You may wonder why your dog is losing weight, even when they are eating enough food. There are a few possible explanations for this, and in this blog post, we will go over five of them. Keep reading to learn more!
Table of contents
5 reasons your dog is so so skinny even though he eats
Not giving the right amount of food
One common reason why your dog may be losing weight, despite eating, is that they are not getting enough food. If you are unsure of how much to feed your dog, read the packaging of their food. Most of the time, it will give you a guideline of how much to feed based on your dog’s weight.
It is also important to remember that not all dogs are the same; some may need more or less food than others. If you are still unsure, ask your veterinarian for advice. A vet can give advice based on your dog’s weight, age, and activity level.
Your dog may be more active than normal
Another possibility is that your dog has increased their activity level and is burning more calories than usual. If your dog has started to go on more walks or runs with you, this could be the reason why they are losing weight
To make sure your dog is getting enough calories, you may need to adjust its food intake. Just increase the amount you are feeding them by a little bit. If you are still unsure, ask your veterinarian for help in determining how many calories your dog needs.
Low-calorie food
It is also important to note that different types of food have different calorie densities. For example, a cup of dry kibble may have twice as many calories as a cup of wet food. This means that you may need to feed your dog less dry food than wet food to give them the same number of calories.
Try to find a food that is high in calories and nutrients, so your dog can get the most bang for its buck, so to speak. This will help them to maintain their weight, even if they are eating less food overall.
Intestinal parasites
Intestinal parasites are another possible reason for weight loss in dogs, even though they are eating. These parasites can steal nutrients from your dog’s food, preventing them from getting the nourishment they need.
If you suspect that your dog has intestinal parasites, take them to the vet for a check-up. A vet can prescribe medication to kill the parasites and help your dog get back to a healthy weight.
Not absorbing nutrients
Last but not least, another reason your dog may be losing weight, despite eating, is that they are not absorbing nutrients from their food properly. This can be due to a number of different factors, such as:
- Intestinal parasites, as mentioned above
- A food intolerance or allergy
- An intestinal disorder such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
If you suspect that your dog is not absorbing nutrients properly, take them to the vet for a check-up. The vet can run tests to determine the cause and recommend the best course of treatment.
4 Tips to help your dog gain weight
If your dog is underweight, there are a few things you can do to help them gain weight:
Feed them more food
This may seem obvious, but it is important to make sure you are giving your dog enough food. If you are unsure of how much to feed them, ask your veterinarian for advice.
Choose a high-calorie food
As mentioned above, different types of food have different calorie densities. Choose a food that is high in calories and nutrients to help your dog gain weight.
Add some healthy fat to their diet
Healthy fats, such as olive oil or coconut oil, can help to increase your dog’s calorie intake. Just add a small amount to their food bowl at each meal.
Exercise with them
You may think that exercise would help your dog lose weight, but it can actually help them to gain weight. Exercise can help to increase your dog’s appetite, as well as their muscle mass. Just make sure not to overdo it – too much exercise can lead to weight loss.
When to see the vet?
Try to adjust the food you are feeding your dog for the coming time. If your dog’s weight loss continues despite this, or if you are worried about your dog’s health for any other reason, make an appointment with your veterinarian. They will be able to give you more specific advice and help you determine the cause of your dog’s weight loss.
Signs that your dog is malnourished
If your dog is malnourished, they may show some or all of the following signs:
- Lethargy
- Loss of muscle mass
- Ribs and hip bones that are more visible than usual
- A dull coat
- Dry skin
- Poor wound healing
- Susceptibility to infections
FAQ
Can I put my dog on a diet?
If you think your dog is underweight, you can feed them more food. Although you want your dog to gain weight, you still have to feed your dog healthy food. Unhealthy human food, such as some table scraps, is not good for dogs and can make them obese.
How can I tell if my dog is the right weight?
The best way to tell if your dog is at a healthy weight is to search for a body condition score chart specific to your dog’s breed. These charts give you an idea of what a healthy weight looks like for your dog. If you can’t find any breed-specific charts, you can contact your vet for information.
Why is it bad for a dog to be underweight?
Being underweight can lead to a number of health problems in dogs, such as:
- Muscle loss
- Poor wound healing
- Lethargy
- Increased susceptibility to infections
- Problems with pregnancy and birthing
Conclusion
There are many possible reasons why your dog may be losing weight despite eating. If you think your dog is underweight, the best thing to do is talk to your veterinarian. They will be able to help you determine the cause and recommend the best course of treatment.
In the meantime, there are a few things you can do to help your dog gain weight, such as feeding them more food and choosing a high-calorie food.
