Putting weight on a setter!

[muiro]

My three year old setter is the best hunter we have ever had, however we find it impossible to keep weight on her. she is wormed regularly, has had blood tests done which were clear. She is fed twice a day! Anyone any ideas on how to put a bit of meat on her bones!??

[paul]

Hi Muiro,

Dogs can be like humans and will different rates of metabolisms. And because of this some dogs will take a bit more effort to "bulk up".

Are you regularly exercising your setter ? I would up the exercise a little, and that will make her more hungry.

What type of food are you feeding her ? You could add some dried food, which should have more carbohydrates, do try to avoid items that have too much grain. Also fillers like chicken meal or chicken by products isn't the best for your dog, so avoid that too.

I do know a vet that swears by cat food, so depending on how much of an issue this is for you maybe you could try that aswell.

[ciaram]

It's generally considered healthier for dogs if they are somewhat under weight, as it causes less problems in later life . So consider yourself lucky Murio !