUSCLE & WEIGHT GAIN: Bully Max 30/20 High Protein Dog Food, the ONLY 5-star rated performance dog food by the world’s #1 online dog food review site, is designed for healthy weight gain and rapid muscle growth. With 30% more protein and 20% more fat than traditional options and a substantial 535 calories per cup, it efficiently nourishes your dog. This results in lower serving sizes with the same major dog fuel, particularly active breeds, receives ample energy for daily activities.
HIGH PROTEIN, BALANCED DIET: Bully Max 30/20, with its meat-based formula rich in Chicken Meal & White Fish, provides high-quality protein for dog health. Infused with Chicken Fat for essential fats, Dried Plain Beet Pulp for fiber, and Whitefish Meal for omega fatty acids, plus natural dry dog food vitamins, minerals, and trace nutrients. Supports healthy weight management, overall dog health and vitality across all dog breeds & sizes. Quality checked for freshness to avoid odor or spoilage.
ENHANCED CALORIC DENSITY: With 535 calories per cup, this high protein dog food is one of the most calorie-rich options available. Ideal for large breed puppies & adult dogs, it lets you feed up to 50% less while delivering optimal nutrition. Crafted to minimize metallic or lingering odors. Aroma, texture & flavor appeal to picky eaters. Formulated with premium natural ingredients, it's not just the best dry dog food for energy & growth but also a smarter, more efficient way to nourish your dog.
COMPREHENSIVE NUTRITION FOR ALL DOG BREEDS AND AGES: Designed to cater to every dog, Bully Max 30/20 Dog Food is suitable for small and large breeds at any life stage. This tasty chicken blend dry dog food meets AFFCO standards for complete & balanced nutrition, making it a top choice for all breeds, including champion show dogs. It supports a healthy, vibrant lifestyle from playful puppies to active adults. Free from these common allergens: corn, wheat, soy, by-products & artificial additives.
UNMATCHED BULLY MAX QUALITY: Made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients, Bully Max upholds exceptional manufacturing standards with a strict triple-check system for unmatched safety and quality, boasting zero recalls. Bully Max is dedicated to superior pet care, providing a spectrum of vet-approved, high-performance, wet dog food and dry dog foods, along with premium puppy & dog supplements, to guarantee top-quality canine nutrition for puppies and senior dogs.

Bestseller No. 4

Bully Max Pro 2X High Calorie & High Protein Dry Dog Food for Puppy & Adult Dogs - Healthy Weight Gain & Muscle Building for Small & Large Breeds - Slow-Cooked, 600 Calories/Cup, Chicken Flavor, 4lb.

ULTIMATE HIGH-CALORIE DOG FOOD: Discover the power of Bully Max 31/25 Pro Series 2X High Calorie Dog Food. Packed with a remarkable 600 calories per cup, this premium dog food leads the pack in calorie density. Its robust formula contains 31% protein and 25% fat, enriched with heart-healthy flaxseed and 19 essential vitamins & minerals, making it not only calorie-dense but possibly the most nutritious performance dog food available. Its nutrient-rich blend helps support digestion and reduce gas.
MAXIMIZED CALORIE DENSITY FOR HEALTHY WEIGHT GAIN: Bully Max Pro Series Dog Food’s unparalleled high-calorie formula allows you to feed your dog up to 60% less than other brands. A single bag offers double the longevity, delivering exceptional value. This dry puppy dog food is ideal for performance dogs & also perfect as a healthy weight gainer. Packed with high-quality nutrients for substantial weight gain and robust health. Free from corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, and preservatives.
ENHANCED DIGESTION & SUPERIOR NUTRIENT ABSORPTION: Bully Max Pro 2X Calorie Dog Food ensures easy digestion and optimal nutrient uptake. Formulated with natural ingredients, this calorie-rich food efficiently delivers essential proteins and nutrients, avoiding overeating discomfort. Ideal for dogs of all sizes and breeds, it promotes a healthy, energetic lifestyle with its carefully balanced nutrition, making it an excellent choice for maintaining your dog's overall well-being.
SUITABLE FOR ALL BREEDS: Bully Max 2X Calorie Dog Food kibble is ideal for all breeds, offering a delicious chicken flavor. Formulated with premium proteins and high-quality ingredients, this kibble is free from cheap fillers, soy, corn, and artificial flavors. Perfect for dogs from 4 weeks, including pregnant or nursing ones, it's naturally enhanced with essential vitamins and minerals, providing a balanced diet for every canine stage. It’s free from poultry by-product meals or fillers.
PREMIUM QUALITY, ZERO RECALLS: Made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients, our Bully Max Pro 2X Dry Dog Food meets the highest quality standards. Every product from Bully Max undergoes rigorous vet approval, backed by our commitment to zero recalls. Bully Max is dedicated to high-quality pet care, providing vet-approved, high performance wet dog food and dry dog foods, along with premium puppy & dog supplements, to guarantee top-quality canine nutrition for puppies and senior dogs.

Bestseller No. 5

Miracle Vet High-Calorie Weight Gainer for Dogs & Cats - Multivitamin Nutritional Supplement Gel, Omega Fish Oil, Calcium - Puppy, Senior, Prenatal Cat & Dog Vitamins, Supplements for Weight Gain

HIGH-CALORIE WEIGHT GAINER for DOGS and CATS - Miracle Vet dog high-calorie weight gain multivitamin supplement is packed with calories and essential vitamins, and minerals to support overall pet health and formulated especially for multiple purposes, including senior dog supplements, dog prenatal vitamins, and dog electrolytes
29 VITAMINS & MINERALS - This cat and dog multivitamin is packed with 29 essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium for dogs and fish oil for cats, designed to support your pet's overall health and well-being. Ideal as senior dog vitamins, and dog food supplements, this versatile formula also works as a dog muscle builder and dog food topper for picky eaters ensuring your furry friend gets all the nutrients they need to thrive
#1 INGREDIENT IS OMEGA-3 FISH OIL - Miracle Vet Weight Gain supplement comes packed with omega-3 fish oil, which promotes healthy skin and coat while providing a natural energy source. Ideal for cat, dog moms and pet care enthusiasts, this dog and cat supplement support the overall health of your furry family members. Additional fish oil health benefits: protects the heart, provides support for dry, flaky skin in allergy, helps slow down the progression of kidney disease, aids arthritic joints
EASY TO USE NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENT - Our weight gainer for dog and cat multivitamin is simple to incorporate into your pet's daily routine, whether mixed with their regular dog food, used as a dog food topper for picky eaters, or added to water. Ideal for small breed dogs, senior dogs, and puppies, this dog and cat nutritional supplement is perfect for pet owners looking to improve their pet's health, muscle growth, and weight gain. Give your furry friend the care they deserve with Miracle Vet
APPETITE STIMULANT for PETS - Supportive appetite stimulant for dogs and cats will entice even the most finicky eaters, ensuring they get the vitamins and nutrients they need to thrive, including dog electrolytes and calcium for dogs and cats. It caters to various pet needs, making it ideal for cat and dog care. From weight gain and appetite stimulation to senior dog care and prenatal support, this all-in-one formula is perfect for pet parents who want the best for their furry companions

Bestseller No. 6

11-in-1 Muscle Gain Chews - Weight Gain Supplements for Dogs with High Protein & Amino Acids - Premium Muscle Builder for Bully & All Breeds - Healthy for Puppies - 150 Chews - Chicken

💪11-IN-1 CHEWS TO BOOST MUSCLE & STRENGTH: Packed with premium protein and essential amino acids like L-Arginine, L-Glutamine, L-Leucine, L-Isoleucine, and L-Valine to support healthy muscle growth and repair for a stronger, more athletic dog.
📈HEALTHY WEIGHT GAIN FORMULA: Calorie-dense chews provide the extra nutrition needed for lean mass and healthy weight gain, loaded with a bunch of natural and organic ingredients such as Tumeric root powder, Ashwagandha and Wild Alaskan Salmon oil. They are perfect for underweight or active dogs.
🐾SUSTAINED ENERGY & VITALITY: Formulated with Astaxanthin, Vitamin C and Glucosamine HCL to provide long-lasting energy, these delicious chews help fuel your dog's daily activities and promote overall vitality.
🐕‍🦺VET-APPROVED & ALL-BREED FRIENDLY: Designed with veterinarian input and suitable for puppies, adult dogs, and all breeds to help them thrive.
🐶IRRESISTIBLY TASTY TREAT: Your dog will love the delicious flavor, making these chews an easy and enjoyable way to supplement their diet for optimal health and gains!

Bestseller No. 7

All American Canine Dog Weight Gainer Liquid – High Calorie Dog Food Supplement for Rapid Weight Gain, Mass, and Recovery – Appetite Stimulant – 60 Servings

HIGH CALORIE WEIGHT GAINER FOR DOGS – All-natural liquid dog weight gainer designed to support healthy weight gain, mass, and recovery for dogs of all breeds and ages. Perfect high calorie supplement for dogs that need extra calories.
ALL-NATURAL INGREDIENTS & PURE OILS – Made with salmon oil, coconut/MCT oil, avocado oil, flaxseed oil, and olive oil. This dog weight gain supplement contains no fillers, harmful chemicals, or artificial flavoring.
SUPPORTS COAT, JOINT & MUSCLE HEALTH – Rich in essential omega fatty acids and nutrients, this dog supplement helps maintain joint health, muscle development, and a shiny coat while providing calorie-dense nutrition.
TASTES LIKE A TREAT, WORKS LIKE A SUPPLEMENT – Flavor-packed liquid dog food enhancer with a savory taste dogs love, making it easy to mix with meals. Ideal as a dog food additive and liquid dog food calorie booster.
PROUDLY MADE IN THE USA – Premium quality high calorie dog supplement manufactured with natural ingredients to provide safe and effective weight gain for dogs. Convenient serving sizes tailored for small to large breeds.

Bestseller No. 8

Under the Weather Pet | Ready Cal for Dogs 100cc | High Calorie Supplement | Weight Gainer and High Calorie Booster | 10 Vitamins, 7 Minerals & Omega Fatty Acids

Helps Dog Gain Weight: Filled with healthy ingredients to help your dog gain weight if they aren't eating properly. Shelf life: 24 months from manufacturing date. EXP date printed beside the barcode as EXP MM/YY.
Stimulates Appetite: When your dog isn't getting proper nutrition due to reasons such as illness or medical procedures, this nutritional supplement gel will help restore your pup's appetite to keep them healthy and strong
Energy Booster: Vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, and omega fatty acids are essential nutrients to boost your dog's weight, appetite and energy.
Easy to Use: This gel supplement for your dog comes in a convenient dial-a-dose tube to ensure that you’re able to give your pup the proper dosage it requires.
The Best For Your Dog: Ready Cal for Dogs is veterinary formulated with tasty flavor dogs love to promote weight gain. Proudly manufactured in the USA without artificial flavors or dyes.

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Weight Gaining Dog Food

Is your dog too skinny? Do they need a little extra weight for health or breed standards? Choosing the right weight-gaining dog food is important. This guide will help you find the best option for your furry friend.

1. Key Features to Look For

Good weight gain food is not just about adding more calories. It needs to be healthy weight, mostly muscle and good fat, not just empty fillers. Look for these signs:

High Calorie Density: The food must pack more calories into each cup. This means your dog can eat a normal amount but still take in extra energy.
High Protein Content: Protein builds muscle. Look for formulas with at least 25% crude protein.
Healthy Fat Sources: Fats are very high in calories. Good fats provide energy and support a shiny coat.
Palatability: If your dog won’t eat it, it won’t work! The food must taste great so they finish every meal.

Important Materials: What Should Be Inside?

The ingredients list tells the whole story. High-quality weight gain foods focus on nutrient-dense components.

Top-Tier Protein Sources: Chicken, beef, lamb, or fish should be the first ingredients listed. Avoid foods where “meat by-products” are the primary source.
Complex Carbohydrates: These provide sustained energy. Good sources include brown rice, oats, or barley.
Healthy Fats: Look for named sources like chicken fat, fish oil (for Omega-3s), or flaxseed.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Not all weight gain foods are created equal. Some ingredients boost the food’s effectiveness, while others hurt it.

Quality Boosters:

Added Vitamins and Minerals: These support overall health during the rapid weight gain phase.
Probiotics and Prebiotics: A healthy gut absorbs nutrients better.

Quality Reducers:

Excessive Fillers: Ingredients like corn, wheat, or soy, when listed high up, often provide little nutritional value for muscle building.
Artificial Colors or Preservatives: These offer no benefit to your dog’s weight gain journey.

2. User Experience and Use Cases

How owners use the food affects success. Weight gain food is best used in specific situations.

Use Case 1: Recovery After Illness: When a dog is recovering from surgery or sickness, they often lose weight. High-calorie food helps them regain strength quickly.
Use Case 2: Active/Working Dogs: Highly energetic breeds or dogs that work all day (like agility dogs) burn massive amounts of calories. They need calorie-dense food to maintain weight.
Use Case 3: Picky Eaters: Because weight gain formulas are often very rich and tasty, they frequently work well for dogs who usually turn their nose up at regular kibble.

Tip for Success: Always transition your dog slowly to the new food over one week. Sudden changes can cause stomach upset, which defeats the goal of getting calories in!

10 Frequently Asked Questions About Weight Gaining Dog Food

Q: How quickly should my dog gain weight?

A: A healthy rate is usually 1 to 2 pounds per week for medium to large dogs. Consult your vet to set a safe target.

Q: Is weight gain food just high in fat?

A: No. While fat content is higher for calories, the best foods are also very high in quality protein to build muscle, not just fat stores.

Q: Can I just feed my skinny dog more of their regular food?

A: You can try, but if they are not gaining weight, they might not be able to eat enough volume. Weight gain food is concentrated, so they get more calories without feeling overly full.

Q: Is this food okay for all breeds?

A: Most are fine, but puppies have specific growth needs. Always check the label to ensure the food is appropriate for your dog’s life stage (puppy, adult, or senior).

Q: What is the difference between “high calorie” and “weight gain” food?

A: They are often similar. “Weight gain” food usually implies a balance of protein and fat designed for healthy muscle/weight increase, whereas some “high calorie” foods might focus too heavily just on fat.

Q: How do I know if the weight gain is healthy?

A: Healthy weight gain feels firm (muscle) and fills out their frame. If your dog seems sluggish or has greasy stools, the food might be too rich.

Q: Should I mix wet food with the dry weight gain kibble?

A: Yes, mixing in a high-calorie wet food or a healthy topper can significantly increase the overall calorie count and make the meal more appealing.

Q: Are weight gain foods more expensive?

A: Generally, yes. Because they use higher amounts of quality meat and nutrient-dense ingredients, the cost per bag is often higher than standard maintenance food.

Q: What if my dog has a sensitive stomach?

A: Look for weight gain formulas that list easily digestible grains like rice or oats, and ensure they contain added digestive aids like pumpkin or probiotics.

Q: When should I stop feeding weight gain food?

A: Stop feeding it once your dog reaches their target healthy weight. Then, slowly transition them back to a regular maintenance diet appropriate for their activity level.