my dog needs some weight

Question
I have a boxer/dane that is a little over 2 years old. He can be a very finicky eater, and usually will not eat his bowl of food unless i am present, and even then is very finicky. I feed him about 5-6 cups of beneful healthy weight with a 1/2 can of wet dog food (beef and rice canned) at least 2 times a day,and leave out food for him but he still does not seem to be gaining any weight. Any ideas or quick fixes? thanks

Answer
Hi Jeffrey;
When was his last checkup?
He could have worms.
As for finicky eating, you could flavor food with a little beef broth on it.
I don't agree with the diet you are feeding.
Beneful has some good commercials, but it is one of the klesser brands of dog food.
The canned food doesn't do much for nutrition.
I only feed dry kibble, except for stews etc I cook for my dogs, and that is by no means every day.
Science Diet, Waltham's, Eukenauba, Iams, Nutro, are all good foods.
I feed my dogs Muenster dog food, made by a company near me in Muenster Texas.
It is a natural food, and I can only get it at one health food store and one groomer that only handles natural products.
I went to that when the recalls started. Since it was an imported grain that was contaminated, and it was said it might be a deliberate contamination, I was afraid to take a chance with my dogs.
Muenster only uses grains growm in the US, and they inspect the fields so they KNOW what is used on the crops.
If you change foods, and I recommend you do, mix 1 part the present food with 1 part the new brand, for one week, then 2 parts new brand and 1 part present food for one week, then you can change to all new food.
You would want the adult formula, for active dogs.
Read the label and seee what the recommended amount is for age and sixe.
Beneful has a lot of filler in it.
Filler is non-nutrive grains etc ( sometimes sawdust) to just make the bag fuller to make you think you are getting more for your money.
It doesn't add any nutrients to your dog's diet, but it does creat more waste.
With the better foods, you feed less, so the cost comes out about the same in the long run.
You shoulkd be able to feel his ribs when you run your hands down his sides, but you should not be able to see them.
If you can see ribs, he is too thin, if you can't FEEL ribs. they are a little too heavy.
Danes are gangly, and he may have larger knees and other joints that will make him look too thin.
an examination for parasites might explain the weight loss.
DON'T use over the counter worm medications.
That is a good way to kill a dog.
If they have hooks, and you give those medications, which are only meant for round worms, then you can kill your dog.
Also, it could be haeartworms, or flea tapes.
Those can only be diagnosed by tests by a Veterinarian.
Charlotte
Charlotte