Watch as Emaciated Dog Tries Roast Chicken for the 1st Time
One of the most satisfying things to witness is when a starving dog gets to enjoy a delicious meal. That’s why your heart will melt for Lando, an extremely emaciated dog found tied up on a short chain outside. When the organization, Happy Doggo, rescued him, he was starving. (Watch Tik Tok Below)
Naming him after F1 driver, Lando Norris, the rescue team provided Lando meals in small amounts throughout the day so it doesn’t become a choking hazard. Nevertheless, after 4 days, the rescue decided to give the dog a delectable meal and cooked roast chicken for him.
@happydoggoniall Meet Lando, named after the amazing @Lando Norris, because we rescued him the same day the F1 was on—and one day, we believe he’ll be just as fast and free as his namesake 🏎️💨 Little Lando’s story is especially heartbreaking—he was found tied up on a short chain, absolutely starving. He’s all skin and bones, and we can’t imagine the hunger he’s endured in his past life. He’s absolutely obsessed with food and eats so fast that we have to feed him small meals throughout the day. But today, we wanted to spoil him a little extra and got him his very own rotisserie chicken 🍗✨. We hope every day feels like a fresh start for him, and he’ll never have to know hunger again. 💙 #RescueDog #dogsoftiktok #StreetDogs ♬ Wake Me up When September Ends – Green Day
Watch This Emaciated Dog Enjoy Roast Chicken
As seen in the video shared by the rescue, @happydoggoniall on TikTok, when the exciting meal was presented before Lando, the dog understandably forgot everything else and just started to devour the roast chicken. He was kept on a leash, so he would not eat too much too fast. But it’s hard to miss the sheer joy that the dog was experiencing while enjoying probably the best meal of his life.
Lando had been completely skin and bones when he first arrived at the rescue, clearly hungry for an extremely long time. Fortunately, the rescue freed him from a terrible fate, brought him with them, took the chain out of his neck, and went out of their way to give him something so delicious to eat. Happy Doggo is an animal charity based in Thailand whose mission is to help as many street dogs as possible. Like Lando, they have helped multiple other dogs.
Many users shared their love for Lando on the video sharing platform. A user, Zoe, commented, “How he still had a wag left in his tail🥺 you are such amazing people ❤️❤️” Another user, Stephanie Lynch,, wrote, “Why oh why do people have to be so cruel & neglectful, Niall & team thank you for giving Lando another chance at life…🙏🙏🥰🥰🥰”
Once Starving, Now Thriving
When Lando was served the roast chicken, he was already looking a little better, with his body filling up. Recently, the rescue posted an update about the dog, sharing that Lando has been with them for three weeks.
Being a dog who was once incredibly frail, it’s heartwarming to see that Lando has now significantly bulked up and has regained his strength. In addition, he is much happier and is making friends with other dogs, including a dog called Joy, who he likes to play with.
This rescue has clearly done an amazing job with Lando and you can help them continue their brilliant work by donating on Happy Doggo’s website.
How To Feed An Emaciated Dog?
If you’re wondering how to feed emaciated dogs, Carolanne Cicero, RVN (Registered Veterinary Nurse) recommends, “gradually increasing their portions to help them gain weight and improve their body condition.”
Here are three tips provided by Dr. Jennifer Coates, DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine), for feeding an emaciated dog:
- When transitioning your dog to a new weight gain food, do it gradually to minimize risks. Many weight gain dog foods are high in fat, and sudden changes can lead to pancreatitis, a potentially life-threatening condition linked to fatty meals.
- Wet foods are often more appealing to dogs, but dry foods generally offer higher caloric density. Consider the pros and cons of each or combine a small amount of palatable wet food with calorically dense dry food for the best results.
- Divide your dog’s daily ration into multiple small meals to encourage increased consumption. Alternatively, leave dry food available throughout the day, though monitoring appetite may become more challenging.
What To Feed An Emaciated Dog
How to choose the best food for an emaciated dog? As per Dr. Coates, well-formulated dog food for weight gain should be not only appetizing but also nutritious. Here are the essential traits to look for:
1. Palatability
A dog’s willingness to eat more is significantly influenced by taste.
- Wet foods tend to be more appealing than dry options.
- Diets rich in fat and protein are generally more palatable.
- Homemade diets, formulated with a veterinary nutritionist’s guidance, offer optimal palatability.
2. Digestibility
Digestibility measures how much of the food is utilized by the dog versus eliminated.
- Highly digestible foods provide nutritional benefits with less quantity.
- Fiber is indigestible, so opt for low-fiber options.
- Assess digestibility indirectly through stool quality: firm, low-volume stools indicate high digestibility.
3. Caloric Density
Calorically dense foods pack energy into smaller portions.
- Labels provide caloric density information (kcal/cup, kcal/can, or kcal/kg).
- High-fat foods tend to be more calorically dense.
- Prioritize protein-rich foods to support lean body mass.
When selecting dog food for weight gain, ensure it balances these traits to provide optimal nutrition and appeal for your dog.
Examples of Best Dog Food For Emaciated Dogs
If you’re looking for some examples of the best dog food for emaciated dogs, then worry not, Dr. Coates has given some recommendations.
Brands like The Farmer’s Dog, <a href=”http://Advertorial style landing page with 50% off promo“>Nom Nom and Spot & Tango provide high quality, human grade food. If you don’t have time to wait for those brands to come in the mail, then get Just Food for Dogs.
When feeding an emaciated dog, it’s important to reintroduce food gradually and carefully to avoid overwhelming their system, especially if they haven’t eaten properly for a long time. Start by offering easily digestible, high-quality dog food that is rich in protein and fat. Wet food or a combination of wet and dry food is often recommended, as it’s easier for the dog to eat and digest. Look for foods with real meat, like chicken or beef, as the first ingredient, and avoid fillers like corn or soy.
Additionally, you may want to consider offering small, frequent meals rather than one or two large meals per day. This helps prevent refeeding syndrome, a dangerous condition that can occur when a severely malnourished dog is fed too much too quickly. Gradually increase portion sizes as the dog starts to regain strength and weight. In some cases, veterinarians may recommend adding supplements like fish oil, digestive enzymes, or vitamins to support the dog’s recovery, but always consult with a vet before introducing any new supplements or diets.
FAQs
1. What is refeeding syndrome, and how does it affect an emaciated dog?
Refeeding syndrome is a serious condition that can occur when an emaciated dog is given too much food too quickly after a prolonged period of starvation. The sudden intake of calories can cause electrolyte imbalances, leading to organ failure. It’s essential to start feeding small meals gradually and monitor your dog closely during recovery.
2. How do I feed an emaciated dog safely to avoid refeeding syndrome?
To prevent refeeding syndrome when feeding an emaciated dog, begin with small amounts of high-quality dog food rich in fat and protein. Feed the dog small meals 3-4 times a day, gradually increasing the amount of food over several days. Consult a veterinarian to monitor your dog’s recovery.
3. What is the best food for an emaciated dog to gain weight?
The best food for an emaciated dog is a high-quality dog food that contains real meat, plenty of fat and protein, and essential vitamins and minerals. Puppy food is often recommended due to its higher calorie content, which helps dogs gain weight more effectively.
4. How much should I feed an emaciated dog at first?
Start by feeding an emaciated dog small amounts of high-quality food, such as wet or soft dog food, three to four times a day. As the dog’s body adjusts, slowly increase the amount of food over the course of a week. Be sure to monitor your dog to avoid overfeeding.
5. How long does it take for an emaciated dog to reach a healthy weight?
The time it takes for an emaciated dog to reach a healthy weight depends on the severity of their weight loss and their individual health. With consistent feeding and high-quality food, most dogs will begin to gain weight within a few weeks, but it may take months to reach their ideal weight. Regular check-ups with your vet are essential to ensure progress.
6. Can free access to food harm an emaciated dog?
Yes, allowing an emaciated dog free access to food can be harmful and may trigger refeeding syndrome. Instead, feed small meals of quality food at set times throughout the day, gradually increasing the portions as the dog gains strength.
7. Why is puppy food recommended for emaciated dogs?
Puppy food is recommended for emaciated dogs because it is higher in calories, fat, and protein, which are essential for dogs trying to gain weight. The nutrient-dense formula supports the dog’s recovery and helps them rebuild muscle and fat reserves.
8. What should I monitor when feeding an emaciated dog?
You should closely monitor your dog for signs of distress, such as vomiting or diarrhea, when feeding an emaciated dog. Pay attention to their weight gain, energy levels, and hydration. If your dog shows signs of discomfort or illness, consult your vet to adjust their feeding plan.
9. How often should I feed an emaciated dog during recovery?
During the early stages of recovery, feed your emaciated dog small meals 3-4 times a day. As they begin to gain weight and their body adjusts, you can reduce the frequency of feedings and increase the amount of food at each meal.
10. What are the risks of feeding too much food to an emaciated dog too quickly?
Feeding too much food to an emaciated dog too quickly can lead to refeeding syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition. The dog’s body may not be able to process the sudden increase in calories, leading to severe imbalances in electrolytes. To avoid this, feed small amounts of high-quality dog food and gradually increase the amount of food as they regain strength.
