Not Eating Much

[mmbrod02]

Over the past 3 weeks Scarlett has significantly decreased her food intake. Yesterday and today she has not even finished one dish of her food which is 1.5 cups of large breed puppy Fromm kibble. I also give her fish, chicken, vegetables, eggs, etc. throughout the week but she used to eat more of her kibble too. Should I be concerned or could this just be that she is not as hungry during the summer just like humans?

 

[victoria1140]

Mine never ate as much depending on the heat and humidity.how much is she leaving.

Perhaps she isnt enjoying that particular kibble as much

 

[mmbrod02]

Yesterday she had a total 3/4 cup of kibble. Today she had about the same and I gave her an egg after her first bowl of food since she barely ate anything. When I put her food out in the evening she did not touch it. I have been giving her the same kibble all along and plan to switch her off kibble completely but have been advised by her vet not to do so until she is at least a year old so that she does not grow very rapidly.

 

[Jeannie]

You need to watch adding the goodies to make them eat. At least I do mine. They learn quickly that if they don't eat they get a goodie. I usually don't worry if mine won't eat until they have gone 48 hours without eating anything at all.

My advice: Set the food down and show it to her. Wait 15 minutes. If she does not eat pick it up and don't offer her any other food, treats or goodies until the next feeding time. Then repeat. This may go on for over a day maybe 2. No dog will let themselves starve when they are being offered food. Just remember: water all the time. Food for 15 minutes NO treats or goodies of any kind until she eats.

 

[AngusMcDubhsMom]

Sound advice, Jeannie. I've been a bit concerned about mine lately too, but it has been so hot and humid here I guess they just don't feel like eating. I do make sure they have fresh water at all times. (and Gracie reminds me when she wants a drink from the bathtub faucet as well LOL).

 

[mmbrod02]

Thanks I will try that today Jeanie.

 

[Brandie&Maggie]

Exactly what Jeannie said. She's training you to give her the treats! It's incredibly hard not to give in to those adorable sad puppy eyes, but you can do it!

 

[Emma & Nigel's Mom]

My Emma hasn't been eating as much either. I'm not worried because she does eat on a daily basis. It's just sometimes she prefers a light breakfast.

 

[Jeannie]

Thanks I will try that today Jeanie.

It is going to take more than a day to retrain her.

 

[mmbrod02]

I have not been giving anything but her kibble and I think her appetite has just decreased. She is eating, just not much. Thanks for your advice.