Seriously needs to beef up

Phoenix1705 · Posted: Sat Jan 26, 2008 9:59 pm Post subject: Seriously needs to beef up

As most of you know I rescued Bo today, he is sooo skinny. He is two years old approximately and he weighs 53lbs. The owner had him on Pedigree puppy food and a mix of pedigree canned food. I feed Greta Science Diet puppy food along with some raw food. Does anyone have any good suggestions on how to get him to beef up? He needs to build some muscle and get some pounds on him. He is so weak right now. Here is a few pictures of him.

Thanks everyone!

kjnewk · Posted: Sat Jan 26, 2008 10:02 pm Post subject:

We have a similar situation with Duncan and have just taken it slow and steady. I have been feeding a high quality food and lots of treats. Of course, we have had a few obstacles...pneumonia and now a tapeworm but, we're getting there. He has gained almost ten pounds. I plan to continue the slow and steady route...

poisonivvy · Posted: Sun Jan 27, 2008 9:23 am Post subject:

Take it slow-- you want the muscles and small amounts of fat to go to the right places! Elsa took about 4-5 months before she looked really good.

I gave her kibble and fresh chicken. I also added in a little bit of olive oil (less than a tsp) to help her coat--since she was brown from malnutrition when I got her. Sometimes I had her have a little bit of chicken stock for the calories and the salt content.

For her treats and snacks, I gave peanut butter since it is a bit higher in calories. I also feed yogurt for snacks(kongs) and night treats.

weimdawgs · Posted: Sun Jan 27, 2008 10:29 am Post subject:

We had the same situation with Silkie when we got her. She was 7 months old and only weighed 41 lbs. She was 37 lbs when we brought her into rescue.

Just feed him normal, healthy amounts and he will gain slowly, the way he should. And of course, treats during the day. You will see the difference in him right away. Within a couple of months, Silkie was up to 65 lbs. She weighs almost 80 now and is 4 1/2 years old.

Silly Silkie

Phoenix1705 · Posted: Sun Jan 27, 2008 11:08 am Post subject:

My concern was the last owner who rescued him was feeding him two good size meals a day and leaving kibble down during the day for him and she rescued him in October. He hasn't appeared to have put on much weight. I will definitely take all of your advice and put it to good use. He doesn't seem to like to eat all at once, he's kind of a grazer. I can't leave the food down or Greta will demolish it. I have been trying to close him off in the dog room so he can have peace and quiet and that seems to get him to munch a little more. I am going to try him on yogurt treats today. So far I know he likes peanut butter and hard boiled eggs but he won't eat them raw. Thanks again everyone!

jaegertheweim · Posted: Thu Jan 31, 2008 9:02 pm Post subject:

Have you considered trying a higher calorie kibble?

such as Eagle Pack Power Formula http://www.eaglepack.com/Pages/SP_Power.html
or Proplan Performance Formula http://www.proplan.com/products/Performance_DryDog.html

weim2mom · Posted: Thu Jan 31, 2008 9:09 pm Post subject:

I had the same problem with Hemi. He was so skinny when I got him...

now look at him!

give him time. he will get bigger and fill out.