Our Border Collie is underweight. He always has been. He is neutered also.
The vet thought maybe just having him on a regular worming schedule would be enough, but he is still thin. We also feed him a high protein diet and I also make up a little dog stew for him once a week. He never chows down his food, he's a nervous eater so he nibbles here and there. We always have fresh food and water out for him. He gets lots of great exercise. However, he is still underweight by a good 10 lbs. the vet feels he could use. Any suggestions on how to fatten this poor dog up?

I would look for a food that is high calorie. Your dog needs lots of calories but in a small volume. Does your dog like canned food at all?

What brand of high protein food are you currently feeding?

How old is the dog?

Hi,
I had the same problem with my cocker spaniel. I have two dogs but the young one didn't eat well and his coat looked a bit thin. I tried a new product (Feb 06) and it is supposed to improve, coat, skin, immune system, get rid of fleas etc It also gave Charlie more energy and better appetite. It is 100% natural and really does work. I give him 2 capsules daily and after 6 weeks he was in the same shape as the older dog. My vet didn't know what to do and I prefer non chemical products anyway. See Great news for dogs and cats Worldwide - and their owners. It says the product must be given daily so I do that.
Find it on Great news for dogs and cats Worldwide - and their owners

Good luck, Jessica

I would also be a little concerned that he isn't absorbing the nutrients from his food, but maybe your vet has looked into this?

I do remember years ago when I worked at a vets, a chap was prosecuted for neglecting his dog because it was so thin.
It eventually had to be destroyed but when a PM was done it turned out the dog actually had a medical condition.
The owner, was of course, cleared of any charges, but even so it must have been a horrible experience for him.

Your vet should give him a complete check up. Have you tried a second opinion?

Please check on your VET on the health of your dog. There are other causes of being underweight. It could be worms, tick, etc... I gave my Labrador a high protein dog food to gain weight and it works well. Go to your VET to check your dog’ health

it could point to a health concern such as pain, illness, disease, or parasites. If a dog is eating and losing weight, she may have an internal parasite. also she have something going on with her emotionally or physically that keeps her from eating.

My dog is under weight and I have just started him on a high fat fresh mince and chicken diet and he has starting putting on weight nicely. I dunno if you have a place that caters for your dog food but I go to a place that does high fat mince and chicken mince as well as bones with fat and meat on them(lots) so I feed him a fresh bone once or twice a week. Plus I've been feeding him puppy biscuits(not sure if this is good) but they are high fat. He is also a nervous eater I make sure we have all eaten then feed him in the kitchen and normally put something off my plate onto his so he feels he is having "human" food.

My recipe:

Rice
High Fat Mince
Either Beef stock or Gravy
Veges(either fresh or frozen)
Oil

Good Luck I also advise getting the dogs bloods done check if the dog is lacking in something

I think that you should definitely have him checked out again so that there is no underlying cause.

Tripe is great for adding extra weight and chances are that he will love it too!!! mmmmmmmm