Best Dog Food to Gain Weight and Muscle

Obesity and overweight are some of the most common health problems today that affect both humans and dogs. It is very rare for you to find and underweight dog. However; some dogs can find it hard to gain and maintain a healthy weight.

There are so many reasons why your dog is losing weight or is unable to gain weight and muscle. It is important for you to determine the reason why your dog is losing weight to make it easy for you to help him gain weight and muscle. If you are feeling your dog with a healthy and quality diet but he still looks frail and unhealthy, then he might have an underlying health condition. Talk to your veterinarian to determine the cause of weight loss in your dog.

Here are some of the things that might cause weight loss in dogs:

• Kidney disease or heart disease
• Change in diet
• Increased activity level
• Gastrointestinal obstruction
• Intestinal parasites
• Diabetes
• Dental disease that might cause trouble chewing
• Chronic stress
• Certain types of cancer

A visit to the veterinary will help you establish the cause of weight loss in your dog. After establishing the cause of the weight loss, the veterinary will provide your dog with the treatment he needs if the weight loss is caused by an underlying health condition. Improving your dog’s diet can help him increase weight and also build muscles. Giving your dog a healthy and quality dog food that provides him with enough calories he need can help him gain weight.

Feature of the Best Dog Food to Gain Weigh and Muscle

There are so many dog food brands in the market, making it hard for most dog owners to identify the best and healthy dog food to give to their dog. When shopping for the best dog food to gain weight and muscles, there are several things you need to look out for in the dog food of your choice.

Your dog needs more than just calorie content to gain weight and muscle. The dog food you select should provide your dog with all the nutrients he needs for a healthy lifestyle. The food should provide your dog with the right amount of fats, protein, vitamins and minerals. Here are some things to look for in the best dog food for weight and muscle gain:

Natural Ingredients

Dog foods that contain natural ingredients not only more nutritious and digestible than foods with by products and fillers but they are also healthy. When shopping for the best dog food to gain weight and muscle, look for food that contains whole food ingredients such as real animal protein, healthy fats, fresh fruits and vegetables.

Concentrated and Healthy Source of Calories

Most dog foods provide your dog with about 400 calories per cup. If you need your dog to gain weight, you need to look for dig food that provides him a more concentrated source of calories of about 430 to 450 calories per cup or more.

Quality Animal Proteins

Protein is very important in any healthy dog diet but it is specifically more important for dogs that need to gain weight and muscle. Protein helps the dog build muscles and maintain lean mass. The best dog food to gain weight and muscle should provide the dog with about 30% high-quality animal protein from rich protein sources such as poultry, meat, or seafood.

Healthy Fat Content

Healthy fats are a great source of calories which provide your dog with enough energy to stay active. Quality dog food should provide your dog with about 18% to 20% of fat to help him to weight.  Look for food whose fat source is animal sources.

Digestible Carbohydrates

Most dogs find it hard to digest carbohydrates thus it is advisable to limit the amount of carbohydrates you give to the dog. Some dogs can digest whole grains but it is not recommended for dogs with food allergies and sensitivities.

Whole grains can be hard to digest which can reduce the amount of nutrients absorbed in the dog’s body. Consider getting best dog food to gain weight that has legumes, peas, and starchy vegetables as the source of carbohydrates.

Complete and nutritionally balanced

Dog foods with complete and nutritional balance should have AAFCO statement of nutritional adequacy on the label. The label lets you know the natural ingredients found in the food and their nutritional value. The AAFCO statement of nutritional adequacy can also help you know what is missing in the food to make it easier for you to select the dog food that suits your dog’s needs.

Top 10 Best Dog Foods to Gain Weight and Muscle

If you still find it hard to select the best dog food for weight gain and muscle, we have provided you with reviews of some of the best dog foods that are healthy for your dog. The dog foods we have reviewed are some of the quality dog foods that can help your dog gain weight and muscle. Here are reviews for some of the best dog foods to gain weight and muscle.

#1) Nature’s Variety Instinct Raw Boost Senior Recipe With Real Chicken Dry Food

Nature’s Variety Instinct Raw Boost Senior Recipe is a high-quality dry dog food for senior dogs that is suitable for weight and muscle gain. Most senior dogs have trouble keeping weight on. It is important for you to give your senior dog a healthy and quality dog food that will help him maintain a healthy lifestyle.

The dog food has about 35.5% protein and approximately 500 calories per cup. It is therefore a great choice for dogs that want to gain weight and muscle.  The dry dog food has high-protein kibble infused with freeze-dried raw pieces to provide your dog with the nutritional benefits of raw food.

The food is supplemented with glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support and has digestible grain-free carbohydrates for energy and fiber. It includes chelated minerals to ensure optimal nutrient absorption. The senior recipe has a blend of omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat.

Pros

• The Raw Boost Senior recipe includes 35.5% protein and approximately 500 calories per cup.
• It contains freeze-dried raw pieces to provide your dog with the nutritional benefits of raw food.
• The dog food is supplemented with glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support.
• It comes with digestible grain-free carbohydrates for energy and fiber without irritated the dog’s stomach.
• The food includes a blend of omega fatty acids to ensure a healthy skin and coat.
• The Nature’s Variety Instinct Raw Boost Senior Recipe is formulated with chelated minerals to ensure optimal nutrient absorption.

Cons

• It is an expensive dog food to feed your dog as a staple diet.
• The dog food contains high fat content.

#2) Purina Pro Plan SPORT Performance 30/20 Formula Dry Dog Food

Purina Pro Plan SPORT Performance 30/20 Formula Dry Dog Food is a quality dog food that is made to help your dog develop strong muscles and gain weight. It consists of 30% protein from natural chicken meat. It contains amino acids to nourish the muscles and keep them healthy and strong even as the dog ages.

The dry dog food has about 20% of fat from animal fat and fish oil to provide your pooch with omega fatty acids for a healthy coat and skin. The fat also provides your dog with the energy he needs to remain active. It contains glucosamine and EPA to help prevent painful arthritis and bone issues in aging dogs. The dog food is made using quality ingredients that are safe for your dog to consume.

Pros

• The dry dog food has fish oil with provides your dog with omega fatty acids for a healthy coat and skin.
• It has 20% fat from a variety of fat sources to provide your dog with enough energy to remain active.
• The dog food contains glucosamine and EPA to help prevent painful arthritis and bone issues in senior dogs.
• It has 30% protein from natural chicken meat to help your dog develop strong muscles and gain weight.
• The dog food formula has amino acids to nourish the muscles and ensure the overall health of your dog.
• It is made in the USA with no added artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

#3) Merrick Grain Free Dry Dog Food (chicken)

Merrick Grain Free Dry Dog Food is a grain-free dog food that is made with wholesome ingredients to ensure that your dog gets all the nutrients he needs without any stomach issues. It helps to promote good overall health and meet your dog’s dietary needs. The dry dog food contains 38% protein from deboned chicken, turkey meal, and salmon meal.

It is a grain-freed dog food formula that does not contain gluten ingredients, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. The dog food has real fruits and veggies that provide your dog with healthy fiber and energy. It is supplemented with DHA to help support healthy brain development. The dry dog food has fish and flaxseed oil that provide dogs with plenty of antioxidants and fatty acids for an overall healthy lifestyle.

Pros

• The dog food can help your dog maintain a healthy weight with regular consumption.
• It contains real fruits and veggies that provide your dog with vital vitamins and keep your dog full without causing stomach and digestion issues.
• The food formula has 38% protein from deboned chicken, turkey meal, and salmon meal for muscle growth and development.
• It includes DHA to help support healthy brain development in dogs.
• The dry dog food is made in Merrick’s Texas facility using the world’s best locally-sourced ingredients from trusted farmers.
• It is supplemented with fish and flaxseed oil that provide your dogs with plenty of antioxidants and fatty acids for a healthy coat and skin.

#4) Earthborn Holistic Great Plains Feast Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Earthborn Holistic Great Plains Feast Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is a balanced food formula that is designed to support the muscles and provide the energy your dog need daily. It features lean red meat from bison and lamb as the main protein source. The dog food contains L-carnitine that helps burn fat and maintain lean muscle mass to support a healthy lifestyle.

The recipe has tapioca starch and peas for fiber and to aid in digestion. It has a balanced ratio of omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids that support healthy skin and coat. The dry dog food does not have any grain and gluten, thus it is ideal for dogs with food allergies and sensitivities.  It has antioxidant nutrients like Vitamins E and Vitamin C blended with nutrient-rich vegetables and fruits to support the immune system and optimal health of your pooch.

Pros

• It is a grain and gluten free dog food formula that is suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
• The dry dog food offers your dog with a balanced ratio of omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat.
• It has L-carnitine to maintain lean muscle mass for a healthy lifestyle.
• The Earthborn Holistic Great Plains Feast Grain-Free Dry Dog Food includes antioxidant nutrients like Vitamins E and Vitamin C blended with nutrient-rich vegetables and fruitsfor the optimal health of your pet.
• It contains tapioca starch and peas for fiber to boost digestion and food absorption.

#5) Nature’s Logic Canine Chicken Meal Feast Dry Food

The Nature’s Logic Canine Chicken Meal Feast Dry Food is a quality food formula that has 100% natural ingredients to ensure the overall health of your pooch. It contains chicken meal as a concentrated source of protein for muscle growth and development.  The dog food has gluten-free carbohydrates like millet and pumpkin seed that provide your dog with fiber without causing indigestion.

The dry dog food has dried fruits and vegetables which provide a natural source of vitamins and other key nutrients. It has about 420 calories per cup. The dog food includes 36% protein. It only contains 15% fat which together with 36% protein is enough to help your dog gain weight and muscles. The food is supplemented with probiotics to help maintain proper digestion. It is a MSG-free formula that does not contain hydrolyzed proteins, corn, wheat, rice or soy.

Pros

• The dog food provides your dog with 420 calories per cup, making it ideal for weight gain.
• It contains with probiotics to help indigestion.
• The food formula has gluten-free carbohydrates like millet and pumpkin seed to keep your dog full without causing food allergies.
• It has 15% fat which provides your dog with energy he needs to remain active.
• Nature’s Logic Canine Chicken Meal Feast Dry Food does not contain hydrolyzed proteins, corn, wheat, rice or soy.
• It includes dried fruits and vegetables which provide a natural source of vitamins for the overall health of your dog.

#6) Castor & Pollux Organix Grain-Free Chicken & Vegetable Recipe Canned Food

The Castor & Pollux Organix Grain-Free Recipe is a great dog food formula for dogs that need to gain weight and muscle. It contains 425 calories per 12.7-ounce can and features organic chicken as the first ingredient. The dog food also has organic ingredients including organic peas, potatoes, coconut flour, and flaxseed that provide your dog with fiber for easy digestion and keep him full longer.

The recipe has fresh fruits and vegetables to provide vitamins and chelated minerals for nutritional balance. It is a USDA certified organic formula. Flaxseed provides your dog with omega 3 and 6 fatty acids for a healthy skin and luxurious coat. It is free of corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors or preservatives. The food has soluble fiber and probiotics to support digestion and help maintain a healthy digestive system.

Pros

• The dog food formula is USDA certified.
• It includes fresh fruits and vegetables to provide vitamins for the overall health of your dog.
• The recipe contains flaxseed that provides you with omega 3 and 6 fatty acids for a healthy skin and coat.
• It contains soluble fiber and probiotics to support digestion.
• The food has 425 calories per 12.7-ounce can and is therefore a great choice for dogs that want to gain weight.
• It contains organic ingredients that are safe for your dog.
• The dry dog food is free of corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors or preservatives.

Cons

• It is an expensive dog food to feed as a staple diet.

 #7) Crave Chicken Recipe Adult Dog Food

The Crave Chicken Recipe Adult Dog Food is an affordable dog food for weight and muscle gain. It contains approximately 34% protein with 17% fat and over 460 calories per cup. The adult dog food allows your dog to gain weight and muscle in a healthy way. It is made with high-quality ingredients to ensure that it is healthy and safe for your dog.

The dog food provides your dog with a nutritious blend of fresh chicken and chicken meal with supplemental proteins from pork and lamb. It contains digestible carbohydrates that will provide your dog with energy and keep him full without causing stomach irritation. The adult dog food is supplemented with chelated minerals to ensure optimal nutrient absorption and a healthy digestive system.

Pros

• It is an affordable dog food for weight and muscle gain.
• The dog food has digestible carbohydrates that provide your dog with energy and don’t cause stomach irritation.
• It is a protein rich dog food that has a blend of fresh chicken and chicken meal with supplemental proteins from pork and lamb.
• Crave Chicken Recipe Adult Dog Food has approximately 34% protein with 17% fat and over 460 calories per cup.
• It is supplemented with chelated minerals to ensure optimal nutrient absorption and a healthy digestive system.
• The adult dog food is made with high-quality ingredients that are healthy and safe for your dog to consume.

Cons

• The dog food contains some plant protein.
• It could have a higher fat content.

#8) Nulo Freestyle Limited + Salmon Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Nulo Freestyle Limited + Salmon Recipe is a grain-free dry dog food that is ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs. It is also a great choice for dogs that want to gain weight. The dry dog food is a high-quality recipe made with natural ingredients.  It has a limited number of ingredients to ensure digestibility and nutrient absorption.

The dog food has real salmon as the first ingredient and a single source of protein. It is a grain-free dog food that has digestible carbohydrates to provide your dog with energy and fiber. The dry dog food has a blend of omega fatty acids for a healthy and shiny coat.  It is supplemented with a unique blend of probiotics for healthy and regular digestion. The food has about 30% protein with 17% fat and over 430 calories per cup. It has probiotic supplements and chelated minerals to boost the overall health of your dog.

Pros

• It contains 30% protein with 17% fat and over 430 calories per cup, making it ideal for weight and muscle gain.
• The dog food has real salmon as the first ingredient and a single source of protein to help in muscle growth.
• It is supplemented with a blend of omega fatty acids for a healthy and shiny coat.
• The dry dog food includes probiotic supplements and chelated minerals to boost the overall health of your dog.
• It contains digestible carbohydrates to provide your dog with energy and fiber without causing stomach irritation.
• The Nulo Freestyle Limited + Salmon Recipe is made with a limited number of ingredients to ensure digestibility and nutrient absorption.

Cons

• It is an expensive dog food to feed as a staple diet.

#9) Tuffy’s Pet Food 131523 Nutrisource Performance Dry Food for Dogs

Tuffy’s Pet Food 131523 Nutrisource Performance Dry Food for Dogs is a quality dog food that uses the beneficial 30/20 ratio to ensure that your dog is gets all the protein they need to gain muscle mass and weight. The 30% protein is from chicken, chicken meal, and fish meal while the 20% fat content is from the chicken.

The dry dog food is made with quality ingredients that are safe for your dog to consume. It includes flaxseed, beet pulp, and dried eggs that provide numerous minerals and vitamins for the overall health of your dog. The dog food comes in small bite-sized pieces that are easy for dogs to chew. It provides your dog with enough protein and calories to help your dog gain and maintain weight and muscles.

Pros

• It is in in small bite-sized pieces that are easy for dogs to chew and digest.
• The dry dog food has 30% protein from chicken, chicken meal, and fish meal for muscle growth and development.
• It contains 20% fat content is from chicken to provide your dog with enough energy.
• The food formula includes flaxseed, beet pulp, and dried eggs that provide numerous minerals and vitamins that are vital for the overall health of your pooch.
• It is made with high-quality ingredients that together help dogs in weight and muscle gain.

#10) Bully Max High-Performance Super Premium Dog Food

Bully Max High Performance Super Premium Dog Food is a high-calorie formula that is ideal for all breeds and can be given to puppies as young as 4 weeks old. It contains 30% protein to help in muscle growth and development. The protein mainly comes from the chicken meal. It has about 20% fat from healthy chicken fat.

It is a high-quality dog food that provides your dog with an above average proportion of protein and a very high proportion of fat to ensure weight gain. The dog food contains Brown Rice and Barley which provide your dog with energy and fiber but may not be ideal for dogs with stomach sensitivities and food allergies. It has Flaxseed which provides small quantities of the Omega 3 Fatty Acids to ensure a healthy coat.

Pros

• Every cup of the dog food contains 535 calories, making it a great choice for dogs that want to gain weight.
• It is free of corn, soy, and wheat.
• The dog food is suitable for all breeds and can be given to puppies as young as 4 weeks old.
• It provides your dog with 30% protein to help in muscle growth and development.
• The food is supplemented with Flaxseed which provides small quantities of the Omega 3 Fatty Acids to ensure a healthy coat.
• It offers your dog with 20% fat from healthy chicken fat to ensure he has enough energy to remain active.

Cons

• It contains grains which might not be ideal for dogs with stomach sensitivities.

Conclusion

The best dog food to gain weight and muscle should contain a balance of protein fats and other vital nutrients. Look for the best dog food that is made from natural ingredients and are free of color, flavor and preservatives. The dog foods we have reviewed are some of the quality dog foods that can help your dog gain weight and muscle.

The dog foods are from reputable brands and are made from quality ingredients. They vary in the ingredients and in prices thus it is advisable to choose the food that suits your dog’s needs and budget. We hope that you have found the best dog food to gain weight and muscle from our reviews of the 10 best dog foods for weight and muscle gain.

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