Hard keepers: why your dog won't gain weight, and what to change

Some dogs are simply hard keepers. High-drive breeds, dogs with fast metabolisms, and dogs working in the cold can burn calories faster than they can eat them.

First, rule things out

Parasites, dental problems and digestive or metabolic disease can all cause weight loss. A vet check comes first.

Why "just feed more" fails

A dog's stomach has limits. Huge meals of a low-density food can mean loose stools, poor absorption and a dog who still isn't getting enough. In Inukshuk's experience, weight gain comes from choosing the right energy level, not feeding more food.

Move up the ladder

Inukshuk 30/25 and Marine 30/25 deliver about 580 kcal per cup. 32/32 delivers about 720. That's more energy in each mouthful.

Split meals

Two or three meals are easier to digest than one big one.

Track condition, not the scale alone

Muscle over the spine, hips and shoulders tells you more than a number. Take photos every two weeks.

"He used to eat 6 cups of a competing dog food and would still struggle to hold weight."
An Inukshuk customer on her husband's working K9