Bulk Diet?

[felixandamy]

Greetings, we are in the process of adopting a boxer from a local rescue. We went to see him this past weekend, and he looks really thin. The rescue he's at had him on Science Diet, and then switched him to Pedigree. His tummy is not taking it well. We are going to take him to the vet this next week, (we are bringing him home on Saturday the 4th of Feb!!!) to see about some kind of diet that will bulk him up a bit.. Does anyone favor a certain food? Or treats that will help with a "healthy" bulking? Thanks for your input!!

 

[RoxysMum]

Wow, they have him on one horrible filler food! I'd say switch him immediately to a bland boiled chicken and rice if his tummy isn't doing well (no big surprise on Pedigree) and then switch him slowly onto a high quality diet. Anything on the WDJ list would be great at putting on weight. They are mostly usable protein and not filler. Good luck and congrats on thenew pup!

 

[courtney323]

felixandamy -

Definitely a better quality food

Both of those foods you mentioned are pretty poor, in terms of quality. www.boxerworld.com/feeding has some great information on what to look for in a good quality dry dog food. You can also do a search on "WDJ" or Whole Dog Journal to get some specific examples.

One thing to note: I wouldn't try to "bulk him up". Gaining weight too fast is not a healthy way to go. Simply feed him a high quality dog food, and let the weight come on naturally.

Good luck!

 

[felixandamy]

Chance is doing well.. The shelter has started to mix his food 1/2 pedigree and 1/2 science diet.. His tummy is handling it a tad bit better. He was great on Science Diet, so we'll see how everything goes. I am still going to take him to the vet when we bring him home to have the initial check up, and to discuss his weight. Poor thing, is soo skinny. I will definately take all of this into consideration, Ijust want him to have a better time than he has been. Poor thing has had a rough life this far. I can't wait to pick him up. My husband and I agree that Saturday is too far away. We're looking at picking him up on Wednesday. =)