Kate Moss of the puppy world, help!

[SinclairSpectrum]

My pup is 6 months old, he is a large breed and is too lean.
I know its better that he is thin than fat but I would like him to gain a bit more weight.
Currently still on 3 meals a day, Wainwrights, if I increase the quantity he gets the runs.
Worming up to date.
Any ideas would be welcome.

[EasyToEatTiger]

We have issues with maintaining weight too. We have fed Burns for years and years. However, it is good at keeping dogs lean. I have moved our oldie and our skinny onto CSJ which is doing the trick. They make so many things so it is worth blipping them an email about your particular specifications. www.csjk9.com/productcart/pc/viewCategories.asp

[Buttholelane]

I really wouldn't worry about it.

Large breeds especially should stay gangly when growing up to protect the joints, if he seems otherwise healthy I really wouldn't be concerned, he'll probably full out a bit as he matures.

[tabulahrasa]

Lean is good, it puts less pressure on joints...and at 6 months a large breed is still doing a lot of growing and it's totally normal for them to go through a skinny gangly awkward stage.

[SinclairSpectrum]

I thought he was fine until we had his 6 month check up at vets.
She kept calling him very lean, suggested he could put on a bit of weight.
His ribs aren't clearly visible - can see vague outline of them as he runs.
Think I will stop worrying - thank you all.

[basildonbond]

For his breed (he's a spinone, yes?) he doesn't sound too thin at all especially at 6 months. My dog's ribs are very easily felt, he's got a defined waist and obvious tuck when seen from the side. I do often get other dogwalkers tell me he's too thin but my vet says he's perfect. We've got so used to seeing overweight dogs that it's hard to judge what's right. For puppies, especially large breeds, slightly too skinny is much better than slightly too fat

[tabulahrasa]

You can see the last 2 ribs of my rottie when he's standing straight, defined waist and definite under tuck...people think he's too thin all the time, he's not, he's at the bottom end of healthy, on purpose as he has joint problems, but people are used to seeing slightly fat dogs so they think he's too thin rather than a low but healthy weight.

You should be able to feel ribs and possibly see them when running or stretching...and at that age especially it's not an issue, it's like when some teenage boys suddenly go tall and super skinny and then broaden out when they get older.

[SinclairSpectrum]

Perfect analogy re teenage boy!
He is all legs with a big shaggy head. Definite waist and tuck, ribs easily felt.
Think I should maybe reconsider vet before reconsidering his weight?
He is certainly full of life and fun, no energy issues!