Best High Calorie Dog Food

High Calorie Dog Food

High calorie dog food is ideal for dogs that may need to gain weight. It is also suitable for older and working dogs, pups and puppies who are growing rapidly or sick ones that have difficulty in digestion. In general, healthy adult dogs with an active lifestyle will do fine with regular dog food. However, high calorie dog food contains extra nutrients in addition to the usual ingredients of other types of dog foods. This means it can provide better nutrition for your pet when necessary. And here are some benefits of using high calorie dog food:

* Provides a more balanced diet for puppies during their growth phase

* Fuels energy levels and boosts metabolism in older dogs

* Fulfills nutritional requirements of sick pets

* Promotes weight gain in underweight dogs

* Improves overall health and helps to prevent diseases like diabetes, heart disease and arthritis

What is Calorie?

The term ‘calories’ provide a measure of how much energy a body gets after eating a portion of food. Each major nutrient such as fat, protein, and carbohydrate contains a specific number of calories per gram. The food you feed your dog must provide sufficient calories so his body can:

  • Produce energy to grow correctly
  • Maintain health during adulthood
  • Reproduce
  • Live to enjoy a quality old age.
 

Best High Calorie Dog Food Brands

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Types of High Calorie Dog Food

  • High calorie dry dog food
  • High calorie canned dog food or high calorie wet dog food
  • High calorie grain free dog food
  • High calorie sport dog food

Why Do You Want To Feed High Calorie Food To Your Dogs?

Below are some considerations for giving high-calorie dog food to your lovely pet.

More Energy for Active Dogs – If your dog is highly active and is of the athletic type, it will need lots of energy with its faster metabolism.  A dog that is constantly hunting, running, jumping consumes more calories than the average dog. Giving high-calorie dog food will keep these dogs healthy, happy and active.

Gain Weight for Underweight Dogs – When your dog is underweight or is very skinny and you want to increase the muscle mass of the dog, you can consider giving high calorie dog food.  Underweight dogs lead to less energy in your dog.

Healthy Puppy Development –  During the growing stage, active puppies need protein for their growth and development. Therefore, a high-calorie dog food would be suitable at this life stage.

Senior Dogs Maintenance  – When your senior dog is experiencing a loss of energy, loss of weight, and muscle tone, it will be beneficial to giving them more protein with high-calorie dog food.

FAQs on High Calorie Dog Food

Q) How does high calorie dog food help puppies grow faster?

High calorie dog food provides a more balanced diet for puppies during their growth phase, which can be up to 18 months of age depending on the breed. This type of food contains more calories per pound compared to other types of dog food, and typically contains more protein, fat and minerals to support the puppies’ growth.

Q) How does high calorie dog food help older dogs stay active?

High calorie dog food can provide added energy for aging dogs that may have become less mobile or active due to old age. It boosts their metabolism with higher levels of fat and carbs, which helps them build up strength and stamina as they grow fitter over time.

Q) How many calories does my dog need per day?

The amount of calories your dog needs will vary depending on its size, age, activity level and health condition. For example, a growing puppy will require more calories than an adult dog, while a less active or older dog may need fewer calories. A good rule of thumb is to start with around 30 calories per pound of body weight per day and adjust from there based on your pet’s individual needs.

Q) How should I transition my dog to a high calorie dog food diet?

To switch your pet over to a high calorie dog food diet, start by mixing the new food with his regular feedings in gradually increasing amounts and decrease the amount of his old food until he is eating only the new diet. This helps ensure that your dog doesn’t miss out on key nutrients while adjusting to their new diet, which may help minimize digestive issues or other side effects along the way. Be sure to consult your vet for their advice before making any significant changes to your pet’s current plan so you can ensure a smooth transition.

Q) Do I need to make any other changes if I switch my dog to a high calorie diet?

If your dog is overweight, you may need to make some additional changes in addition to switching to a high calorie diet. For example, you may need to increase their activity levels or reduce the amount of calories they are consuming overall.

 

Now that you know more about high calorie dog food, put this knowledge into action and find the best diet for your pup. With the above information, you can help your furry friend maintain a healthy weight, get all the nutrients they need, and enjoy boosted energy levels.

 

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Best High Calorie Dog Food Brands

If you want a quick recommendation on high calories dog food, check out the following. We have evaluated dozens of top-rated high-calorie dog food brands to bring you the best of the best. The amount of calories listed for each dog food is also highlighted for your easy reference.

Key Ingredients:

Chicken, Brewer’s Rice, Whole Grain corn, Calcium, Vitamin E, Vitamins, Minerals, etc.

Highlights:

  • PURINA Pro Plan Sport Formula High Calorie Dry Dog Food For Canine Athletes of All Ages.
  • Real meat with chicken providing high quality protein for building your dog’s muscles
  • Amino acids help nourish muscles
  • 30% protein and 20% fat helps fuel metabolic needs
  • Omega-3 fatty acid and glucosamine ingredient helps joint function and your dog’s mobility
  • Antioxidants-rich support strong immune system.
  • Package size: 37.5 lb.
  • Calorie content:  4250 Kcal/kg.

Summary:

This PURINA Pro Plan Sport Formula Dry Dog Food is made in USA with high-quality and delicious chicken and performance nutrition to assist dogs to achieve greatness.  The nutrition also promote strength and endurance for dog for All Life Stages.

Key Ingredients:

Buffalo, pork, chicken meal, chicken fat, roasted bison, roasted venison, ancient grains, flaxseed, beef, blueberries, Vitamins, Minerals, Omega-3, Omega-6, Glucosamine, Chondroitin sulfate, etc

Highlights:

  • TASTE OF THE WILD High Prairie Dog Food with Roasted Bison and Roasted Venison, Grain Free
  • High Calorie – with high protein real meat from roasted bison, roasted venison as key ingredients.
  • Ancient grains like millet, quinoa, chia seed provide fiber and additional nutrients.
  • Probiotics and fiber specifically developed healthy digestive and immune system
  • Antioxidants from blueberries, raspberries, etc included
  • Omega fatty acid blend of Omega-3 and Omega-6 for healthy skin.
  • Package size is 28lb.
  • Calorie content:  3719 kcal/kg.

Summary:

This TASTE OF THE WILD High Protein with ancient grains dog food is made by a family owned brand in America.  This is a high-quality ‘All Life Stages’ nutrition recipe is formulated to as a high calorie dog food.

BULLYMAX High Performance, High Calorie Dog Food

Key Ingredients:

Chicken meal, Brown Rice, Dried Beet Pulp, Brewers Dried Yeast, Whole Ground Flaxseed, Biotin, Vitamin E, Vitamins, Minerals, etc.

Highlights:

  • BULLYMAX High Protein High Calorie Dog Food Weight Gain For Underweight Dogs of All Ages.
  • Real meat with chicken providing high quality protein and amino acids for strong muscle development. Uses real meat as the #1 ingredient.
  • MORE CALORIES than any other formula in its class (535 per cup).
  • Vitamin and minerals like calcium for strong bones and teeth
  • All natural with no corn, no wheat and no soy.
  • Formulated for ALL ages including puppies above 4 weeks old, as well as for older dogs.
  • Packaging size 15 lb.
  • Calorie content:  3930 Kcal/kg.

Summary:

This Bully Max High Performance Super Premium Dog Food is a high protein, high calorie performance based dog food made in the USA.  This high-performance dog food is formulated to improve your dog’s physique and health within weeks and also give your dog the energy they need to feel the best.

Key Ingredients:

Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal (a source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate), Turkey Meal, Peas, Sweet Potatoes, Chickpeas, Pea Protein, Chicken Fat, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Flaxseed, Menhaden Fish Meal, Salmon Oil, Blueberries, Carrots, Salt, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Vitamins and Minerals.

Highlights:

  • American Journey Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
  • High Calorie Dog Food – with real, deboned chicken with full of amino acids that help maintain lean muscle mass.
  • Grain Free – with no corn, wheat and soy to help food sensitive dogs.
  • Vitamins and Minerals – from fruits and vegetables like blueberries, carrots
  • Antioxidants – for immune system support
  • Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids – from salmon oil and flaxseed support your dog’s skin and coat health, brain and eyes.
  • Fiber-rich – from chickpeas and sweet potatoes for added energy.
  • Package size 24 lb.
  • Calorie content: 3710 Kcal/kg.

Summary:

American Journey Chicken and Sweet Potato Grain Free Dry Dog Food is a high calorie dog food that has lots of nutritious ingredients to fuel your dog’s everyday adventures.  Protein from real deboned chicken supports for leaner muscles.  This dog food is manufactured in Kasas, USA and is suitable for all dog breeds and sizes.

Key Ingredients:

Beef meal, whole grain millet, chicken meal, pork meal, Iron Amino Acid complex, Calcium, Vitamins, Minerals, etc

Highlights:

  • VICTOR CLASSIC High Energy Dog Food for Active Dogs
  • Protein Rich and High Calorie Dog Food – nutrition giving your dog a leaner body mass and muscle tone
  • Selenium Yeast – supports metabolic function
  • Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids – with minerals for healthy skin and coat
  • Prebiotics for immune defense
  • Probiotics for healthy digestion.
  • Package size 40 lb.
  • Calorie content: 3870 Kcal/kg.

Summary:

The Victor Classic – High Energy dry dog food is made in at VICTOR Texas-based facility in USA.  This is a high energy formula that promotes sustained energy for the highly active dog.  Its is protein rich and has no artificial colors, favors or preservatives. Suitable for dogs at All Life Stages.

Key Ingredients:

Chicken, Brewers Rice, Brown Rice, Whole Grain Wheat, Flaxseed,  etc.

Highlights:

  • MERRICK Grain Free Puppy Food, with Real Chicken and Sweet Potato
  • High Protein – from deboned chicken.
  • Grain Free recipe – with no corn, wheat, gluten.
  • Whole Foods – like sweet potatoes, peas, apples for holistic nutrition.
  • Omega-3 and 6 Fatty Acids – for healthy dog’s skin and coat
  • Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate – for joints and bones.
  • Antioxidants – for a healthy immune system
  • Package size: 22 lb.
  • Calorie content:  3680 kcal/kg.

Summary:

The Merrick Grain Free Dry Dog Food, Chicken and Sweet Potato dog food is made in USA by MERRICK PET CARE with a desire to craft the best pet food possible. The real chicken foods and high quality ingredients make this one of our featured high calorie dog food for puppies of all breeds. 

RACHAEL RAY Nutrish Peak Dog Food

Key Ingredients:

Beef, Venison, Lamb, Chicken Meal, Peas, Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Flaxseed, Vitamin E, Vitamins, Minerals, ,etc.

Highlights:

  • RACHAEL RAY Nutrish PEAK Grain Free Dog Food
  • High Calorie and High Protein – with real farm raised beef, venison, lamb.
  • Grain Free – with zero grain, glutens or fillers.
  • Vitamins A and E – for immunity support
  • Omega 3 and Omega 6 Fatty Acids – providing a healthy skin and coat for your dog.
  • Glucosamine and Chondroitin – for better joint health.
  • Size: comes in 4 lb, 12 lb, 23 lb.
  • Calorie content is 3652 Kcal/kg.

Summary:

This RACHAEL RAY Nutrish PEAK Natural Dry Dog Food with Beef, Venison, Lamb is a nutrient-dense recipe for your active dog.  The beef is from US farms while the venison and lamb are from New Zealand.

Key Ingredients:

Chicken By-Product Meal, Ground Yellow Corn, Meat Meal, Ground Wheat, Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed Tocopherols), Dried Beet Pulp, Fish Meal, Flaxseed, Vitamins and Minerals.

Highlights:

  • SPORTMiX Premium High Energy with 26% Protein and 18% Fat,  Adult Dry Dog Food.
  • High Energy formulation that is great for dogs with a higher level of activity and are in need of a meal that helps them stay energized throughout the day. 
  • Fortified with supplemental flaxseed
  • Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acid supports  healthy skin and coat.
  • Package size 50 lb.
  • Calorie content: 3705 Kcal/kg.

Summary:

SPORTMIX High Energy dry dog food is made in USA.  This is a high energy formula that for adult dogs who require more energy and protein in their diet due to their level of activity.  The extra protein can help to build and maintain body tissues, muscles and bones.  This high calorie dog food is formulated to meet nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profile.

BLUE BUFFALO Life Protection Dog Food

Key Ingredients:

Deboned lamb, brown rice, peas, sweet potatoes, carrots, blueberries, flaxseed, etc.

Highlights:

  • BLUE BUFFALO Life Protection Formula Dry Dog Food For Adults
  • Real meat with lamb providing high quality protein for building your dog’s muscles
  • Wholesome Whole Grains with the meat giving this a healthy meal
  • Vegetables and fruits for a holistic meal
  • Antioxidant-rich for strong immune system with special LIFESOURCE BITS formula
  • Vitamin and minerals like calcium for strong bones and teeth.
  • Glucosamine ingredient helps joint function and your dog’s mobility
  • Omega fatty acids from flaxseed added for a healthy dog’s skin and coat.
  • 3 Recipes available: Chicken & Brown Rice, Fish & Brown Rice; Lamb & Brown Rice.
  • Packaging sizes which includes 6 lb, 15 lb, 30 lb.
  • Calorie content:  3625 Kcal/kg.

Summary:

This product from BLUE BUFFALO Company is made in USA with high-quality and delicious deboned lamb providing your dog with the protein and high calorie needed for an active dog life.

CRAVE High Protein, High Calorie Dog Food

Key Ingredients:

Beef , Chicken Meal, Pork Meal, Lamb Meal, Chicken Fat, Potato Starch, Pea Protein, Chickpeas, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Natural Flavor, Vitamins and Minerals,

Highlights:

  • CRAVE Adult Grain Free With Protein from Beef All Natural Dog Food Plus Vitamins, Minerals, and Other Nutrients
  • Real ingredients including high-quality animal protein and the full meaty flavor that your dog will love
  • Real beef as the first ingredient
  • Grain free with no corn, wheat, or soy and no artificial flavors, colors.
  • Supports a strong, lean body with 34% high protein
  • Provides energy dogs with high calorie.
  • Meet the nutritional needs of small to large adult dogs
  • Calorie content is 3741 Kcal/kg.

Summary:

This CRAVE High Protein Grain Free high calorie dry dog food provides a energy diet for your active dog.  With real beef as the first ingredient and balanced vitamins and minerals, this high calorie protein-rich dry dog food will give your dog a lean, healthy body with energy to play.

 

IAMS Proactive Health, High Protein Dog Food with High Calorie

Key Ingredients:

Chicken, Chicken By-Product Meal, Turkey, Chicken Fat, Ground Whole Grain Sorghum, Ground Whole Grain Corn, Dried Egg Product, Brewers Dried Yeast, Vitamins and Minerals.

Highlights:

  • IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH High Protein Adult Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken and Turkey Dog Kibble
  • High Protein, High Calorie dry dog food with real Chicken and Turkey
  • Promotes healthy energy and strong, firm muscles in your adult dog
  • Essential minerals supports strong bones & joint health for an active lifestyle
  • Includes essential nutrients for heart health and function in your dog
  • Sustained energy with a blend of wholesome grains.
  • 22 lbs bag.
  • Calorie content is 3819 Kcal/kg.

Summary:

IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH High Calorie Adult Dry Dog with high protein.  Formulated to assist your dog to have energy while maintaining their ideal weight through healthy digestion.   Packed with chicken and turkey to give your dog the energy he or she need to ensure they are with you always.

 

Key Ingredients:

Venison, Venison Tripe, Venison Heart, Venison Lung, Venison Liver, Venison Kidney, New Zealand Green Mussel, Venison Bone, Lecithin, Inulin from Chicory, Dried Kelp, Others, Vitamins, Minerals.

Highlights:

  • ZIWI Peak Venison Grain-Free High Calorie Dog Food
  • 100% Single Sourced Venison –  is free-range and grass-fed, free of antibiotics and added hormones.
  • High Calorie – from 96% fresh meat, organs, bones and New Zealand green mussels
  • Glucosamine and Chondroitin – which supports joint health.
  • No peas, legumes, grains, corn, soy, potatoes, wheat, rice, fillers, sugars, glycerins, rendered meals or preservatives.
  • 2.2 lbs bag.
  • Calorie content is 4700 Kcal/kg.

Summary:

ZIWI Peak Venison Air-Dried High Calorie Dog Food. This diet includes fresh meat, organs, bones and green mussels.  This  is a high protein and high calorie diet. Suitable for samll breeds, medium breeds, large breeds. A nutritious and digestible completely raw diet, in the convenient form of air dried.

 

Key Ingredients:

Deboned Chicken, Deboned Turkey, Mackerel, Vitamins, Glucosamine, Chondroitin Sulfate, Omega-3, Omega-6 Fatty acids, etc.

Highlights:

  • ORIJEN Senior High Calorie Dog Food for Seniors and Older Dogs.
  • Protein Rich and High Calorie – with 85% quality animal ingredients to promote lean muscle and healthy body weight.
  • No grain.
  • Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate –  support hip and joint health
  • Calcium and phosphorous – supporting healthy teeth and gums
  • Fruits and Veggies for and natural fiber combination – improving digestion in meals.
  • Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids – providing a healthy skin and coat for your dog.
  • Calorie content of 3630 Kcal/kg. 

Summary:

ORIJEN Senior High Calorie Dog Food for Seniors, is promoted as ‘Biologically Appropriate’ which is a nutritional philosophy that dogs should be nourished the way nature intended.  This has allow its products to win many “Excellence in Canine Pet Food” awards in the past.

CRAVE High Protein Canned Dog Food

Key Ingredients:

Turkey, Turkey Broth, Chicken Liver, Chicken Heart, Chicken, Pork Broth, Dried Egg Product, etc,

Highlights:

  • Real Turkey is key ingredient for high-quality protein
  • Grain Free Wet Dog Food with no wheat, corn, soy.
  • No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
  • Pack of  twelve (12) 12.5 Oz. cans.
  • Calorie content is 1073 Kcal/kg.

Summary:

This CRAVE High Protein Grain Free Paté Adult high calorie canned dog food is a protein-rich diet to build a lean, healthy body for your dog.  With 99% of protein from animal sources, this high calorie dog food will increase your dog’s energy overall. 

 

ZIGNATURE Limited Ingredient, Wet Dog Food

Key Ingredients:

Beef, Venison, Lamb, Chicken Meal, Peas, Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Flaxseed, Vitamin E, Vitamins, Minerals, ,etc.

Highlights:

  • Lamb formula providing high quality protein
  • Limited ingredient which uses lamb and no chicken, no eggs 
  • Grain free with no grains, no corn, no soy.
  • Vitamins for immunity support
  • Comes in 13 oz can in pack of 12.
  • Calorie content: 1130 Kcal/kg.

Summary:

This ZIGNATURE – Grain Free Limited Ingredient Formula Wet Dog Food contains a single animal protein with added vitamins and minerals for a complete and balanced diet. 

Conclusion

It is important for you to give your dog high calorie dog food when the condition warrants it. Getting our dog to have extra energy and gain weight can be done in a healthy manner with high-calorie dog foods.

While there are many choices out there, it is good to buy high quality and well-known brands as they are more likely to be formulated by veterinary professionals . In addition, these better brands will have more desirable ingredients that are great from your dog thereby providing the necessary and vital nutrients for your dog.

The high calorie dog food brands recommended here includes PURINA, BULLYMAX, TASTE OF THE WILD, VICTOR CLASSIC, MERRICK, RACHAEL RAY, BLUE BUFFALO, ORIJEN, ZIWI, CRAVE, ZIGNATURE.  These dog food  are good quality choices at affordable prices. As such, you’re highly encouraged to select between any of these products. 

Choosing one of these high calorie dog food is a personal process and when your dog seems more active, healthier and happier, you know that you have make a right choice for your dog.

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