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How can I help my pitbull Mastiff gain weight quickly and safely?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mastiff | Female | unspayed | 1 year old | 65 lbs

My pitbull Mastiff has been having trouble gaining weight no matter what kind of food I try her on she still won't gain her proper weight what are some good tips & tricks to get her to gain weight fast

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3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Rebeccah Wood

Licensed Veterinary Technician, Registered Laboratory Animal Technologist

Published on August 13th, 2017

Hi there! Nova appears to be a very healthy weight - you can see her ribs just a tiny bit in the first picture, she's got a nice waistline, and you can't see the bones of her spine sticking out. I would not be too concerned about her weight at this time unless a veterinarian says so. At Nova's age (kind of "teenage" months for a dog her size), they grow long faster than they grow wide, which can make them have a bit of a "lanky", leggy appearance, but it's still nothing to be worried about unless she's not eating or having any GI issues. I think Nova is a beautiful dog - if you are very concerned, drop by your vet's office for a weigh-in. I'm sure they'll be happy to see her! Good luck! :)

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Davis

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Nova's weight looks good for her age. She's still a teenager and is probably very active and burns a lot of calories. As she ages she will mature and fill out. Her coat is shiny, she has a nice waist and good muscle coverage over her spine. You can increase the calorie content of her food, and feed her an extra meal a day and also add canned food with her dry to get her to eat more calories and gain weight. Any of the Blue Buffalo or Blue Wilderness foods are concentrated and calorie dense. Nova may be a dog who self regulates her eating to the amount of exercise she has. This is a good trait since these dogs usually do not get fat. Even if she's on the slim side with time she will reach her expected size and weight when she is full grown. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Nova.

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    Answered By Stephanie Echols, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Hello and thanks for using Pet Coach! From your pictures Nova is a great weight. Her ribs are not showing and she has great muscle definition. I would be worried if she gains more weight, I would just be fat and that would not help her joints in the future. I will say having her spayed would get her to gain weight, but again it would just be additional fat. Also, make sure she is negative for intestinal parasites because they can steal her nutrients. Good luck and kisses to Nova!

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