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Needs Muscle Weight

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Member Since 04/06/2012     Barked: Fri Apr 6, '12 3:42am PST  I am fostering a mini schnauzer picked up as a stray (I have had him 4 days). He has been fully vetted (was anemic from flea infestation). He is very thin and has a low activity level. He is estimated to be 6 or 7 years old. I'm looking for recommendations in diet to help him build muscle. We went for a leash walk yesterday and he enjoyed it, but got tired after a block. He is on vitamins and I am giving him glucosomine. my posts [notify]

Ellie CGC Born to be Wild     Barked: Sat Apr 7, '12 7:16pm PST  If he's really underweight, you could add a puppy formula to his diet...either mix half/half puppy with his adult food...or even give him straight puppy. It's higher in protein and fat, he'll gain weight and it sounds like you are exercising him well to get him in condition. The one possible disadvantage to "pure" puppy food diet is that when you try to switch him back to adult, it may not seem quite as appetizing to him. If his "normal" adult weight would be under 25lbs, consder feed a small breed food, but looks for one that really is formulated differently and specifically for small breeds, not just smaller kibble. my posts | my page | msg me | my family's posts | gift me | become pals [notify]

Monty I live to dig     Barked: Fri Apr 13, '12 4:37pm PST  Try Iams. It has helped me to start gaining weight back. I am a senior dog, was losing weight, my thyroid tested normal, and I was on Science Diet which I have done very well on over the years. I recently switched to Iams Senior because they use animal-based proteins and fats, and I am looking better! It really works. my posts | my page | msg me | my family's posts | gift me | become pals [notify]

Saya I want to play!     Barked: Fri Apr 13, '12 5:14pm PST  Satin balls.. my posts | my page | msg me | my family's posts | gift me | become pals [notify]

Tiara 1188978     Barked: Sat Apr 14, '12 3:32pm PST  At 6 to 7 years old, they are not going to build alot of muscle anymore. You may be able to put some weight on them, and tone them up a bit, but they are not really going to get bigger. the idea of a higher protein diet is not a bad idea. my posts | my page | msg me | my family's posts | gift me | become pals [notify]

Maxwell I'm triple- superior MAD- now!     Barked: Sat Apr 14, '12 4:19pm PST  Max gained five pounds over his previous ideal weight on a high protein raw diet at the age of eight years old. I thought he was just not a very strong dog and that was that. Apparently not, it was a huge surprise when his bony bits felt perfect but he was still 5 pounds overweight. His thighs are twice as thick through now. Anyway, feed the good food you are feeding for a month then evaluate how it is going. A stray dog probably wasn't getting anything as good as what you are already feeding, it may be perfect for putting muscle and weight on. my posts | my page | msg me | my family's posts | gift me | become pals [notify]

Zack formerly The- Very Hungry- Puppy-pillar     Barked: Sat Apr 14, '12 7:53pm PST  Zack was adopted as an older dog (age 5-8). He has the best muscle tone when he eats grain-free food that has high levels of protein and fat, and uses animal products as the main protein and fat sources. That, plus regular walks (Zack likes to walk 2+ miles per day). But we had the opposite problem - he was more than 10 lbs. overweight when I got him. We've tried several different brands, the ones he seemed to do the best (muscle-tone wise) were those that had 25% or higher protein and 15% or higher fat. And most of the first 5 ingredients were animal protein or fat sources (named meat or meat meals, named animal fats), with no grains. I also agree with the previous posters who said to try satin balls and puppy food. my posts | my page | msg me | my family's posts | gift me | become pals [notify]

Charlie &- Zelda Love at first- sniff <3     Barked: Sat Apr 14, '12 8:59pm PST  You've received some great advice, but I just wanted to add: BE PATIENT. We adopted Zelda about a year and a half ago, and she was scrawny as could be. Underweight, boney, and no muscle. We started her on a raw food diet and within several months, muscle started forming but she still seemed underweight to me. To be perfectly honest, she did not reach an ideal weight until a few months ago. Some dogs, for one reason or another, are just skinny. That doesn't mean they're unhealthy, but they might always just have the last couple ribs poking out. Just remember that it's much better for a dog to be slightly underweight than slightly overweight. Edited by author Sat Apr 14, '12 8:59pm PST my posts | my page | msg me | my family's posts | gift me | become pals [notify]

Member Since 02/21/2012     Barked: Mon Apr 16, '12 6:18am PST  More protein can increase muscle weight and elasticity. Please try raw meaty bones and rabbit carcasses from a reputable local rancher. I raw-feed all my dogs. That's why I'm suggesting this. It works. my posts [notify]