As a pet parent, you want to ensure that your furry friend is getting all the nutrients and energy they need to stay healthy and active. Sometimes, especially for dogs with specific dietary needs, you might need to add more calories to their food. Whether your dog is recovering from illness, weight loss, or just needs a little boost, knowing how to add calories to dog food can make a world of difference in their health and happiness.
The Best Ways to Add Calories to Dog Food
Ready Cal High Calorie Supplement for Dogs
When it comes to adding calories to your dog’s food, Ready Cal High Calorie Supplement from Under The Weather is one of the best options available. This veterinarian-formulated gel is designed to provide a concentrated source of calories, perfect for dogs who are underweight or need extra energy due to health concerns or high activity levels. It’s easy to administer, making it simple to add to your dog's food or give directly. Made with essential vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and healthy fats, this high-calorie gel provides more than just energy—it also supports overall health without adding unnecessary fillers as part of a balanced diet.
By using Ready Cal High Calorie Supplement, you're ensuring that your dog is getting the nutrients they need in a palatable, easy-to-digest form. It's particularly helpful for picky eaters or dogs recovering from surgery or illness.
Bland Diet Options for Dogs
Sometimes, dogs may experience digestive issues that require a temporary change in their diet. Under The Weather’s Bland Diet is a trusted solution that’s gentle on the stomach while still offering essential nutrients. While bland diets are often used to settle a dog’s stomach, they can also be supplemented to increase caloric intake. By mixing in a high-calorie supplement like Ready Cal, you can ensure your dog is getting both the nutrients and the extra calories they need to maintain a healthy weight during recovery.
The Bland Diet products are made from simple, high-quality ingredients, making them ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Adding a calorie booster to this diet is an easy way to help your dog regain their strength and energy without causing additional digestive discomfort.
Collagen Chews for Joint Health and Calorie Boost
In addition to their digestive needs, many dogs, particularly older ones, can benefit from joint support. Under The Weather’s Collagen Chews not only support healthy joints but also add a small caloric boost to your dog's diet. These chews are crafted to provide essential nutrients for joint health, but they can also be an excellent way to sneak in extra calories throughout the day.
For dogs with limited mobility or older dogs needing extra joint care, these chews are a dual-purpose treat that supports their overall well-being while adding a bit of energy to their diet. Since they’re easy to administer as a treat or snack, they provide a convenient way to give your dog extra calories in a form they’ll enjoy.
How to Choose High-Calorie Supplements for Dogs
When deciding how to add calories to your dog’s food, consider products that are formulated with healthy fats, proteins, and essential vitamins. It's crucial to choose supplements like Ready Cal or treats such as Collagen Chews that offer both caloric density and nutritional value. Avoid empty-calorie foods that may add weight without providing the necessary nutrients.
In addition to high-calorie supplements, it’s important to look for options that fit your dog’s specific health needs, whether that’s joint support or sensitive stomachs. Products like the Bland Diet allow you to customize your dog’s meals, adding calories without compromising on digestion.
How to Spot Nutritional Deficiencies
It’s important to recognize when your dog isn’t getting enough nutrients, as this is often an indicator that they may need a higher-calorie diet or supplements. Common signs of nutritional deficiency include weight loss, loss of muscle mass, and a dull coat.
If your dog starts to show signs of low energy or hair loss, it could indicate they’re not receiving enough calories or essential vitamins.
Other symptoms of malnutrition can include constipation or irregular bowel movements, dry, flaky skin, or even pressure sores from being underweight.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to consult a veterinarian. They may recommend incorporating a calorie-dense supplement to bring them back to their ideal weight, such as Ready Cal High Calorie Gel, to ensure your dog is meeting their nutritional needs without overfeeding.
For dogs recovering from illness, a high-calorie supplement can be particularly helpful.
These dogs may struggle with medical conditions like malabsorption, where their bodies don’t effectively take in nutrients from food. In these cases, a concentrated source of calories ensures that even if your dog eats smaller meals, they’re still getting enough energy to support their recovery.
Benefits of High-Calorie Supplements for Dogs
Supplements are one of the most effective ways to boost your dog’s caloric intake without drastically changing their diet. Products like Ready Cal High Calorie Gel are specifically designed to add concentrated calories in an easy-to-administer form. This can be especially useful for dogs who have reduced appetites or those who struggle to maintain healthy weight due to high energy levels and physical activity.
Another benefit of supplements like Collagen Chews is their ability to support joint health while increasing calorie intake. Older dogs, in particular, often need both extra calories and joint support, making collagen-rich supplements a convenient dual-purpose solution. Additionally, supplements like these are palatable, making them easy to integrate into your dog's diet without resistance.
For senior dogs or those recovering from surgery, adding calories through a supplement ensures that they receive the energy they need for recovery without overfeeding them, which could lead to gastrointestinal discomfort. Ready Cal and Collagen Chews also come with added vitamins and minerals, which support overall health, muscle function, and even immune support. This makes them a vital part of any dog’s diet, particularly if they are facing health challenges.
By carefully choosing calorie-dense supplements and integrating them into your dog’s meals, you ensure they’re receiving not only the energy but also the essential nutrients they need for a healthy, active life.
How to Incorporate High-Calorie Supplements into Your Dog’s Diet
If your dog needs extra calories, there are several ways to incorporate supplements into their meals. For products like Ready Cal, you can mix the gel directly into your dog’s food or offer it separately as a treat. Since it’s highly palatable, even picky eaters will be eager to consume it.
For dogs on a Bland Diet, adding calorie supplements directly to the dry food ensures that they receive a balanced meal that’s gentle on their stomach while still meeting their energy requirements. Collagen Chews can be offered between meals as a snack to give your dog a little boost throughout the day.
Natural Ingredients to Add Calories
If you're looking to increase your dog’s calorie intake naturally, there are several simple yet effective ingredients from human food you can incorporate into their diet. Pumpkin, for instance, is an excellent addition. Not only does it add calories, but it also provides a wealth of vitamins like A, C, and fiber, which can benefit your dog's digestion and immune system.
Pumpkin is particularly versatile—it can be mixed into kibble, wet food, or even homemade dog biscuits. Make sure you choose canned pumpkin without added sugars or spices, as those ingredients can be harmful to dogs.
Another nutrient-packed addition is bone broth, which offers not only extra calories but also collagen to support joint health.
You can pour bone broth over your dog’s food to add a rich source of protein and fat. Eggs are another easy-to-add calorie booster. High in protein and healthy fats, eggs are a great way to give your dog a balanced source of calories.
For dogs with sensitive stomachs or those recovering from health issues, sweet potatoes are a fantastic option. They provide an easily digestible source of carbohydrates and fiber while offering a slow-release form of energy to keep your dog’s calorie intake stable throughout the day.
Finally, don’t overlook coconut oil and peanut butter, which is rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). These fats are quickly metabolized, giving your dog an immediate energy boost. Just a teaspoon added to their food can provide a significant caloric increase while supporting skin and coat health.
Remember, it’s always a good idea to consult your veterinarian before making changes to your dog’s diet, especially if they have specific health conditions or dietary restrictions.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to add calories to dog food can make a significant difference in your pet’s overall health, particularly if they are underweight, highly active, or recovering from an illness. Under The Weather offers a range of effective, veterinarian-formulated products like Ready Cal High Calorie Supplement, Bland Diet, and Collagen Chews that help you give your dog the extra calories they need while also supporting their health in other important ways.
By choosing high-calorie supplements tailored to your dog’s specific needs, you can ensure they are getting the right balance of nutrients and energy. Check out our full line of products designed to support your pet’s health, and start giving them the care they deserve. Help your pet here.
