Creating a Weight Gain Feeding Schedule for Your Dog

When helping your dog gain weight, what you feed them matters—but so does when and how often you feed them. A structured feeding schedule can make a big difference in encouraging consistent eating and steady, healthy weight gain.

Here’s how to create the ideal meal plan for your skinny pup.

Why Feeding Frequency Matters

Most adult dogs eat once or twice per day, but underweight dogs often do better with more frequent, smaller meals.

Benefits of multiple meals:

• Increases overall calorie intake without overwhelming the stomach

• Keeps energy levels steady

• Encourages a better appetite throughout the day

• Improves digestion and nutrient absorption

️ Sample Weight Gain Feeding Schedule

Here’s a simple meal schedule to start with. Adjust portion sizes based on your dog’s size, age, and weight goals.

Optional: Add a frozen Kong or puzzle feeder treat between meals to stimulate appetite and mental enrichment.

What to Feed at Each Meal

Make every meal count by focusing on calorie-dense, nutrient-rich foods, such as:

• High-quality kibble for active or working dogs

• Wet food for added moisture and flavor

• Healthy fats: salmon oil, olive oil, coconut oil

• Proteins: chicken, turkey, beef, eggs

• Carbs: white rice, sweet potato, pumpkin

• High-calorie toppers and supplements

Mix and match based on your dog’s preferences, and rotate ingredients to prevent boredom.

Portion Control: How Much Is Too Much?

It’s tempting to overfeed a skinny dog—but too much too fast can upset their stomach.

Start with 10–20% more than their usual calorie needs, then adjust weekly based on weight progress and stool quality. Use a food scale and measure everything until you find the right balance.

Signs of overfeeding:

• Soft or loose stool

• Lethargy after meals

• Refusing food at later feedings

Tips for Sticking to the Schedule

• Set phone alarms or reminders for each feeding time

• Pre-portion meals for the day in advance

• Use a whiteboard or feeding tracker if multiple people share feeding duties

• Keep water fresh and available at all times

Consistency is key—your dog will begin to anticipate meals, which can naturally improve appetite over time.

✅ Final Thoughts

Feeding your dog on a weight-gain schedule isn’t just about giving more food—it’s about giving food more strategically. By breaking meals into smaller, regular feedings and focusing on nutrient-dense options, you’ll help your dog gain weight in a healthy, sustainable way.

Stick to the plan, be patient, and celebrate the small victories—your dog’s transformation is just around the corner!