[MOJO]

I have a twelve week old Siberian Husky (Myztiq) and a rescued 1 1/2 year (approx.) old Malamute (Zeus). The pup has been with us for about 2 months and the Mal has been with us for about 1 month.

I understand that with change, adaption, and so forth, dogs will generally have eating issues until they become comfortable with their surroundings. And these breeds tend to regulate their caloric intake at certain points of the year or depending upon activity level.

However, ours have both adapted with us and each other extremely well and everything was fine. Now, the Mal will eat good (2 meals/day) for 3 or so days, and then slough off and not touch but a couple of bites for 1-2 days at a time. Our Sibe is more interested in the Mals food than hers and will stop eating once she knows that she cannot have what he's eating. I have been able to get the Mal to eat more often by mixing a little cottage cheese in with his food but he even turns his nose up at that sometimes.

The Sibe has been eating a "Puppy Chow" for large breed dogs that came with from the breeder, we are almost out of this supply and are considering placing her on a better quality puppy food. The Mal on the other hand, was being given a certain type of food at the kennel, and we got sent home with a different type of food to give him. So I had to take a shot in the dark after he would not touch the food we got from the kennel and pick something that would assist us in putting some weight on him as he was approx. 10-15lbs. under weight when got him. We put Zeus on "sportmix" high protien for large breed.

How can we tell when these eating issues are stemming from their breed's genetic make-up, or when there may be something wrong with them?

I hope this makes sense, as I am typing this while sitting in a meeting at work....lol.

[MagicToller]

I agree on the decision to switch off a generic puppy chow, you can find a much better quality food which will provide better nutrition.

Eating problems usually stem from environmental issues. I don't recommend adding goodies in their food to try to get them to eat because it will make them pickier eaters. Are their exercise levels high? Maybe with increasing their exercise blocks their food drive will increase? I'm not sure, maybe your case is unique.. what did your vet say?

[MOJO]

Originally Posted by MagicToller

I agree on the decision to switch off a generic puppy chow, you can find a much better quality food which will provide better nutrition.

Eating problems usually stem from environmental issues. I don't recommend adding goodies in their food to try to get them to eat because it will make them pickier eaters. Are their exercise levels high? Maybe with increasing their exercise blocks their food drive will increase? I'm not sure, maybe your case is unique.. what did your vet say?

I agree with the adding of "goodies" to the food but we were so concerned with his weight issue we wanted to do what we could.

As for excersize, they are playing/running for approx. 60min./day in 30min. blocks, with a 30min. evening walk. I will look at this factor and see what can be added.

The Vet, although VERY good medically speaking in general, has very little knowledge of these two breeds. I am finding that many issues that can and do arise are breed specific which leaves us all kind of scratching our heads. The vet has run the both of them through the standard tests, labs, and so on, and they have been treated for all verifiable issues. The vet seems to think that they are still trying to adapt in some way.

I guess time will tell as we get to know their personalities more and more. I will check "environmentally" to see if there is anything more we can do for them to help this issue.

Can you recommend a good puppy food to transfer the Sibe to?

Thanks for the input!

[MagicToller]

Sure! The following brands are excellent and I personally recommend them. These also have puppy specific lines that would most benefit your pup

Blue Buffalo
Solid Gold
Pinnacle
Innova Evo
Timberwolf
Karma
Canidae
Chicken Soup for the Dog Lovers Soul

If you'd also like, you can pick up a hiking back-pack from a local pet store and start implimenting it into your exercise routine with your older mal and the sibe pup when he gets older. You can add water bottles or other misc. items that will tire the dog quicker, burn more energy, and increase their appetite and will also satisfy their work ethic as working breed dogs.

Good luck!

[MOJO]

Originally Posted by MagicToller

Sure! The following brands are excellent and I personally recommend them. These also have puppy specific lines that would most benefit your pup

Blue Buffalo
Solid Gold
Pinnacle
Innova Evo
Timberwolf
Karma
Canidae
Chicken Soup for the Dog Lovers Soul

If you'd also like, you can pick up a hiking back-pack from a local pet store and start implimenting it into your exercise routine with your older mal and the sibe pup when he gets older. You can add water bottles or other misc. items that will tire the dog quicker, burn more energy, and increase their appetite and will also satisfy their work ethic as working breed dogs.

Good luck!

EXCELLENT TIP!

I never thought of the backpack! This place is great!

I will add those brands to my list as well!

[Curbside Prophet]

Originally Posted by MOJO

EXCELLENT TIP!

I never thought of the backpack!

To add onto this excellent tip, for your dog's joint health keep the weight under 10% of their body weight.