Gaining Weight the Right Way
Why Is My Dog Not Gaining Weight Even Though They’re Eating?
Some dogs burn calories faster than they can eat them. High drive, fast metabolism, daily training, cold weather, or constant movement can all make it hard to maintain weight, even when a dog is eating well.
Gaining weight is not about feeding more food. It is about feeding the right level of energy for the life your dog actually lives.
First Things First: Rule Out Health Issues
Before adjusting your dog’s diet, it’s important to rule out medical causes with your veterinarian, including:
Intestinal parasites
Digestive disease
Dental pain or illness
Chronic infections
If your dog has been cleared medically and still struggles to gain or maintain weight, nutrition and energy balance are often the missing piece.
Inukshuk formulas are nutrient dense and highly digestible. That means each cup delivers more usable energy than typical retail dog food.
Energy Density Matters
If a dog is eating more than 4 cups of 26/16 daily and still not maintaining weight, the solution is not more volume. It is moving to a higher energy formula that delivers more calories in the same portion size.
This supports:
Better digestion
Firmer stool
Easier weight gain
Less stress on the digestive system
Why Some Dogs Eat but Don’t Gain Weight
High Energy Output
Some dogs burn an exceptional amount of calories every day. This includes:
Working and sport dogs
Dogs in heavy training
Dogs with constant movement or drive
In these cases, the dog is not underfed. Their energy output simply exceeds intake.
Fast Metabolism or Lean Genetics
Certain breeds and body types are naturally lean and burn calories quickly. Even when fed properly, these dogs may:
Show visible ribs
Lose weight during activity spikes
Struggle to regain condition after stress or illness
Low Calorie Density
Many foods provide volume without enough usable energy. Feeding more of a low-calorie food often results in:
Larger stools
Poor weight gain
Digestive strain
Weight gain requires calorie density, not just larger portions.
Dogs That Need Weight Gain vs. “Hard Keepers”
Not all thin dogs are the same.
Dogs That Need Some Weight Gain
These dogs may:
Show a few extra ribs
Lose weight during seasonal activity
Recover slowly after work or illness
They often respond well to a higher-energy diet without needing extreme calorie levels.
What Is a Hard Keeper?
A hard keeper is a dog that struggles to maintain body condition despite regular feeding.
This often shows up as:
Eating large portions without gaining weight
Lean muscle with little reserve
High activity levels or constant output
Weight loss during training, hunting, or seasonal work
These dogs do not need bigger meals. They need more calories per cup.
Choosing the Right Formula for Weight Gain
Weight gain should always be controlled and intentional, based on body condition, not scale weight alone.
Moderate Weight Gain or Lean Dogs
580 kcal per cup
High energy without extreme density
Ideal for dogs that need to gain a little weight or maintain condition during activity
Often a good first step for lean dogs
This formula is also well suited for dogs that need higher energy but do not tolerate the most extreme calorie levels.
Significant Weight Gain or True Hard Keepers
Extremely high energy
Designed for dogs with very high calorie demands
Used when weight loss persists despite proper feeding
This formula is commonly used for:
Dogs struggling to regain weight
Dogs with extreme workloads
Periods of recovery or heavy output
Weight gain should be monitored closely and adjusted based on body condition.
Sensitive Digestion + Weight Gain
For dogs that need higher energy but also have digestive sensitivity, Marine 30/25 offers:
High calorie density
Fish-based protein
Support for digestion and nutrient absorption
This can be an effective option when stomach sensitivity limits calorie intake.
Watch the Feedback
Your dog will tell you when feeding is working.
Look for:
Steady body condition
Consistent energy
Firm, easy-to-pick-up stool
If weight begins to climb too fast, reduce portions slightly. If weight does not respond, reassess formula choice.
Every dog is different. Feeding should be responsive, not rigid.
Transitioning Back to Maintenance Feeding
Once your dog reaches a healthy body condition:
Some dogs can transition back to a maintenance formula like 26/16
Others, especially breed-specific or high-output dogs, may need to remain on higher energy formulas long-term
The key is not the formula name, but what you see in your dog:
Stable weight
Good muscle coverage
Firm stools
Consistent energy
Feeding should always be adjusted based on body condition and activity level.
The Takeaway
If your dog eats well but doesn’t gain weight, the issue is rarely appetite. It’s usually about:
Energy output
Calorie density
Nutrient efficiency
Some dogs need a small boost.
Some dogs are true hard keepers.
The right solution depends on how much weight is needed and how much energy your dog burns every day.