Casey: How can I get my Siberian Husky to put on weight?
My 11-month-old Siberian Husky looks skinny and underweight. I've had her since she was a pup and she never eats much. She will nibble a little bit then leave and come back to her food later. I am somewhat worried that she isn't eating enough, she is very bony around her hips and her spine is quite pronounced.
I feed her a wide variety of foods such as raw meat, many types of biscuits, and human food every now and again. Please help.
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Answers and Views:
Answer by Brandon
I have the same issue with my 5-year-old male husky. I have been wondering the same thing for years with him. Just doesn't put on weight.
He is healthy in other aspects. He Plays, runs, very playful with my two kids. He just loves my kids. I couldn't have asked for a better dog beside the hair issue. I knew getting a Husky that was an issue. No big deal there. But how skinny he is. I have asked my vet on a few checkups what I could do about his weight. They recommended a high-protein diet.
One thing that the vet did tell me that I had no idea about was. "Not all dogs are the same. In some ways like people. Some have a little bit higher metabolism than other dogs of their bred". I had no idea about that. She did say he was underweight though. But not to worry that much. Just keep an eye on it. The vet didn't really have an answer about his spine. Now I have read J'sHuSkY's comment. I now know. And I am a little more relaxed about it.
Answer by Cheril Hernandez
Try the weight gainer. I've been using it for two weeks and I can see a big difference. Great stuff Formula Mass Weight Gainer for Dogs
Answer by white tigeress
This is typical of Huskies, they are bred to eat little. They are high energy and are always moving this just burns more. Barring if she doesn't have worms Eukanba is what we feed our Huskies. I have one male that just will not bulk up. no worms, I bought a bottle of gravy and added it to his dry food only about a cup twice a day. He finally put on weight.
Video: satin balls to fatten up a dog.
Answer by Doodad
That is correct. Huskies, unlike other dogs, eat when hungry. They will return down steak if not hungry. I've had 54 counting litters. Check for worms then relax. Wouldn't you love to have the ability to turn down even sweets when you weren't hungry? If health is good. The activity is good. Don’t worry. It's the breed. The only one I've ever known to not eat any and everything. Another husky joy.
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Answer by J'sHuSkY
So many people ask how to help a Siberian Husky to gain weight.
You have a poorly bred dog. Don't worry I have two. Both rescues.
This is VERY common with Siberians. They look like they have a hollow area between their last rib and their hip bones and yes you can feel their vertebrae. If you can't see their ribs and the vet has ruled out a possible health problem, you'll just need to wait it out.
It sucks having to deal with all the criticizing looks and comments about your dog being too skinny. They usually fill out around 2-4 yrs of age. Is your dog spayed? This will add a couple of pounds.
With the amount of energy, this breed has its no wonder, they have a hard time keeping weight on. Look into a high-calorie diet. Maybe feed her puppy food.
You also said she doesn't eat much. This is also true with the breed. It's summer they're hot and they were bred to go a long time without eating.
Take her to your vet, make sure nothing is medically wrong with her, and sit back and chill. That's all you can do.
Know better? Give your own answer to this question!
Ferdy Dumais says
Mijn husky heeft hetzelfde “probleem”. Hij is totaal gezond maar komt niet over de 20 kilo. Wat voordeel heeft met vliegtuig tickets heeft want dan betaal je per kilo en ik vlieg al 10 jaar de wereld rond met hem. Het is een schat van een hond. Totaal niet agresief en heel sociaal. Maak je geen zorgen over het gewicht. Mijn hond is ook licht in gewicht maar heel gezond!
Translation (from Dutch):
My husky has the same “problem”. He is totally healthy but does not exceed 20 kilos. Which has an advantage with plane tickets because then you pay per kilo and I have been flying around the world with him for 10 years. It’s a darling dog. Totally non-aggressive and very social. Don’t worry about the weight. My dog is also light in weight but very healthy!
Magda Gonzalez says
Found a Siberian Husky on the street in Puerto Rico, a week ago. The vet said he is 8 yrs. aprox. and is loving. He is 56 pounds and eats a can of food twice a day. He sleeps well and seems to be catching up well.
RussianDog says
Thank you for your kindness. Good luck to you both!
Charlene Kelly says
Beaver meat and bones. Raw and uncooked. Cold or room temp. The stinkier the better. Best thing you can feed any dog. I have a Pomeranian and a Husky. Both do beautifully on the B.A.R.F.
Stuart says
Hi just got a 2 year ild male husky ro keep my 5 year old bitch husky xompany when im at work however he was underweight when i got him & hes on dry food like female but just wont put weight on even though he eats alot?Also his stools arnt solid & if you give him any food besides his dry food it gives him runny poo????please help
RussianDog says
Find out what food he was eating before, and how his stools were. Probably he reacts to the change of food.
Also it’s important what dry food and what additional food you are giving him. The food that suits your 5-year-old could be not so good for him.
Too much food may cause diarrhea too.
Every dog is unique. Don’t be in a rush to fatten him up. Keep him on boiled chicken and rice diet for a couple of days and see if his stools are improving.
You should make a worms test and treat him against worms because they can be the cause of the problem.
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Scott says
Hi there, my husky was very similar in that his stool were loose, I recommend a high protein dry food, the expensive kind, then mix it in with some tripe, I found the tripe binded his faeces as well as giving him a better diet, this sorted my husky out, hope it all works out!
Charlene Kelly says
Beaver meat and bones. Raw and uncooked. Cold or room temp. The stinkier the better. Best thing you can feed any dog. I have a Pomeranian and a Husky. Both do beautifully on the B.A.R.F.
white tigeress says
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Doodad says
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Lunamist27 says
First take her to the vet. See what is wrong with her first. Then see what kind of food your vet will recommend. I own Siberian Huskies and have never had this problem. They all have a good weight. Mine are on a high protein diet. Keeps the weight on them due to their high metabolism. They are a working dog and do not eat allot. My dogs sled and in the winter are on a gruel type food for conditioning. Salmon is very good for them. also flax oil. good luck.
Elena says
See the vet first, and then switch her to a model prey diet.