Underweight German Shepherd

Question
I just recently rescued a German Shepherd.  I have taken him to the vet
- he was given all shots that were needed and had all the test that were
needed.  Each test came back negative.  The vet said medically he was in
good condition except that he needs to put on some weight.

The vet says he is about 3 years old, he only weighs 66 pounds.  My vet
suggested that I put him on a good quality dog food.  Royal Canin.  I
keep his bowl out with food all the time.  He is not gaining any weight,
I have had him for 6 weeks.  I do give him treats as well.

Please help me, I very much want him to put some weight on.  Can you
make any suggestions on how I can put weight on him?  Someone suggested
maybe I mix some can with the dry food, also someone suggested maybe
instead of keeping the food out at all times I should put him on a
feeding schedule - the problem with this is I want him to gain weight so  
that's why I keep food in his bowl at all times.  What can I feed him to
help him gain weight?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, I am very concerned about
his not gaining weight.

Thank you.

Answer
Thanks for caring enough to rescue your dog.  66 pounds is very light
for a 3 year old male.  I am very glad you are feeding Royal Canin.  It
is a good Premium dog food.  I use it with my dogs and they all have
beautiful shiny coats and good weight.  With the premium dog food, your
dog will absorb more of the nutrients.  For his weight he should be
eating a minimum of 5 cups per day if getting 1 hour of exercise - 6
cups per day minimum for two hours of exercise of the Royal Canin German
Shepherd 24.

Be sure that your dog is free of worms and parasites which could affect
his weight.

Although it goes against your desire to have your dog gain weight, it
would in fact be better to feed your dog 2 cups - 3 times per day. On a
schedule removing the bowl after your dog eats.  I had to go through
this with my Girl Liberty who as a pup was underweight and is slowly
filling out. I asked a lot of questions and found that I got a different
answer from everyone I spoke to.  I wound up making sure she was on a
good premium dog food and placed her on a schedule.

Just like children, dogs do best when on a schedule.  Imagine letting
your children eat when they want how much they want without proper
mealtimes? Do you think they'd make healthy choices?  Didn't think so.  
And remember, treats are great, continue giving treats.  Don't let the
treats replace or spoil mealtimes (the kibble has better nutrients).  If
your dog learns the schedule he will look forward to mealtimes. The dogs
learn fast that they better eat when the food goes out or they won't get
any.  He may need to miss a couple of meals (and this will be hard on
you) but it will be better in the long run at least until his weight is
up.

The thing with leaving the bowl out all the time, you are really not
sure when your dog is eating, and he will nibble here and there.  In
order to ensure what your dog is eating it is best that he be placed on
a Schedule.  

By placing your dog on a schedule, you can also know exactly when your
dog is eating and how much.  You can also tell when he'll need his Bowel
movements (within one hour after eating).

You can add a canned food to the kibble, the idea behind that is to get
your dog to eat sometimes canned is more tasty to them. But before you
try that when I'm trying to fatten up underweight pups I recommend
adding a little warm water to the kibble, mixing it up to make a gravy.
Not too watery, or the kibble gets too soft.  You'll learn how much to
give after a few feedings.  The dogs seem to love that and are more
willing to eat the food with the gravy, do it until he gets on a
schedule.  It will help encourage him to eat when you put the bowl down.
(he may like it and you might want to continue for a while). The general
rule is to remove the bowl after 15 minutes.  You might want to stay
with him while he eats to encourage him to eat his food.  If he's still
eating at the 15 minute mark and wants more, give him more (thats what I
do with underweight pups).  The idea then would be to make sure he gets
all he can eat at meal times.   (If your dog does not eat it after
you've made a gravy, drain excess water and place in the fridge.  The
kibble will be a little soft so Mix 1/2 with each next meal. That way
you won't waste any)

By being on a schedule, you can better control what he is eating, and
add more food at mealtime if he's still hungry, and he is more likely to
eat up the bowl after a short time.

It also helps to take him for a walk before you feed him.  I recommend
walking in the morning for about 1/2 hour to 45 Minutes. I purchased a
bike attachment to attach the dog to my bike without pulling me over.  
We go for a bike rides often.  It allows the dog to get a better
workout.  I like to stop after the walk and throw a ball for a while
also to get rid of some of the extra energy and allows the dog to spend
quality time with you and get a good run.  The walk mimics their
migration for food in the wild where they walk all day sometimes before
getting food.  It will help your dog feel that he's worked for his meals
and will be more likely to eat.  Dogs are more happy when they get
regular walks and fed afterwards.

Be sure that your dog works for his treats too by completing a command
before getting the treat.

Weigh your dog once per week (don't weigh too often once per week is
good enough).  You can do this by weighing yourself first, then picking
your dog up and weighing yourself again.  A little math and you have the
weight.

Another thing to consider would be to add enzymes to the food to help
your dog retain more of the nutrients, but I would not consider this
unless he hasn't gained any weight after another month.  Some dogs are
helped by the enzymes.  It's a powder that is added to the food in small
quantities and is available at pet food stores.

Hope This Helps.
If you have any further questions do not hesitate to ask.

Sincerely

Gallant German Shepherds
http://www.gallantshepherds.com