That's what I call Elise. When I found her two years ago, she was literally all skin and bones. I do not use the word "Holocaust" lightly, that is what she looks like. I have had animal control at my house several times due to her appearance. Luckily for me the vet was willing to fax them her medical records, so everything is cool with them. They know I am not starving her. The vet "thinks" she has a malabsortion disorder but nothing has worked. I have tried all the home cooked diets, the REALLY expensive pre-made diets but with little results. I think she might have gained three pounds. Her last weight in she was 25 lbs and she should be at least 40 lbs. Aside from her weight, she shows no signs of malnutrition. Her hair and bloodwork come back negative. I have checked the internet and it says she is suppose to have a voracious appetite but just the opposite is true. She is a very picky eater. Elise is currently eating dry cat food because (1) she will and (2) it is higher in protein than dog food. She refuses all dog food and aside from the cat food, only wants to eat junk food. Do you guys have any idea as to what my next move should be?
Lisie
Try Satin Balls, which some people call fat burgers. You have to be careful with them as there is a lot of fat, so pancreatitis could happen. But these did the trick after two of my girls got really sick and lost half or more of their body weight.
There are many different recipes online, just google em and it should come up.
There are many different recipes online, just google em and it should come up.
First - Disclaimer ... I have no clue. But, sometimes my ideas outta left field help to trigger a valuable idea:
1. Junk food: high in salt or sodium, or sugar?
2. There should be some research that you can Google on starvation, or anorexia that might provide valuable suggestions.
3. Her starvation might have burned out fat cells and related metabolism... so she may remain thin, like some Prisoners of War...
4. Does she have adequate B-12, etc. which can relate to absorption?
5. Will she eat boiled chicken, brown rice, and steamed green beans (steamed broccoli or steamed carrots) to help build vitamins.
6. Cat food has too much protein... Can you mix the cat food with steamed veggies and brown rice?
1. Junk food: high in salt or sodium, or sugar?
2. There should be some research that you can Google on starvation, or anorexia that might provide valuable suggestions.
3. Her starvation might have burned out fat cells and related metabolism... so she may remain thin, like some Prisoners of War...
4. Does she have adequate B-12, etc. which can relate to absorption?
5. Will she eat boiled chicken, brown rice, and steamed green beans (steamed broccoli or steamed carrots) to help build vitamins.
6. Cat food has too much protein... Can you mix the cat food with steamed veggies and brown rice?
Satin balls was my first thought. Have you tried raw? And is your vet working with you to try and help?
I would try raw if you're willing and she'll eat it. Otherwise.. have you tried canned? Different brands of kibble? A lot of local type pet stores will carry samples. And some of the chains will let you return the bag if the dog won't eat it.
Before I switched to raw, my dog was really tough to keep any weight on at all because he just didn't like kibble that much. He'd eat enough to get by but that's it. He'd eat some more at least if I mixed in a couple spoonfuls of canned. Now that he's on raw I have to watch his portions carefully since he'll happily eat himself fat.
Before I switched to raw, my dog was really tough to keep any weight on at all because he just didn't like kibble that much. He'd eat enough to get by but that's it. He'd eat some more at least if I mixed in a couple spoonfuls of canned. Now that he's on raw I have to watch his portions carefully since he'll happily eat himself fat.
Aside from the starvation, sounds a lot like what's going on in this thread. Cat food is higher in protein than dog food, and often contains fish (even in non-fish flavours), so maybe try a high-protein fish-based canned food or kibble. Try soaking the kibble in water or some very dilute broth, or even topping it with something yummy (ground beef? salmon or tuna packed in water?)
If you have already tried that then... I'm out of ideas. I hope you find a solution though!
If you have already tried that then... I'm out of ideas. I hope you find a solution though!
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