Supplementing For Weight Gain?

I'm looking around to see what I can supplement into Sam's diet to help him put on a little bit of weight. Because of his allergies and immune issues, on top of being SUPER athletic with a very fast metabolism, he's always been super skinny. I can see his ribs a bit more than I'd like to.

However, I am very limited as to what I can supplement him with. I'm hoping others here may be able to offer up some suggestions and/or recipes.

For restrictions:

No meat
No soy
No dairy
NO EGGS (which is a dairy product, but still)
NO NUTS, especially PEANUTS
No wheat
No strawberries
No apples

Those are the big no-no's. I'm basically looking for something that's just extra calories that I can fix, or cook, that can be given on the side, as a snack, to increase his calorie intake. He stays at a pretty steady weight, but could stand to put on another pound or two.

I know with the exclusions, it limits a lot of stuff. But any ideas of what I could fix up? Someone on my dog dietary mailing list mentioned fixing up a oatmeal/molasses "balls" and baking them, and giving him one or two small balls. That's one good idea that I am going to try.

[MandyPug]

Why no meat? No dog is allergic to every single kind of meat. In fact dogs are carnivores, meat is their food... It's not possible.

Originally Posted by MandyPug

Why no meat? No dog is allergic to every single kind of meat. In fact dogs are carnivores, meat is their food... It's not possible.

After 1 year, and over $2,000 in specialists... trust me, he's allergic to meat. Sam isn't an ordinary dog, he has immune issues.

Is Sam a vegan?

[MandyPug]

Originally Posted by WoofBarkAroo

After 1 year, and over $2,000 in specialists... trust me, he's allergic to meat. Sam isn't an ordinary dog, he has immune issues.

Even kangaroo and brushtail? You know allergy tests aren't accurate right?

What about like, emu and ostrich and llama? Or venison, or rabbit?

[Macawpower58]

Can he eat fish?

[Wiztherewoz]

Rice? Wheat-free pasta?

What does he have normally?

Poor dog. The oatmeal thing sounds good. Does he like oatibix?

Originally Posted by MandyPug

You know allergy tests aren't accurate right?

Yep, I know.

Originally Posted by Macawpower58

Can he eat fish?

He can eat SOME fish, but no water fowl, especially duck in which he is deathly allergic. He cannot eat salmon, but we did try some whitefish varieties with him in the very beginning. Unfortunately, he can't stand fish, and didn't do too well on the diet. He's still supplemented with it periodically, but is extremely picky.

Originally Posted by Wiztherewoz

Rice? Wheat-free pasta?

What does he have normally?

Poor dog. The oatmeal thing sounds good. Does he like oatibix?

He can have rice, and I usually give him brown rice, but he can have white rice too. What's oatibix?

His normal diet for a while now has been Natural Balance's Vegetarian food, which is actually a vegan formula. However, I've called them a couple times and have been debating for a while now on pulling him off of the food. Only because it's manufactored, according to them, in the same area as their duck treats and peanut butter treats. Both of which (duck and peanuts) Sam is deathly allergic to. So I've been looking at alternatives on doing his diet myself, but haven't started yet.

And I agree, the oatmeal and molasses one is a really good idea and I'm definitely going to start using that one for his snacks. Was hoping to get some idea's for others though, so he could have a variety.

[Wiztherewoz]

Yeah, sorry for not being much help. I'm not even good at thinking of anything interesting for myself to eat, never mind someone with allergies.

Oatibix is a cereal like Weetabix, but oats. Apparently 100% oats. Dunno if that would be helpful to you at all, I was just wondering.

That's so bizarre that he's allergic to meat. Never heard of anything like that before. It's amazing he's still alive. At least he has you to read the labels for him.

I'll keep my brain open for you, and if an idea jumps in there I'll be sure to pass it on. x

Thanks, I'm kinda googling some human recipes, and seeing if I can get some idea's and alter them for him.

[Irish_Lass]

This probably won't help you any but I thought I'd throw it out there. There is a book called The Simple Little Vegan Dog book by Michelle Rivera. Maybe if you could find it cheaply or in a library it might contain some recipes you could use.

Originally Posted by Irish_Lass

This probably won't help you any but I thought I'd throw it out there. There is a book called The Simple Little Vegan Dog book by Michelle Rivera. Maybe if you could find it cheaply or in a library it might contain some recipes you could use.

Actually that's very interesting, I hadn't heard of that book before. Thanks for mentioning it, I'm going to search Amazon.com for a copy.

[Irish_Lass]

I seen it on Amazon myself, but I don't know if you'll get it in the USA. Its worth a gander!

[That_girl]

I can't help you with the food, but I wanted to say that I think Sam looks great! I don't think he looks too thin at all. But What a great thread for you - sounds like you got some great suggestions.