If you have noticed that your dog is looking thinner, and you havent made any lifestyle or diet changes, its best to schedule an appointment with your vet to see if your doggo has any health issues that are causing the weight loss. Once you’ve determined that your dog is healthy, here is how to put weight on a dog!
Are you worried about your pitbull looking a bit too skinny? I totally get it. As a pitbull owner myself, I’ve been through the struggle of trying to help my four-legged friend pack on some healthy pounds. Pitbulls are naturally muscular dogs, and when they’re underweight, it can be concerning.
But don’t worry! I’ve done tons of research and worked with vets to figure out the best ways to help your pitbull gain weight safely and effectively. In this article, I’ll share everything I’ve learned about bulking up your pitty the natural way.
Why Is My Pitbull Underweight?
Before we jump into solutions, it’s important to understand why your pitbull might be struggling to maintain a healthy weight. There could be several reasons:
- Health Problems: Issues like parasites, thyroid problems, digestive disorders, dental issues, or even cancer can cause weight loss.
- High Metabolism: Some pitbulls naturally have a faster metabolism and burn calories quickly.
- Stress or Anxiety: Just like humans, dogs can lose weight when stressed.
- Food Competition: If you have multiple dogs, your pitbull might not be getting enough food.
- Picky Eating: Some dogs are just fussy about what they eat.
Important: If your pitbull has suddenly lost weight or is showing other symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, or lethargy, please visit your vet ASAP! Weight loss can be a sign of serious health issues.
10 Effective Ways to Help Your Pitbull Gain Weight
1. Feed a High-Quality, Protein-Rich Diet
The foundation of any weight gain plan starts with the right food. Pitbulls need a diet high in quality protein to build those impressive muscles they’re known for.
Look for dog food where protein is the first ingredient listed. Ideally, choose options with:
- 30-32% protein content (or higher)
- 15-20% healthy fat content
- Complex carbohydrates for energy
Chicken, turkey, beef, lamb, and fish are excellent protein sources that help build muscle. Many premium dog foods designed for active breeds or “performance” formulas can be perfect for pitbulls trying to gain weight.
2. Increase Meal Frequency (Not Just Portion Size)
Instead of just dumping more food in your dog’s bowl, try feeding smaller meals more frequently throughout the day. This approach works better than massive portions which might make your dog feel bloated.
Try this schedule
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Small evening snack
This frequent feeding helps keep your pitbull’s metabolism working and prevents that overly-full feeling that might make them skip meals.
3. Add Healthy Fats to Their Diet
Healthy fats are calorie-dense and can help your pitbull gain weight without huge portion increases. Good options include
- Fish oil (great for coat health too!)
- Coconut oil (start with small amounts)
- Olive oil (a teaspoon mixed into food)
- Flaxseed oil (rich in omega fatty acids)
Start with just a teaspoon per day and gradually increase. Too much fat too quickly can cause digestive upset.
4. Supplement with Nutrient-Dense Human Foods
Some human foods can safely boost your pitbull’s calorie intake:
- Boiled chicken (plain, no seasonings)
- Sweet potatoes (cooked, unseasoned)
- Pumpkin (plain, not pie filling)
- Eggs (cooked)
- Peanut butter (no xylitol/artificial sweeteners)
- Cottage cheese (plain)
- Plain yogurt (unsweetened)
Remember, these should be supplements to their regular dog food, not replacements.
5. Use a Weight Vest During Exercise
This might sound counterintuitive, but the right kind of exercise actually helps pitbulls gain weight by building muscle.
A weighted vest can help your pitbull build stronger muscles during walks or play sessions. These vests have pockets where you can add or remove weights.
Important safety tips:
- Start with very light weights
- Increase gradually
- Remove the vest if your dog shows signs of fatigue
- Don’t use in hot weather
- Limit weighted sessions to 15-20 minutes initially
6. Try Spring Pole Play
Spring poles are fantastic for building your pitbull’s muscles, especially in their upper body and jaw. It’s basically a sturdy rope attached to a pole with some spring in it that your dog can pull on.
This is a perfect exercise for pitbulls because they naturally love to pull and tug. It works their chest, shoulders, and neck muscles while giving them a fun activity.
7. Engage in Regular Tug-of-War
Tug-of-war is more than just fun—it’s an excellent muscle-building exercise for your pitbull. Just 15 minutes a day can help strengthen their jaw, neck, chest, and upper body muscles.
Tips for effective tug-of-war:
- Use a strong, durable rope
- Keep the rope long enough to protect your hands
- Encourage steady pulling rather than head-shaking
- Make it a regular part of your daily routine
8. Consider Weight-Gain Supplements
If diet and exercise aren’t enough, there are supplements designed specifically to help dogs gain weight. These often contain:
- Extra calories
- Vitamins
- Minerals
- Digestive enzymes
Always talk to your vet before starting any supplements. They can recommend specific products based on your pitbull’s individual needs.
9. Address Any Stress or Anxiety
Sometimes, stress can prevent weight gain. If your pitbull seems anxious, consider:
- Creating a quiet eating space away from other pets
- Establishing a consistent feeding routine
- Using calming aids if recommended by your vet
- Providing a safe, quiet space for your dog
10. Monitor Progress and Adjust as Needed
Healthy weight gain takes time. Keep track of your pitbull’s progress by:
- Weighing them weekly (same time of day)
- Taking photos to compare visual changes
- Noting energy levels and behavior
- Adjusting food amounts and exercise as needed
What a Healthy Pitbull Should Look Like
A healthy pitbull should be muscular but not overly bulky. They typically have:
- A strong, broad chest
- Well-defined shoulder muscles
- Muscular yet lean hind legs
- A visible waist
- No excess fat around the stomach area
You shouldn’t be able to see their ribs clearly, but you should be able to feel them with light pressure. If you’re unsure whether your pitbull is at a healthy weight, consult your veterinarian.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When trying to bulk up your pitbull, avoid these common pitfalls:
- Overfeeding low-quality food – More cheap food just means more unhealthy fillers
- Cutting out exercise – Less activity leads to fat gain, not muscle gain
- Using unsafe supplements – Stick to vet-approved options
- Ignoring possible health issues – Always rule out medical problems first
- Expecting overnight results – Healthy weight gain takes time
My Personal Experience
When my pitbull Rocco was underweight, I tried everything. What finally worked was a combination of high-quality food (I switched to a 32% protein formula), adding a tablespoon of fish oil daily, and consistent tug-of-war sessions.
It took about 2 months to see significant changes, but the transformation was amazing. Not only did he gain weight, but his coat became shinier, his energy improved, and he seemed happier overall.
When to See a Vet
While trying to help your pitbull gain weight, watch for these warning signs that indicate a need for veterinary care:
- Continued weight loss despite increased food
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Decreased appetite
- Lethargy or weakness
- Visible signs of illness (coughing, sneezing, etc.)
Final Thoughts
Getting your pitbull to gain weight takes patience and consistency. Focus on quality nutrition, appropriate exercise, and regular monitoring. Remember, the goal isn’t just to add pounds—it’s to build healthy muscle mass and improve your dog’s overall wellbeing.
Have you tried any of these methods with your pitbull? What worked best for you? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments below!
By following these tips and working closely with your vet, you’ll have your pitbull looking strong and healthy in no time. And remember—a healthy pitbull is a happy pitbull!
Disclaimer: This article is based on research and personal experience. Always consult with your veterinarian before making significant changes to your dog’s diet or exercise routine.
Should I Fatten Up a Dog with Human Food?
Not necessarily. As your vet will likely recommend, you should stick to your dog’s primary AAFCO-compliant premium dog food. Adding a few ‘human foods’, such as peanut butter or pumpkin, to their kibble or raw food can help them gain weight. But your dog’s primary diet should always be their dog food. Otherwise, you risk accidentally creating a nutritional deficiency. (Read more below).
Should I Cut Back on My Dog’s Exercise?
No. Even though you are trying to put a little more fat on their frame, make sure that they still get plenty of regular exercise. It will help keep their system healthy and working properly.
Dogs that get little exercise might be underweight. If that is the case, you will want to build up their muscles. Feed them a healthy diet with a complete complement of amino acids to help build up muscle mass. Make sure that they exercise daily. Twice a day is ideal! Feed them food that is high in protein as well as fat. If they have joint pain, give them supplements that can help to reduce it. And remember, when it’s hot outside, give your dog plenty of water and time to recover between exercise sessions [2].
How to Fatten a Dog Up Quickly : Dog Training & Basic Obedience
FAQ
How do I make my pitbull gain weight?
Why is my pitbull so skinny?
Are you supposed to see a pitbull’s ribs?
No, you should not be able to clearly see a healthy Pitbull’s ribs; you should be able to feel them easily under a thin layer of fat, but they shouldn’t be protruding or obvious. Visible ribs indicate a dog is likely underweight, while not being able to feel the ribs at all suggests the dog is overweight. A healthy dog’s body condition involves a visible waist and the ability to feel ribs without excessive pressure.
How long does it take for a pitbull to gain weight?
How long does it typically take for a dog to gain weight? Most dogs can gain weight within 2 to 4 weeks of starting a high-calorie diet. A steady gain of 1-2% of their body weight per week is considered healthy.