Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo
  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

    rewards header
    Become a member today!
    Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
    Petco Pay LogoBecome a credit card member today!

    Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
    when you use Petco Pay!

    APPLY NOW
    Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My dog eats a lot but is always thin. Why can't he gain weight?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Doberman Pinscher | Male | neutered | 78 lbs

Atlas is a well bred boy, however he has an appetite that is insatiable, and cannot stay a healthy weight no matter how much he eats. We have had him on raw, honest kitchen, Iams. Rice/chicken cooked daily and he is always thin with protruding hip bones and little tissue on his head too. His current vet put him on prednisone daily for some issues he was having with heavy mucus buildup and he is currently tapered down to half a tablet a day. If I stop the predator he looses weight quickly.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Strydom, DVM

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 17th, 2020

He likely has inflammatory bowel disease or some type of malabsorption problem. Keeping him on lifelong steroids (prednisone) is not recommended. The first thing you have to do is get a diagnosis. I recommend he have an abdominal ultrasound and/or x-rays and some blood testing to start with. A fecal test is also a good idea to rule out any intestinal parasites. If you can't afford testing then speak to your vet about doing a trial of Tylosin powder to control IBD symptoms instead of steroids.
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share

Styled arrow button