how can i gain weight on my boxer pup she is 8 1/2 months old,and looks very skinny but is very energetic,she is fed twice a day on pedigree chum ,and pedigree chum complete and she eats non stop but still looks thin....

Hi

Have you spoken to her breeder to see if she is actually underweight. I'm not an expert on Boxers by any means - but all "lady" boxers I have ever seen have always been lovely and elegant and lithe - very different to the boys. The breeder should be able to guide you.

How much exercise are you giving her. She is still very young and shouldn't be having too much - that will help her to not gain weight.

I have the same problem with my older Cocker. He is only 15 months old but loses weight at the drop of a hat. He is very lively and I find I don't have to exercise him much coz if I do he goes to skin and bone - well almost:d. My younger boy, 6 months, on the other hand is a stocky little fella and I'm going to have to watch him for being tooo fat. He's just very sturdy at the mo - but could become heavy in the future. Just goes to show how different they all can be.

It might be worthwhile lookign at the protein content of her diet. Again, if you can, talk to her breeder. If it's high that "can" encourage them to be a bit on the active side. But you have to be careful not to end up with a deficiency.

If she is generally healthy and happy - then that's the main thing. I'd really worry if she was depressed.

hope that helps

Pam n the two different but equally mad boys

Different complete feeds can affect the amount of weight gained. I have found on Chudleys, Eukanuba or Gilpa Valumix my dogs pile on weight. On any Skinners, Omega Working dog or Gilpa with green muscle extract they stay about right. I have found that a very mixed diet works well with my dogs. They get fresh meat and fish with biscuit, and a complete food every day. They are fed twice a day, as this suits my breed. I know other breeds owners feed only once a day as they say this is best for their dogs. If I have a seriously under weight dog I usually feed a boiled breast of lamb fat and all. I was told this is excellent years ago by a vet, for putting on weight on animals who do not hold weight easily or are under weight due to illness or neglect.
I agree that your dog's breeder maybe more knowledgeable about the breed and his/her own breeding lines, therefore they would be more helpful to you. Another thing to take into account is your bitches age. In some breeds they are "skinny" at this teenage stage of developement.
Hope this helps.

My Boxer had an awful time getting weight on when he was a pup. The only food I found that has kept him in brilliant condition (he's now 5) is Arden Grange.

My four year old bitch has always been just short of anorexic, so she seems to be the puppy, I had her on Arden Grange Prestige until she was two, as at least she ate it and maintained weight on a smaller amount of food, as she hated to eat much.