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Feeding a Dog Who is a Picky Eater

Questions

Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.

March 29, 2011

Is anyone else having problems with their Bischon being a very picky eater?

By Annie from Jacksonville, FL

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Answers

March 30, 20113 found this helpful

Your dog is picky because he's allowed to be. I'm a trainer and I've never seen a dog skeleton next to a full dinner dish! Being allowed to dictate what he will and won't eat gives him the upper hand in your relationship as well as being unhealthy physically. People food isn't a balanced diet for a dog. A lot of times, dogs don't eat what's put in front of them simply because they're not hungry! Usually it's a result of too many treats, pig's ears, rawhide bones, etc., between meals. Cut them out.

In the morning, put down half of the dog's normal portion of food. Leave it down for 45 minutes, and pick it up if it's not eaten. Feed nothing else until dinner time and do the same thing again. Of course, water should always be available.

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If you don't cave under the pressure the dog is sure to bestow upon you and fall for the fussing and as long as everyone in the family agrees and does this, after a day or two, your dog will eat. This reverts the dog back to his roots, i.e., eat when food is available. Trust me on this; it works. And a day or two of not eating isn't going to kill him.

 

Bronze Feedback Medal for All Time! 147 Feedbacks
March 30, 20111 found this helpful

It's a wonder that dogs even eat that stuff they call dog food! If you research this you will find that perhaps the food company's use 4 D meat in their products. 4 D stands for animal carcasses from: Drugged, Diseased, down & dead animals - I even think they might throw a little road kill in as well. It's no wonder that our cats & dogs are getting cancer. Stop feeding your dog this food he probably can smell this stuff in his food. Would you want to eat it?

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And oh yeah - China has put melamine in their wheat floor which goes into the dog food.

Start cooking chicken for him, add veggies & rice and you will find your dogs personality will come alive! You're poisoning your dog! It's not that expensive, go to your local Shop & Save you can buy big chicken breasts, boneless & without skin for $1.16 to $1.49 per pound when they have it on sale. Did I mention you will save a lot of $$$ on vet bills as well?

 
June 21, 20110 found this helpful

I have the same mixed dog, my dog is a male and refuses to eat dog food. I have tried every brand of dog food available and he won't eat any kind. He eats what I eat salads, apples, bananas potatos gravy and a small amount of meat. He has lost the use of his hind legs because of his long body and weak back.

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He is about 12 to 14 years old and has been on wheels for about 8 years. His name is Radar and I will admit he is very spoil but wouldn't have him any other way.

 
 
September 22, 20150 found this helpful

You never feed a dog human food feed them high quality dry dog food try different kinds but never give in to the dog that shows you are the boss they get hungry enough they will my male shih tzu was the same way

 
January 10, 20180 found this helpful

Y,ES GLORIA!!!!YOU GO GIRL!!! She's right!! Dog food is a big ole SCAM! It's an unhealthy raquet and our poor pets are trying to tell us "THIS STUFF IS GROSS BUT ILL EAT IT IF YOU STARVE ME"

 
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May 5, 2014

I have a three year old Boxer who has had health problems since she was born, such as allergies. She doesn't metabolize nutrients like she should, and she has had urinary incontinence since she was 4 months. Recently she stopped eating her food and only would get into the trash, now she is eating more than normal plus gets into the trash and eats anything (she has never gotten into the trash before). She is also eating a lot of grass. This is all in about a two month period.

I work with dogs professionally and even I am just so stumped on what could possibly be the problem. I have been told by one vet they think I should put her down because of her health problems. I really am just looking for some advice and if anyone has ever seen this kind of thing before. She has been on very good dog food since we brought her home at 8 weeks. Also she is three years old but is the size of a six month old puppy.
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By Monica M.

Answers


Gold Post Medal for All Time! 677 Posts
November 9, 20170 found this helpful

Sometimes when animals or humans eat something not normally eaten, its because they are missing a nutrient or vitamin in the diet. I would take the dog to another vet. I would also put the trash on a high table or shelf, so you wont have to deal with the mess.

 
June 2, 20220 found this helpful

yes, I knew it would probably be useless to answer. However, if there was just one hope out of a million that my answer might save a sweet little dog from being killed, it was worth the try! It totally infuriates me when people, especially those who work with animals or claim to love animals, talk about killing them rather than TRYING EVERYTHING THAT HAS EVEN A REMOTE CHANCE OF HELPING THE ANIMAL. (unless the furbaby is in pain. If this is the case, then more discussions with the best professionals possible would be necessary as quickly as possible. We never want any animal to suffer! There is nothing worse than knowing a furbaby is in pain; and trying to make the best decision possible for the animal based on his/her condition, and whether learned animal specialists (that you talked with and who have hopefully examined him/her) have been able to determine what it would take to get the animal back to being able to enjoy a happy life once again.

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It's such a terribly difficult and sad time... and those of us who adore our beloved fur-babies will all, at one time or another, have to suffer these tragic days/weeks/months/years. But having them as a member of your family, and loving them so very much.. makes the unavoidable pain worth it! Giving animals a loving home, and watching them live happily and thrive is something we must do for them!
It's also one of the most wonderful opportunities that we humans have to make our lives really meaningful... as we Learn, Enjoy, and Understand what true loyalty, pure forgiveness, and complete and forever love are all about! This can only be done with the help of the dog (or other fur-baby) who loves you dearly and forever.

 
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April 22, 2018

I have a 10 month old Cockapoo. He is a very fussy eater when it comes to dog food and has even gone without food for up to 2/3 days as he just will not eat it! He loves chicken with broccoli and carrots (sometimes rice included). Can I substitute this food for his dog food?

He is lean and I need to get him to put on some weight! I am having him neutered next week on the vet's recommendation which apparently will help him to gain weight. His worming is all up to date.

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Silver Answer Medal for All Time! 424 Answers
April 22, 20180 found this helpful

Some of the ingredients you mention are in dog food any way, especially the rice. If that is what your dog will eat then by all means feed it to him.

 

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April 24, 20180 found this helpful

You might want to try mixing some broth in with his food to see if he likes it better. You certainly can learn to make your own food for your dog but it does require a fair amount of study if you are going to do it right. You will need to understand his nutritional requirements so you can include all of them in your food for him. I have done just this for my cat and it has worked out well. It does require a few hours every other week shopping and cooking and freezing his meals. And I know more than I ever wanted to know about how much vitamin A there is in a chicken liver. My cat wasn't expected to live much beyond a year. He is 12 years old now, for me it was worth the extra trouble. The internet has recipes available to use, but as I said you need to know enough to evaluate them. Good luck.

 
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June 8, 2015

I need help. I have a nine year Toy Poodle that is extremely picky. I have tried various foods and he will eat it as a last resort. Please help me find a food that he will love to eat all the time.


Thank you.

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Bronze Answer Medal for All Time! 220 Answers
June 9, 20150 found this helpful

You do not provide any medical history so it is difficult to suggest possibilities. However, if you have not taken your dog to your vet regarding this problem, please take him now. He might have a medical problem that interferes in eating (our wonderful cat of 15 years suddenly stopped eating. We finally learned that he had an inoperable cancerous tumor in his throat).

There might be something in the food that he cannot handle-there can be many possibilities. However, you must start with the dog's health status before trying any "cures". Your vet will clarify your dog's health and can help with suggestions to work with your dog's eating problem.

 
June 9, 20150 found this helpful

Yeah, I'm wondering why a dog should behave this way. If it's hungry, it should eat.

Get a vet check of the dog. Once you're sure that nothing is physically wrong, leave the food out and walk away. No treats and no human food. When the dog gets hungry it will eat, but right now, it may be getting more attention from you by not eating.

By the way, a dog can go 24 hrs. without eating, so if your dog is ignoring its food for half a day and you get worried and try to change it, it might be just confused.

 
June 9, 20150 found this helpful

By the way, a toy poodle up to 10 pounds needs only 1/4 to 3/4 cup food per day. That's a very small amount. If he doesn't actually appear to be underweight, he may getting enough food as it is.

 
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October 23, 2017

I got Sparky when he was 2 months old and he was fed dry food, Purina Pro Plan. Eventually someone gave him human food and he didn't want the dry anymore. He was loosing weight so I found wet dog food, Purina Pedigree, but he would only eat it if I fed him with a spoon. He is now 2 years old. I bought the same dry brand and he has gone 11 days without food.

He would drink water, but then finally he ate, not much, but some. I've tried Merrick, Science Diet, Solid Gold, and now Nutro. He won't eat and even though he is still energetic around me it's starting to worry me. Any ideas?

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Gold Post Medal for All Time! 677 Posts
October 23, 20170 found this helpful

See the vet to make sure he doesnt have dental problems. It may hurt him to eat dry food.

 

Silver Post Medal for All Time! 433 Posts
October 26, 20170 found this helpful

Dog will not eat.

Step 1
Maybe he just does not like dry food.

Step 2
I would make him some chicken well cooked and some rice.

Step 3
Add the broth from the chicken to make it tasty.

Step 4
Alot of people make their own dog's food.

 
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May 12, 2014

I have a daisy dog; she's overweight a few pounds, but on a small dog that's not good. She only eats human food. What's the best wet or dry food for small dog?

By Jody B.

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Silver Post Medal for All Time! 255 Posts
December 7, 20170 found this helpful

I was told by our vet, that dry was best to loose weight. But if they have broken or bad teeth or get constipated easily, they can have the wet.

 
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April 28, 2014

If I put dry food or canned food in the feeding dish, my Shih Tzu will go 3 days without eating, but she begs at the table constantly. We do not feed her from the table!

By C G

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Silver Post Medal for All Time! 255 Posts
December 7, 20170 found this helpful

I would kennel her at meal time, in a room other than the one you are eating in, until she learns she is not to beg. Someone at some time has fed her at the table to teach her this. If she gets hungry enough, she will eat her food.

 
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August 14, 2013

My chihuahua is approximately 5 years old. She is very spoiled and I can't seem to find any kind of dog food she will eat. I have tried everything.

She will eat my cat's food but not her dog food. I'm afraid she isn't getting the nutrients she needs. Please help if anyone has advice.

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Bronze Feedback Medal for All Time! 128 Feedbacks
August 14, 20130 found this helpful

Slightly warm and mash the dog food before giving it to the dog - a good trick that I've found is before putting it down sprinkle the top with a teaspoon or so crushed dried liver - the smell seems to tempt my dogs to eat the food. Dried liver is usually available at the supermarket in the pet section or in the pet store.

 
August 15, 20130 found this helpful

Don't let him be picky. This is where tough love comes in. Put the cat food up where cats can reach, but not the dog. Put dog food down for your dog, leave it for 15 minutes. If he eats, great. If not, put it up, and nothing to eat (except water) until the next meal. Do the same the next time. He'll learn to eat, and doesn't need to be spoiled to do so.

 
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October 7, 2012

I have a Bichon Pomeranian cross. She eats a little of her dry puppy food so I give her a little table scraps, but she doesn't always like that either.

By Shirley

Answers

October 8, 20120 found this helpful

I have a dog exactly as you described I tried giving her cooked meat only for a little while and then switched back to dog chow. It worked but not for long so I had to mix back and forth. Hope this helps.

 
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June 20, 2011

I have a Dachshund/Pomeranian mix; he is a very picky eater. I haven't found any dog food he likes. Are there any suggestions from anyone that owns this type of breed? He is 18 months old. What do you feed your dog?

By lady938

Answers

June 22, 20110 found this helpful

The old saying of "when they get hungry enough, they will eat" sounds appropriate here...

 
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Archives

ThriftyFun is one of the longest running frugal living communities on the Internet. These are archives of older discussions.

January 13, 2011

So here is my dilemma: He is extremely picky. I started giving him as a pup BRIGHTLIFE. then he wouldn't eat that, so after a while slowly we switch him to NATURAL BALANCE.

 
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August 21, 2009

My dog is training me, he is a picky eater. I started to make him his food, because he would not eat his regular kibble, which was good quality.

 
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March 29, 2011

Our 2 yr. old YorkiePoo is kinda picky in what she'll eat. Right now she eats (sometimes) Caesar foods.

 
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December 11, 2010

My 1yr old chihuahua is a very picky eater. Sometimes she will go for days without eating. I cannot find the right food to feed her; especially the hard food. She seems to like the Alpo beef w/gravy; and the chicken treats.

 
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