Help - Finicky Eater

[jordansmom]

I started this new post because I didn't want to get lost in an already established one. My problem is Jordan is trying to work me into changing his diet. He has used certain events in his life to successfully get me to change his diet. However, unfortunately, since his allergy test, his food sources are fairly limited. Plus I have had him on a very successful yeast detox diet which limits the veges to those of a low glycemic index. The only 2 protein sources he can have are turkey and fish. (Salmon and sardines cause hotspots, so they're out) So for the past 6 months we've had great success with Bravo turkey original which contains very few ingredients. Now Jordan has decided he doesn't want to eat this anymore. I know he's hungry because he puts his nose up and smells the food when I bring it out of the fridge. But when I put the dish down he walks over, sniffs, licks, and walks away. A few times I have sat with him and put the food in his mouth. But I'm getting worried because how long do I hold out in making a major change? He's lost 4 lbs in 1 week. He has no other health problems other than some current antibiotics he's on for 3 different bacterial skin infections. (I have no idea how that happened!) I've tried garlic, olive oil, coconut oil, green beans...all foodstuffs he's devoured in the past, but now he rejects those too.

I'm starting to stress out over this...
I feel like I have a mensa child that I can't figure out!!!

 

[Jeannie]

I have the same problem with my Samantha.

Try adding shredded turkey or cooked fish to the kibble. Can you try tuna? Not daily because of the mercury content but occassionally won't hurt. What about mashed potatoes?

 

[charlieinnj]

He's not on Doxycyclene (sp?) is he? I know when we had to put Oliver on that they told us that it could effect his appetitie and if we noticed a change, we should notify the Vet right away because it was a bad side-effect.

 

[Sound Bay Newfs]

Some dogs do not like eating cold food from the fridge. Can you take it out an hour before you feed him to bring it to room temp?

 

[nowhavethreebears]

I was thinking along the same lines as Lynn...Dogs are attracted to food mostly because of the smell...cold stuff doesn't really smell all that much.
You might try popping it in the microwave for a few seconds after it's come to room temp to make it even smellier.
Just stir a bit before serving to get rid of any hot spots.

 

[Murphy]

I was thinking along the same lines as Lynn...Dogs are attracted to food mostly because of the smell...cold stuff doesn't really smell all that much.
You might try popping it in the microwave for a few seconds after it's come to room temp to make it even smellier.
Just stir a bit before serving to get rid of any hot spots.

Lots of people think I'm crazy and they may have a valid point, but Murphy's food that I add to his kibble is warmed in the microwave. Bit of beef or chicken, stew, mashed spuds etc..

 

[NewfMom]

The other thing I've had some luck with is adding a bit of warm water to the kibble to soften it up and bring out the smells.

 

[NewfK9]

I have heard that green tripe will encourage a dogs appetite.

 

[jordansmom]

I"ll try to answer some of the questions first:
1. Yes, he is on Doxycycline. That was one med I didn't look up because somehow I thought he had been on it before without incident. After reviewing my notes it looks like a brand new med for him. I'll call the vet on that one.
2. I've tried warming the food up on the counter, that seems to be a hit or miss with Jordan.
3. I have tried tripe in the past, which he does like. Anything from a beef or chicken source though will cause skin issues. (As well as pork, lamb, venison, duck, rabbit, bison, etc.)
4. Thought about potatoes, they have a high carb index which would rule them out in large quantities. Sweet potato is lower in sugar and I think that might be a good alternative.

I think I'll try the tuna and maybe some other mild fish like cod (my vets suggestion). Although this morning he ate his food without issue. Even barked to let me know "Hey, I'm hungry!" (that was a good sign) The warm water is a good idea, had not thought of that. Strangely enough I had purchased a package of ground turkey from the grocery store and he really went for that....how is that so different from the turkey he already gets?

Feeling better, thankyou!

 

[Sierra Newfs]

My problem is Jordan is trying to work me into changing his diet. He has used certain events in his life to successfully get me to change his diet. However, unfortunately, since his allergy test, his food sources are fairly limited.

He has no other health problems other than some current antibiotics he's on for 3 different bacterial skin infections.

It can be very worrisome to have a dog who won't eat. Following up with your vet about the possibility of Jordan's current medications making him nauseous is a great idea.

Things I consider if one of my dogs isn't eating are: changes in food/water (even a newly opened package of the same food), household changes, physical issues (swallowing normally or preference for soft foods), medications, and also if there is complete disinterest or if the dog is excited, but quickly turns away from the food (I'd be concerned pain or nausea with that). If there isn't a clear cause that can be remedied on the spot then we're off to the vet, but it is very very rare for one of my dogs to miss a meal by their choice. At the '05 National my dogs wouldn't go near their food or water buckets one evening. My husband realized he used tap water at the hotel and not the bottled water we had brought. Once things were changed back we didn't have a problem again.

Once things are settled with Jordan and if you feel there is an issue with him holding out for something better, Sue Ailsby has good advice at: http://www.dragonflyllama.com/ DOGS/Writing/TeachEat.html

I hope he feels better soon. Skin issues can be a pretty awful experience for everyone.

 

[ardeagold]

I've also found that the Doxy affects their appetite. It seems to impact their sense of smell because they'll eat some things and not others. Fish is the one thing that ours would not touch on Doxy. Dairy was mostly out too.

However, if we'd give chicken (home made) they'd eat it ALL and beg for more. Turkey worked too.

Usually this would only last until they were off the Doxy, so we just got creative with feeding them.

I've also had this happen to dogs taking Cephalexin. So I suspect many antibiotics interfere with their appetites...or sense of smell, or something.

 

[Newfs Forever]

When my late Dexter was on Baytril, his appetite was totally different. I had to give him a pepcid at least 30 minutes prior to his dinner. Then he would eat.

Dex would normally eat anything. He wasn't finicky, so it had to have been the baytril.

 

[ardeagold]

Yep...agree with the Pepcid AC 30 mins prior to dosing. Especially Doxy!!!!

Oh...and I always gave the pills right AFTER the meal. Not before. Wanted them to have it on a full stomach.

And...no turkey or chicken skin!! That will really upset their digestion. And no bones...cooked, that is!

 

[jordansmom]

I hadn't considered the nausea angle too much as he's not acting like he has an upset stomach. His attitude is good, eyes are bright and clear, walks are great. When he's feeling good, oftentimes right after eating he wants to play, gets all excited. He's been acting that way the last few days. I do have an aloe vera juice that I picked up at Whole Foods (also has other herbal ingredients that are healing to the GI tract) which worked for him awhile back. He would smack his lips at night and I had read somewhere that that was a subtle sign of an upset stomach. Been giving it to him again lately at night. Maybe I should try it again before his meals, see what happens. Tried alittle bit of cooked oatmeal and his nose really went ski high this morning. Can newfs handle oatmeal? His diet is very limited due to overall food/environment allergies so I have to be careful. It seems the jury is in total agreement on doxy, hmmm. This will be challenging. I appreciate all the feedback and suggestions.

 

[jordansmom]

Just read the link Sierra Newfs posted and I have to tell you thankyou!

 

[Thule's Mom]

My Thule has allergies too; the only protein sources she can have are turkey, fish, pork. I have her on Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream and I mix in pork - but I warm the pork with water in the microwave for 30 seconds... since I started doing this I haven't had a problem getting her to eat.. and she was one of the world's most finicky eaters. I know Jordan has to have a different set of proteins, but try warming a mixer protein with a very small amount of water in the microwave; it's the aroma that gets them!

 

[jordansmom]

Update: Jordan's appetite has returned to normal. In fact, the poor guy is ravenous. Since we were pretty much at the end of the 2 antibiotics (zeniquin & doxy) I stopped administering the last few pills a few days ago. About yesterday afternoon he perked right up to eat. We are on another antibiotic which I have created a new post in the diseases, maladies section. Thanks for all of the suggestions.