High-calorie supplements for dogs and cats are essential for promoting healthy weight gain, boosting energy, and supporting recovery in pets with increased nutritional needs.

There are times in an animal’s life when calorie needs outweigh calorie intake. This is when they call on tissue reserves for needed energy, protein and vitamins. Moms giving birth, a low energy puppy or kitten, hunting dogs, athletes, and working dogs all require an increase in calories and vitamins.

Extra Calories for Dogs Giving Birth

Giving birth is physically demanding, and many dog and cat moms, especially small breed dogs and cats, can become exhausted during labor and recovery. With the nausea of labor and cramping, moms seldom eat during this time. We usually manage gestation well with prenatal vitamins for dogs and cats such as Breeder’s Edge Oxy Mate but fall short at birthing. The calorie demands of the babies are still pulling on mom’s stores, plus mom has doubled her need for energy and calcium because of labor and nursing.

Calcium and energy are her two biggest needs. Most manage calcium well, but some fall short on the easiest assistance to mom, which is energy. Large dogs have large stores of energy, but tiny moms and queens have to draw on reserves to get through birth. Getting energy into mom several times during labor keeps the process of breaking down fat for energy efficient and catches the glucose demand up between babies.

Nutri-Cal for Dogs and Cats is a high calorie nutritional gel for cats that is highly concentrated, ready-to-absorb energy. Queening cats and whelping dogs can even absorb it through the membranes of the mouth; she does not even have to swallow but most will as it is soothing to the throat and stomach.

Used several times in early labor and between puppies will help her avoid the exhaustion of multiple births. Mom will also mother better after birth if she is not so tired.

Once nursing, Doc Roy’s Forti Cal Liquid is an excellent choice for nursing dogs and cats to support energy and overall health during lactation.

Puppy Has Low Energy

Puppies and kittens come into a world with huge calorie demands. Most puppies and kittens double their weight weekly for the first four weeks. Mom’s milk is 10% fat and full of calories to fill the growth needs but the puppy has to nurse! Using Nutri-Cal® for Puppies or Kittens or drops on the babies tongue will boost energy, causing babies to nurse with more vigor. Cat and tiny dog breeders often use a gel calorie supplement twice a day. Wipe a small amount in their mouth and get them attached to a nipple. The result is a healthy baby with a full tummy.

Weaned tiny breed puppies should go to their new home with Nutri-Cal® gel for puppies. Dose twice a day to keep calories and vitamins up and appetite high. The puppy will think it is a treat, but the goal is to avoid hypoglycemia before you have to treat low calorie issues.

Kittens are difficult to give vitamins to, but Nutri-Cal® for Kittens is given with ease. The vitamins are a big help with effective growth and maturity, and the calories are a bonus here. Giving the gel once daily will help keep them healthy during the transition to a new home.

Extra Calories for Working Dogs – Hypoclycemia

Do working dogs need more calories? Hunting dogs are more excited than their owners to hunt and will exhaust all the glucose in their bloodstream if not controlled. They’ll start staggering or fall down, and in severe cases may have seizures. The cure is simple. Call them in several times an hour and give them Doc Roy’s® Forti Cal^™ Soft Chews for treats. This helps keep the glucose up, allowing the liver to maintain the dog’s glucose levels without over-taxing the system.

Joggers, sled dogs and herding dogs have huge endurance energy demands. Endurance takes calories and breaking down fat takes carbohydrates to be efficient. At breaks or checkpoints, offering Forti Cal Soft Chews as a treat will keep glucose levels up, allowing the liver to burn fat efficiently.

Extra Calories for Dogs That are Training

Trainers often use Forti Cal Soft Chews to encourage reliable recall in dogs, especially in the field. These high-calorie chews help maintain energy levels while giving dogs a rewarding reason to return. A strong recall is essential for keeping dogs safe, particularly in emergencies or when danger is nearby.

How to Help a Dog Recover from Surgery, Illness or Injury

When recovering from an injury or illness, there is an increase in demand for calories and vitamins. Giving a calorie supplement to your cat or dog will speed their recovery and improve their appetite for food. Cats can be especially challenging in recovery as they often lose their appetite and refuse to eat. Nutri-Cal® gel for cats can be placed on the paw, and when the cat grooms, he will also take in needed calories and vitamins for weight gain, tissue repair and appetite stimulation.

How Do You Get Calories in a Dog That Won’t Eat?

So what can I add to my dogs food for extra calories? Doc Roy’s® Forti Cal is offered in liquid, soft chew, and granule forms, allowing you to choose the ideal option to meet your pet’s specific nutritional needs and tastes. Granules are ideal for active or nursing dogs or cats or during weaning. The Doc Roy’s® Forti Cal Liquid provides the most calories per serving and is ideal for puppies, nursing moms, hunting and working dogs. A high calorie gel such as Nutri-Cal® can be absorbed and is helpful for newborns or picky eaters when energy is needed fast. If you need help finding the best calorie supplement for dogs and cats or have more questions on Forti Cal or other supplements, call a Revival Animal Care Specialist at 800.786.4751.