First things first, we have to know if your Pitbull is underweight. According to Train Your GSD, you can tell if your Pitbull is underweight just by looking at his body composition. If he has a thin layer of fat over his rib cage, then your Pitbull is a healthy one or has the ideal weight. However, if his ribs are showing or if you can quickly feel it, then your Pitbull is underweight.
Many factors contribute to your Pitbull’s weight. This includes his genetics, low diet, lack of exercise, stress, illness, and parasites. We will tackle each reason one by one so we could further help in your Pitbull’s weight.
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Genetics
Like humans, genetics also play an essential role in your Pitbull’s weight. If his parents or grandparents are thin or are not muscular or lean, then there is a big chance that your Pitbull’s weight is affected by genetics.
Avoid putting unrealistic expectations on how your Pitbull should weigh. Remember that even if you feed him a lot of store-bought dog food, if his weight is affected by different factors such as his genes, then there isn’t a lot we could do. If your Pitbull came from a family of slender or thin Pitbull, then we have to accept the fact that we can’t bulk him up.
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Poor Diet
If you haven’t been feeding your dog healthy dog food or treats, then it can affect his weight. According to veterinarians, 80% of an animal’s weight problems are caused by his diet. This is why feeding your dog the right diet is essential. Please do not fret as we will share with you some dietary foods you could feed your Pitbull later on.
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Lack of Exercise
Taking care of a Pitbull means that you should do your best to give them a healthy lifestyle. Hence, exercising plays a crucial factor in their weight. Remember that a Pitbull is a muscular dog which means that in order to maintain his muscles, you have to engage him with exercises continuously. In this case, however, even a sim
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Stress and Illness
If your Pitbull experiences stress or depression, this could also be why he does not look as muscular as he should be. Experiencing stress and depression can make a dog lose its appetite.
There are many reasons why your Pitbull might be stressed; some of these include a new home, a new member of the family, traveling, and neglect.
Moreover, several illnesses can also affect your Pitbull’s weight. According to scientific research, diabetes is a common illness that causes dogs to lose weight. Having diabetes can also be one of the main reasons why your Pitbull is underweight. Hence, it is better if you consult with your veterinarian.
Diseases such as inflammatory diseases, liver diseases, leukemia, and also dental problems also make your dog lose his appetite.
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Parasites
A parasite infection can also be a reason why your Pitbull is underweight. Parasites such as hookworms and roundworms can cause loss of appetite and affect your Pitbull’s ability to absorb the nutrients and vitamins you feed him.
Furthermore, these parasites are contagious. So, if you have other dogs at your home, and you feel like your Pitbull has parasites, it’s best if you consult with your veterinarian. They will prescribe the right treatment for your dogs in order to contain these parasites.
Read our related article, Why Are All Shelter Dogs Pit Bulls? Here’s why Pit Bulls end up in shelters so often.
How to Make Your Pitbull Muscular?
There are many formal breeds under the family of Pitbull. You have to know that no two same breeds are the same, especially in terms of their weight and physical appearance. Some of these breeds are American Pitbull Terrier, American Bully, etc. Every Pitbull has a different weight range.
However, there is an ideal weight range for each of the Pitbull breeds. An American Pitbull ideally weighs 35-60 lb., while the female Pitbull typically weighs around 30-50 lb. If your Pitbull is an American Bully, then he should weigh between 66-110 lb.
If you feel like your Pitbull doesn’t fit this weight range, then read on, we will give you tips on how you should help make your Pitbull muscular.
Without further ado, here are four tips on how you could help your Pitbull gain more muscle:
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Feed the right diet
Caring for a Pitbull means that you also cater to their needs, especially their nutritional needs. If you want to make your Pitbull more lean or muscular, you should know that you can’t just feed your Pitbull the typical store-bought dog food. You have to know the contents or the nutritional value of food before you feed it to your Pitbull.
Here are some of the Nutritional Requirements you should look for in your Pitbull’s food.
- Protein – Protein is an important muscle-building compound. Hence, this should compose your Pitbull’s diet the largest. This compound also keeps the immune system of your Pitbull strong. You should also note that if your Pitbull is young, he definitely needs more protein in his diet.
- Carb – According to research, carbs provide an energy source to the body which helps develop the brain and body cells. However, you should not add too many or too little carbs. The right portion is important.
- Fat – Even though some people stay away from fat when it comes to their pet’s diet, fat is actually an important thing to consider when you want your Pitbull to gain weight. Fat is an important compound that should be taken, alongside protein and carbs, by your Pitbull.
You can opt to feed your Pitbull 6 times a day in little portions or give them 3 whole meals per day. Remember that your Pitbull’s diet should consist of 40% protein, 40% carb, and 40% fat. Always check if your dog food has this kind of portion. If it does, then you’re good to go.
However, if you choose to feed him homemade meals, research what type of foods contain these compounds. For example, you can add chicken, eggs, or fish to your Pitbull’s meal alongside a little portion of dog food. You can also choose to add dog supplements which effectively help build your Pitbull’s muscle.
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Exercise
Diet alone will not make your Pitbull gain more muscles. Your Pitbull has to exercise too. You can start with simple exercises such as walking, running, and making him run through poles. These exercises will surely make your Pitbull gain more muscles.
Exercise alone, on the other hand, will not make your Pitbull gain more muscles. You also have to closely monitor his diet. If you tend to exercise a lot with your Pitbull, then it is recommended that you give them more meals or treats. Without the proper diet, your Pitbull will not be able to build his own muscles.
Moreover, if you already see results, do not settle. You still have to do what exercises you did in order for your Pitbull to be more active and to maintain his muscle composition. If you already see results by doing simple exercises, you can upgrade to a different level of intensity in order for you Pitbull to maintain his muscles and to get that ripped definition in the long run.
Read our related article, How To Keep A Dog Active During The Day (EXERCISE Tips) for more information on keeping your dog fit!
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Cardio Training
If you already see your Pitbull getting more muscular definition, then you can definitely skip the walks and runs and engage in high-intensity cardio training. Some of the exercises that make up this kind of training are doing sprints or running up and down a ladder or bench. You can start doing cardio exercises with 10-15 minutes for starters, then gradually add another 10 minutes.
You can also use gym equipment such as weight vests as long as your veterinarian says yes. You have to keep in mind that there will be times when your Pitbull will not want to do training or any exercise at all. You have to respect that and not think of it as him being disobedient.
While we do want to push them to their limits, we do not want to force them in any way. That will be pretty bad for your relationship with your Pitbull.
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Dietary Supplements
Adding a dietary supplement to your Pitbull’s meal is not a bad idea. As long as your veterinarian agrees with you and you add it to their meals moderately, then this will truly help your Pitbull gain more muscles. Dietary supplements such as vitamins will give the extra nutrients that will help your Pitbull gain more muscles.
Dietary supplements should be taken in considerate amounts. Do not overdo it. Remember that you have to focus more on your Pitbull’s diet and exercise. These dietary supplements are just there as supplements. They alone will not guarantee that your Pitbull’s muscles will show or be defined.
Conclusion
As Pitbull owners, you have to know that caring for your Pitbull is a responsibility. You have to be sure that he is getting the right housing or nutrients and that he’s in a healthy state. You have to devote a lot of your time and effort to making your Pitbull get more muscles.
Moreover, you have to know that you should not settle once you get the results you were looking for. This will not guarantee that your Pitbull’s muscles will be there for a long time. As an owner, you have to be more dedicated in this journey. This is the only way that your Pitbull will be more muscular.
