She doesn't really care to eat.

NefAndWord · 06-22-2007, 01:31 PM

Alright, this is probably a very strange question.. but my dog doesn't seem to care less if she eats her food, or if she doesn't. She likes treats and snacks, and she has been to the vet and is in good health. She's had her shots, no fleas, no mites, no worms... and she has been spayed, she's about 8-9 months. As long as we have had her, she just doesn't seem interested in eating. I have switched her food several times, but she'd just rather play. She'll eat a few bites of whatever, and then just run off after one of the cats or with her toy. She's energetic and healthy, but she is so so skinny, and it makes me feel bad! People have actually asked me if we feed her (which is terrible thing for anyone who knows me and what an animal lover I am to ask.)
So, how can I fatten her up a bit? I don't mean to make her FAT, just so that she doesn't look so scrawny. Or, is it okay that she doesn't really seem interested in eating meals?
Thanks!

RonE · 06-22-2007, 01:36 PM

Here's what I'd recommend.

Stop switching foods. Pick a good one, stick with it and cut out the treats for now.

Put the food down for 15-20 minutes. Whatever isn't eaten, pick it up and put it out of reach. Repeat for additional times each day. (Whether you're feeding 2-3 times.)

A dog in otherwise good health will not starve itself, but it might look like it for a few days. As long as it's allowed to graze all day long, and get treats, it has no reason to eat at scheduled meal-times. Once you get on a schedule, and stick with it, the dog well eat when the opportunity arises.

briteday · 06-22-2007, 01:45 PM

I agree with Ron. Try feeding on a schedule.

However, even on a scheduel we have one dog who culd go 2-3 meals without eating, not a bite sometimes.

What are you currently feeding her?

NefAndWord · 06-22-2007, 02:41 PM

Well, I do try to feed her on a schedule. I give treats, but not in excess, she is still learning some commands, so the treats can't be given up entirely. I forget the brand of the food she has just now, it is kibble, however. We keep it in a big container, otherwise the cats will get into the bag. I usually keep the bag in the container also, so that I know what we bought.. but I guess this time I forgot to keep it.

GreyhoundGirl · 06-22-2007, 02:47 PM

Excellent suggestions

http://www.dogforums.com/5-dog-food-...html#post84744 (Negative effects of free feeding...)

briteday · 06-22-2007, 07:18 PM

Ok, so free feeding is not the problem. Then I would go to the food section of the forum, look for the sticky at the top and read through some of the food analysis reports. Make a short list of the foods that are higher quality that you think you could live with. Tehn find an independent retailer or parm supply store in your area (or you can narrow it down by going to the food manufacturer's website and finding a store near you that carries their food, a store that carries one premiu food is bound to carry more than one), go to the store and see if they have the little free sample bags, they'll usually be happy to let you sample a handful of brands, try them on your dog to see what he likes, and go from there depending on budget, availability, etc.

What breed is your dog?

NefAndWord · 06-22-2007, 11:57 PM

She is a beagle mix. Mixed with what? I have no idea.

But she is VERY active. She looooves to go go go.

♥Forest♥ · 06-23-2007, 12:00 AM

i have a few suggestions

1. cut down on treats
2. maybe try puttin some cooked hamburger juice on the food,mixin meat in, or even some places sell those gravies especially for dog foods

that should get her eating

Haidden · 06-23-2007, 12:34 AM

I had my dog on innova puppy chicken ever since he was 3 months, he just turned 6 months (shih tzu) and he had been just playing with his food not really eating. So after a while of this I switched him over to Canidae All Life Stages Lamb and he loves it. Soon as I set the bowl down he starts eating as before it took him a while and I would have to sit with him to eat.

I have him on a schedule, 3 times a day right now. Once in the morning, once mid afternoon usually when I get off work and then once at night. I will only be feeding him twice a day soon though since he is getting a little bit older.

♥Forest♥ · 06-23-2007, 12:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Haidden

I had my dog on innova puppy chicken ever since he was 3 months, he just turned 6 months (shih tzu) and he had been just playing with his food not really eating. So after a while of this I switched him over to Canidae All Life Stages Lamb and he loves it. Soon as I set the bowl down he starts eating as before it took him a while and I would have to sit with him to eat.

I have him on a schedule, 3 times a day right now. Once in the morning, once mid afternoon usually when I get off work and then once at night. I will only be feeding him twice a day soon though since he is getting a little bit older.

my cats on innova he loves it so much he rips the food bag open hes never done that before

Haidden · 06-23-2007, 01:07 AM

Yea, my girlfriends cat is on innova and she loves it. Guess each pet has what they like and what they dont =)

GreyhoundGirl · 06-23-2007, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NefAndWord

She is a beagle mix.

I never thought I'd see the day when a beagle wouldn't eat! All the beagles I've seen recentally have been very obese. And this is the first beagle I've ever heard of that doesn't stuff his/her face and stomach.

NefAndWord · 06-23-2007, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GreyhoundGirl

I never thought I'd see the day when a beagle wouldn't eat! All the beagles I've seen recentally have been very obese. And this is the first beagle I've ever heard of that doesn't stuff his/her face and stomach.

I know. My husband was pretty disappointed, his favorite feature is that beagles are so short and pudgy. And we have a tall, skinny skinny beagle that LOVES to run and hates to eat. lol.