tips on how to get an EM to gain weight.

[morrigan05]

My EM, Melia, will simply not gain any weight. I took her to the vet about a month ago to get her second round of puppy shots. At the time, she was 5 months old and only weighed 50lbs. By her looks right now, i think she has only gained around 5lbs or so. i can also see her last 3 ribs. She is a fawn. I feed her 4 cups of dry food a day and 1, 13.2oz can of wet food. She also gets 2-3 small dog treats a day. The only time she is active is when she is playing with the other dogs. She is mainly lazy. Any tips on how to get her to gain weight? I have included a recent pic of her as well.

 

[morrigan05]

the first picture is of Melia at 11 weeks old and the other is at 6 months old.

 

[moose]

Do you have any side pics of her?

 

[suzu600r]

@ morrigan05-I am still having the same problem with my pup too.(He is 3 months and we will find out what he weights when we go in on Tuesday) He eats all his food about 3 1/2 cups of dry and half a can of moist (just so he would eat the dry) at a time, and I can still feel his ribs and see the last 2. ( He eats 2 times a day)He doesn't have worms or anything. Am wondering if he could be playing some of it off. He does play alot with my older dog. I'll take any tips someone could offer also. Sorry don't want to take over your post

 

[moose]

I think it would be easier to determine with standing side shots if they are to thin. The worst thing is to have a heavy mastiff, you want them to grow slowly. You want to be able to feel the ribs. Also when they are growing they go through funky stages where some are taller and skinny.

 

[Enzos Dad]

My EM is 4 months and 50 lbs he looks skinny at times but he is getting tall and i think that is what is throwing his look off. When they get tall they get awkward looking close to 60 lbs for a female at 6 months doesnt seem that far off to me but i may be wrong. What kind of food are you feeding is it whole some.

 

[Cody]

I prefer to see the last 2-3 ribs on my dogs, esp as growing pups. They will grow in their own time and the leaner they are growing the better for their joints and development. I find often on forums people want the biggest pup and are too worried about weight. You dog will grow and weigh what it's genetic predisposition is. There is nothing to alter that. Mastiff's take on their height mainly in the first year, they continue to fill out until 3. I would just do what you are doing and not worry about your dog UNLESS your vet tells you to. Forget the scale and worry about socializing, training and that your pup is healthy.
That is mt 2 cents

 

[Enzos Dad]

agree

 

[suzu600r]

Am not so concerned about it anymore. Went to the vet this morning and at 3 months he is 40 pounds. He does look funny and I think it's his height that throws off his look. He is a heavy little bogger though. Thanks!!

 

[Ben McBrizzle]

I met another mastiff owner at the dog park who told me I needed to feed my mastiff more when I was having the same issue. Maximus was searching all over the house for food all day so it was an appetite issue as well. When I started feeding him more, he relaxed more but still plays really hard at the dog park. At six months, he was like 110 pounds when at 3 months, he was only like 35-40 pounds. I say feed her more, only if she's hungry. If not, I would go with the other advice.

 

[Mongo]

Just wanted to mention how BAD wet food is! It wrecks havic on their teeth and gums!