skinny springer spaniel

[evenstar]

My daughter has an adorable springer spaniel. He is very energetic and bouncing with energy. He is perfectly healthy but a bit skinny. She is trying not to overfeed him or give him too much exercise but was wondering if anyone had any tips on how he could put on a bit of weight healthily? He is 6 months old and full of mischief!!!

[skinnycow]

Dogs are a bit like kids when they're growing and sometimes look a bit lanky. It can take up to 2 years for a dog to fill out fully. Has he been wormed recently? this can also be a cause.
the obvious one of course is make sure he is getting the right amount of food for an energetic growing pup. Check with the breeder or vets and they will be able to advise you.

[fredpuli47]

What do you mean by skinny? If you can see he has ribs yet there's a layer of fat under the skin then he's normal. He certainly acts healthy enough. All dogs of this size of breed. and bigger,look thin at that age when compared to a full adult. What's more, a problem with spaniels generally is that many owners feed them too much, and the dogs don't refuse,so many of the fully grown ones you see are, in fact, overweight. Some owners seem to think that you shouldn't be able to see that the dog has ribs at all ! You shouldn't have to feel the dog to find its ribs.

[evenstar]

Thanks to both of you for answering, yes he's been wormed recently, and has been checked over by a vet, he is absolutely bursting with health and vitality!!! I think some people remarked on him looking a bit skinny, but as he has massive feet we think he's gonna be a big lad! He has a layer of fat, its just his skinny ribs bit!
My daughter was just wondering what extra food would help bulk him up a bit but be healthy too. He loves carrots and a vet suggested sunflower oil on his food. Any other ideas would be great!

[lankeela]

Tripe is good for putting on weight, but at 6 months I would be giving him a high protein good quality puppy food, such as Eukanuba or Purina Pro Plan. He still needs two meals a day and several short exercise periods, and plenty of toys and treats to keep him amused.

If he is bouncing with health then I don't see there can be much wrong with him.

[lovelylea]

they make a great dog food made by Purina called Hi-PRO, it is high is calories but not in fat. try it it wil would wonder putting just the right wt on her