My underweight puppy won't eat from bowl. How to help her gain weight?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Female | 9 months and 2 days old | 15 lbs
My dog is underweight, but she won't eat out of the dog food bowl unless I feed her by hand first, how do I encourage her to eat? How much should I feed her to help her gain weight? She's active but 20 lbs under. She's 9 months old. She was rescued
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on September 14th, 2018
Have Stella examined by your veterinarian to diagnose any underlying medical conditions for her lack of weight gain. Submit a stool sample to diagnose intestinal parasites, bacterial overgrowth or malabsorption/maldigestion conditions. Feed a good quality canned or dry large breed puppy food. Stop hand feeding her. Dogs thrive on routine, so begin a consistent schedule for feeding. Prepare her food and leave it down for 20 minutes before picking it up whether she has eaten or not. Repeat this at the next mealtime. Be firm and be consistent. She will not starve. She will eat when she gets hungry. You can mix in a bit of warm water or a teaspoon of plain baby food to stimulate the appetite.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on August 7th, 2018
I suggest you buy a complete puppy food for medium sized dogs from a better dogfood company. I like to feed Hill's, Iams, Royal Canin or Purina as these are scientifically tested. You may want to worm her anyway, as by the time there are worms in her poop, she would be severely infected with worms. Normally you would not see worms in poop, even if the dog has worms. If your puppy still does not gain weight when eating the above food, then you should have Tassie examined by your veterinarian, as there may be a metabolic or intestinal condition that prevents your puppy from gaining weight or thriving.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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