Did you know that some dogs burn calories faster than they can eat them, just like Olympic athletes? Whether it’s a high-energy working breed, a skinny rescue trying to recover, or a pup battling illness-related weight loss, not all dogs thrive on standard kibble. For underweight or ultra-active dogs, choosing the right high-calorie dog food isn’t just helpful—it’s critical to their survival and quality of life. But here’s the problem: not all “high-calorie” dog foods are created equal. Some are packed with fillers that add weight but not nutrition. Others may be high in fat, but offer little in terms of digestibility or muscle support. So, how do you tell the difference between calorie-dense junk and a truly nourishing formula that fuels recovery, activity, and growth? In this guide, we’ll break down the best high-calorie dog foods. Let’s dive in.
When to Feed a High-Calorie Dog Food
Dogs should be fed high-calorie dog food under the following conditions:
Situation
Why High-Calorie Food Is Needed
Highly Active or Working Dogs
Dogs involved in agility, herding, hunting, or sled pulling need extra energy for performance.
Underweight Dogs (Not for Weight Gain Goals)
Dogs that are naturally lean or recovering from illness and struggling to maintain healthy body weight.
Pregnant or Nursing Dogs
They require extra calories to support fetal development and lactation.
Puppies (Large or Active Breeds)
Some growing puppies need calorie-dense diets to meet their high energy and growth needs.
Post-Surgery or Illness Recovery
Healing and regeneration demand more energy and nutrient support.
Senior Dogs with Poor Appetite
If they’re losing weight or muscle, high-calorie food helps sustain their health and body condition.
Always consult your veterinarian before changing your dog’s diet. You can get personalized nutritional advice from an online registered vet nutritionist through Vetster anytime, anywhere. You can also chat with an online vet to discuss your dog’s weight, appetite, and nutritional needs. Similarly, an at-home dog gut health test analyzes your dog’s microbiome to identify nutrient absorption issues or imbalances that could be affecting weight gain. Additionally, an at-home dog allergy testing kit may reveal ingredient sensitivities that hinder your dog’s ability to gain and maintain a healthy weight. With these tools and professional input, you’ll be empowered to choose the best diet plan to support your dog’s digestion, muscle development, and long-term health.
Best High Calorie Dog Food
Here are the best high calorie dog foods of this year.
Best Overall High Calorie Dog Food
4.9
★★★★★
Raised Right Beef Recipe
Who It’s For: Ideal for underweight dogs who need to gain lean mass while providing the most optimal nutrition, highest quality ingredients, great taste, and health benefits.
Why we recommended it:Raised Right fresh dog food uses human-grade ingredients to craft pre-portioned recipes delivered directly to your doorstep. Feeding your dog Raised Right comes with numerous scientifically supported health benefits of fresh dog food, including longer lifespans, better digestibility, higher energy levels, and more. Fresh recipes are also ideal for dogs with food allergies, sensitive stomachs, or other dietary concerns because they avoid cheap fillers, additives, and harmful chemicals. Unlike traditional kibble, Raised Right is gently cooked from scratch, ensuring all nutritional integrity is retained — this means that your dog will receive the healthiest and most nutritious meal with every serving.
What sets it apart from competitors: Raised Right offers an extensive dog profile and diet customization to meet your dog’s specific dietary needs, including calorie intake, age, size, preferences, health issues (such as allergies, cancer, and obesity), and more.
Who It’s For: Active, working, underweight, or high-energy dogs who need the best dry dog food that provides more calories and protein than standard kibble provides.
Why we recommended it: Bully Max 30/20 delivers a potent nutritional punch with one of the highest calorie per cup offerings in the industry. This high caloric density means dogs can achieve healthy weight gain and muscle development without consuming excessive food volume. The formula is meat-based, with chicken meal as the primary protein source, and it avoids common fillers like corn, wheat, and soy, which can be problematic for sensitive dogs. The food’s all-natural ingredient list, absence of artificial colors or preservatives, and added vitamins and minerals further support overall health.
What sets it apart from competitors: Diet focuses on performance nutrition, similar to what you’d find in athletic or working dog diets. However, unlike other high-protein kibbles, it’s suitable for puppies (ages 4 weeks and up) as well as adult dogs, which simplifies feeding for multi-dog households.
Best High Calorie Hypoallergenic Dog Food
4.9
★★★★★
Orijin Tundra
Who It’s For: Suited for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies, but that also need to gain healthy weight—an excellent option for active dogs that require novel protein sources and high caloric density to thrive.
Why we recommended it:ORIJEN Tundra delivers a robust nutritional profile with high protein and fat content supporting lean muscle growth and sustained energy, which are essential for healthy weight gain without excess carbohydrates. The formula emphasizes WholePrey nutrition, incorporating meat, organs, and cartilage to mimic a natural ancestral diet, which enhances nutrient bioavailability and supports immune, skin, and digestive health. The higher fiber content (5%) compared to typical weight-gain formulas, which might slow digestion slightly, also supports gut health. The high protein and fat content support weight gain through lean muscle development rather than fat accumulation. This formula also includes freeze-dried liver for enhanced flavor, which helps picky eaters or underweight dogs eat consistently.
What sets it apart from competitors: Unlike most hypoallergenic kibbles that rely on hydrolyzed or limited-ingredient formulas, ORIJEN uses whole-prey ratios (meat, organs, cartilage) from novel, non-industrial proteins including venison, duck, goat, and Arctic char. It avoids the typical allergens found in many commercial dog foods. It’s crafted in award-winning kitchens in the U.S. and never outsourced. Pet owners also appreciate that it’s free from peas, lentils, and legumes—ingredients that some dogs struggle to digest.
Highest Calorie Dog Food
4.7
★★★★★
Inukshuk Professional Dog Food Pro 32/32
Who It’s For: Tailored for dogs with extremely high caloric needs—think sled dogs, hunting dogs, working K9s, or severely underweight dogs recovering from illness or neglect.
Why we recommended it:Inukshuk 32/32 delivers the highest calorie counts available in the industry—720 kcal per cup—making it highly effective for weight gain with smaller meal portions without bloating the volume of food your dog has to consume. This is crucial for dogs with limited appetites or small stomach capacities. With a 32% protein and 32% fat ratio, the formula provides a powerful mix for muscle recovery, stamina, and healthy weight gain, all while being nutrient-dense and highly digestible.
What sets it apart from competitors: It’s also vacuum-infused to reduce kibble density and improve shelf stability, which maintains the food’s freshness for up to 12 months. It’s packed with prebiotics and chelated minerals that promote a healthy gut and immune system, while DHA and other omega-3 fatty acids promote skin, coat, and joint health in active dogs.
Best High Calorie Grain-Free Dog Food
4.5
★★★★★
Crave
Who It’s For: Excellent pick for adult dogs who need to gain weight while avoiding grains, especially those with mild food sensitivities or intolerances to corn, wheat, or soy.
Why we recommended it:CRAVE Grain Free Beef uses real beef as the first ingredient, supported by chicken meal, pork meal, and fish meal, providing a diverse amino acid profile for muscle support and energy. It is free from corn, wheat, soy, and artificial additives, which helps reduce the risk of digestive upset and allergic reactions. Owners frequently report that their dogs experience healthy weight gain, improved coat softness, and stable digestion, with many noting increased energy levels and reduced shedding as additional benefits. The moderate fat level helps dogs add mass steadily, making it suitable for dogs that are underweight but not severely malnourished.
What sets it apart from competitors: Its moderate fiber content supports digestive health without excess bulk, and the inclusion of omega-6 fatty acids aids skin and coat condition
Best High Calorie Dog Food For Muscle Building
4.7
★★★★★
Bully Max Pro 2X 31/25
Who It’s For: Designed for dogs who need to build both muscle mass and healthy fat, particularly athletic, working, or underweight dogs with demanding physical needs.
Why we recommended it:Bully Max PRO Series 31/25 allows for significant weight and muscle gain without overfeeding, reducing the risk of digestive upset or bloating. The food’s high digestibility is reflected in user feedback, with 99.3% of owners reporting improved digestion and higher energy levels. The first ingredient is real chicken meal, a concentrated and highly bioavailable protein source that supports muscle development and recovery. The formula is all-natural, containing added vitamins, minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, and probiotics, but without artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or common fillers such as corn, wheat, or soy.
What sets it apart from competitors: It’s cold-pressed rather than baked or extruded, a process that preserves nutrients and makes the kibble more bioavailable. Additionally, the formula is crafted with real chicken, fish meal, and egg product to provide a variety of protein sources, while remaining free from corn, soy, wheat, and artificial additives.
Best High Calorie Dog Food Topper
4.6
★★★★★
All American Canine
Who It’s For: Ideal for underweight or highly active dogs that need a calorie boost without switching their main diet.
Why we recommended it:All American Canine Weight Gainer allows owners to increase their dog’s caloric and protein intake without overhauling their entire diet. Just a scoop or two can significantly raise the calorie count of any meal, making it a strategic and customizable approach to weight gain. It’s also liver-flavored, which appeals to fussy eaters, helping to entice dogs with low appetites. Many users find it more cost-effective and easier to use than switching to high-calorie kibble or fresh food diets.
What sets it apart from competitors: It not only focuses on weight gain, but also includes antioxidant-rich ingredients like blueberry powder and organic kelp to support immune health, and digestive aids such as papaya fruit powder. The product is made in the USA under strict quality standards, and its palatable beef broth flavor ensures most dogs will readily accept it.
Best High Calorie Dog Food for Active Dogs
4.6
★★★★★
Purina Pro Plan High Protein Dog Food
Who It’s For: Formulated for athletic and working dogs who burn high amounts of energy and need sustained calorie intake to maintain or gain weight.
Why we recommended it:Purina Pro Plan Sport 30/20 Salmon supports both muscle growth and healthy weight gain. Real salmon is the first ingredient, providing high-quality animal protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which support brain function, skin and coat health, and inflammation control—beneficial for dogs with active lifestyles. The formula includes amino acids to nourish muscles, especially after exercise, and is fortified with glucosamine and EPA for joint health and mobility, crucial for active dogs.
What sets it apart from competitors: Focus on performance nutrition – the concentrated formula is designed to optimize oxygen metabolism (VO2 max), supporting endurance and rapid recovery after exercise. The food is fortified with live probiotics for digestive and immune health, antioxidants for immune support, and a complete vitamin and mineral profile for all life stages.
Best Vet-Prescription High Calorie Dog Food
4.7
★★★★★
JustFoodForDogs Critical Care
Who It’s For: Formulated for dogs recovering from serious illness, surgery, or malnutrition who need a high-calorie, highly digestible diet under veterinary supervision.
Why we recommended it:JustFoodForDogs Critical Care Support is specifically designed as a veterinary diet for critical care situations, offering a blend of highly digestible protein and fat to maximize nutrient absorption and palatability. The recipe utilizes human-grade ingredients, including ground beef, chicken thighs, long-grain brown rice, chicken liver, beef liver, coconut oil, and beef fat, which not only enhance flavor but also provide a broad spectrum of nutrients. The food’s high digestibility and palatability are frequently praised, and the absence of feed-grade ingredients, additives, preservatives, or growth hormones ensures its safety. The recipe restricts simple carbohydrates, prioritizing healthy fats and proteins for efficient weight gain and muscle maintenance.
What sets it apart from competitors: The food is hand-prepared in open kitchens, and its frozen or shelf-stable “Pantry Fresh” versions offer flexibility for storage and travel. The transparency of ingredient sourcing and preparation, as well as the product’s compliance with AAFCO maintenance standards, further distinguish it as a trusted choice for medically fragile dogs.
Best High Calorie Dog Food Supplements
4.5
★★★★★
Bully Max Premium Treats
Who It’s For: Perfect for dogs that need extra calories between meals—whether they’re underweight, active, in training, or simply need help maintaining muscle mass.
Why we recommended it:Bully Max Classic Premium Beef Dog Treats combine real beef liver as the #1 ingredient with a blend of all-natural ingredients like eggs, sweet potato, carrots, oats, and pumpkin, providing both flavor and nutritional value. It offers a higher protein and fat content than most dog treats, making them ideal for dogs needing to gain weight or maintain muscle mass. Added amino acids such as lysine and methionine further support muscle growth and heart health, while taurine contributes to overall well-being. They’re soft and chewy, making them easy to digest and ideal for dogs of all ages.
What sets it apart from competitors: Focuses on real, high-quality animal protein, the inclusion of essential amino acids, and the absence of artificial colors, flavors, by-products, corn, wheat, or soy. The treats are all-natural and fortified with vitamins, minerals, and trace nutrients, ensuring they deliver more than just empty calories.
Best High Calorie Puppy Food
4.7
★★★★★
Open Farm Puppy
Who It’s For: Crafted for growing puppies who need extra calories and high-quality nutrition to support healthy weight gain, muscle development, and brain growth.
Why we recommended it:Open Farm Chicken & Salmon Ancient Grains Puppy Kibble balances calorie density with responsibly, humanely raised animal proteins and nutrient-rich whole grains. Chicken and wild-caught salmon provide complete, easily digestible proteins, while ancient grains like quinoa and oats deliver sustained energy and fiber. The formula is also enriched with DHA from salmon oil, which is crucial for brain and vision development in growing puppies. This blend supports steady weight gain without compromising gut health or long-term development. It’s ideal for underweight puppies, active or large-breed pups, or those recovering from a rough start in life, especially when pet parents prefer ethically sourced, premium ingredients.
What sets it apart from competitors: Its ethical sourcing and full ingredient transparency—every bag includes a traceability code so you can see exactly where each ingredient came from.
Best High Calorie Organic Dog Food
4.9
★★★★★
Nature’s Logic
Who It’s For: Dogs who need to gain weight and whose owners want an organic, whole-food-based diet without synthetic additives.
Why we recommended it:Nature’s Logic Chicken Meal Feast promotes healthy weight gain through natural, nutrient-dense ingredients, not artificial boosters. The food is free from peas, potatoes, corn, wheat, soy, and gluten, reducing the risk of digestive upset and food sensitivities. Instead, it uses millet as a gentle grain and incorporates a wide range of whole-food ingredients, such as pumpkin seeds, dried fruits, vegetables, and probiotics, to support digestion and immune health. The food is fortified using only whole-food sources of vitamins and minerals—such as fruits, vegetables, and dried organ meats—rather than relying on synthetic additives, which some dogs struggle to digest.
What sets it apart from competitors: It’s crafted using USA-raised chicken meal and millet (a gluten-free ancient grain), which offers digestibility. The company’s commitment to sustainability and traceable sourcing appeals to eco-conscious pet owners looking to combine ethics with adequate weight support.
Best High Calorie Liquid Dog Food Supplement
4.9
★★★★★
PetAg Dyne High Calorie Liquid
Who It’s For: Dogs who need a calorie-dense, fast-absorbing supplement to promote healthy weight gain, especially those recovering from surgery, illness, or poor appetite.
Why we recommended it:Dyne offers a dense source of energy, providing 174.9 kcal per ounce (30 mL) or about 2,798 kcal per cup, without requiring dogs to eat large food volumes, which is ideal for those with poor appetites or limited stomach capacity. Its formula is rich in fat and includes essential omega fatty acids to support skin and coat health, along with added vitamins (A, D3, E, B-complex, and C) for immune and metabolic support. The sweet, vanilla flavor is widely praised for enticing even the fussiest eaters, and its versatility means it can be used as a topping or as a direct supplement.
What sets it apart from competitors: It’s an easy-to-administer liquid, making it one of the most efficient ways to boost calorie intake for dogs that won’t or can’t eat enough solid food. Its broad suitability for all life stages, from puppies to seniors, and its inclusion of both macronutrients and micronutrients, make it a go-to supplement for veterinarians and owners managing weight gain or recovery in dogs with special needs.
Best High Calorie Food for Dogs With Sensitive Stomachs
4.9
★★★★★
ZIWI Lamb Recipe
Who It’s For: Ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs or digestive issues who also need to gain healthy weight. Beneficial for dogs prone to soft stools, vomiting, or inflammatory bowel conditions.
Why we recommended it:ZIWI Peak Lamb Air-Dried Dog Food delivers high-protein, calorie-dense nutrition in a highly digestible, limited-ingredient format. The single-source lamb protein is gentle on the stomach, and the air-drying process preserves nutrients while eliminating pathogens, without the need for harsh preservatives. Its high fat and protein content allows for steady, healthy weight gain even in dogs that eat smaller portions or have lower appetites. The formula includes 96% lamb meat, organs, and New Zealand green mussels—offering natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health. Unlike many high-calorie foods that contain hard-to-digest fillers, ZIWI Peak completely avoids legumes, potatoes, grains, and synthetic additives.
What sets it apart from competitors: ZIWI Peak stands out for its air-dried technology, which offers the benefits of raw feeding with the convenience of shelf-stable food. Its ingredients are ethically sourced from free-range New Zealand farms, making it a top-tier choice for both nutritional and environmental consciousness.
The Bottom Line
Feeding your dog a high-calorie diet isn’t just about piling on the pounds—it’s about providing the fuel their body needs to thrive. Whether you’re helping your pup recover from illness, supporting a naturally lean breed, or maintaining an ultra-active lifestyle, choosing the right high-calorie dog food can make all the difference in their energy, immunity, and overall well-being. Remember, calorie count is only one piece of the puzzle. Quality ingredients, digestibility, and nutrient balance matter just as much. The best high-calorie foods support weight gain in a healthy way—building strength, not just size.
Like It? Subscribe & Share!
Sources
Canine Bible uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process and product review methodology to learn more about how we fact-check, test products, and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Canine Bible authorship represents the unified voice of our entire editorial team and our in-house veterinarians rather than a single author. Each article, blog post, and review published under the Canine Bible name undergoes a rigorous review process, involving all team members to guarantee accuracy and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. This collaborative effort is an integral part of our editorial process and aligns with our four pillars of content creation. This approach ensures our content is backed by expert knowledge and factual information, offering our readers reliable, actionable, and trustworthy content.
