Eating Without Gaining Much Weight
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I have a six-month-old pit bull. He eats two full bowls of dog food each day, but he still does not seem to be gaining enough weight. I have had him tested for worms and had a stool sample tested, and both came back negative.
- Candace
Thank you for contacting the ASPCA Pet Nutrition Service.
We think it would be best for your puppy to be seen by your veterinarian as soon as possible. There are a lot of factors that could prevent him from gaining weight. You will want to discuss whether or not your pup is gaining appropriately, and if other medical intervention is necessary. Once your veterinarian has completed the exam, he or she should be able to give you a time frame in which to expect your puppy to start gaining weight.
Also, it is important to look for a quality pet food that is formulated for the age, activity level and size of your dog. There are a number of high quality foods to choose from, including Iams/Eukanuba, Hill’s Science Diet and Purina Pro Plan. We would recommend a Large Breed Puppy formula. As far as the amount of food to serve him, the feeding guidelines on the bag are a good place to start. However, this amount may need to be adjusted, especially if your puppy is very active or is not gaining weight. It is important to keep your veterinarian or veterinary technician involved in your pet’s nutrition. During your visit, be sure to mention the type of food you are using, and ask if there are any nutritional concerns involved with your dog.
Thank you for your question, Candace, and good luck with your pup.