He only picks at his dog food every once in a while. Although, if I put water on it, he scarfs it down like there is no tomorrow. Should I keep on putting water on it, or stop so I don't spoil him, and hope he starts eating?
2006-07-07 10:05:52 · 22 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
Assuming a healthy puppy, at 9 weeks old he should be on solid food, but don't freak. This isn't that wierd.
Don't switch him to moist canned food, or it will take forever to switch him back.
Watch his treat intake - with new puppies owners tend to overfeed, which teaches dogs that dinner is less important. That's probably the most common thing.
Make sure the food is size appropriate to the dog as well - we raise AKC registered beagles and some brands of purina are just too big.
Other than that, start with the dry food moistened, then slowly make it less and less moist. If you switch back and forth, your dog will figure that he can hold out for the good stuff, and you don't want to get into that contest with your dog. (you'll either give in and let him take dominance, or your dog will go hungry until his will breaks. Not fun.)
One other thing - you can try pouring a quarter cup warm bacon grease over the food. This will make it tasty without softening it, and will show you if the dog is rejecting the texture or the taste of the food. Bacon grease in moderation is also good for the coat. With this, do the same thing as the water - gradually using less and less grease, until you aren't using any at all.
2006-07-07 10:15:15 · answer #1 · answered by Boundfate 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I guess you figured by now that it's OK to keep adding a little water. I have a dachsund who is now 6 years old. He never liked dried food alone. I always mixed it with half a can of the moist food. And talk about spoiling! I try and get him the best all natural and if possible organic food. Do make sure it is age and weight appropriate.
2006-07-07 17:13:09 · answer #2 · answered by browneyedgirl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is nothing wrong with moistening dry dog food with a little bit of water -- not too mushy, not soupy, because you want the dry kibble to help keep his teeth clean. But moistening it just a bit isn't really "spoiling" him.
I bet you'll find as he gets older and is able to handle the kibble better, you'll have to do this less and less until he's eating dry kibble. But even if you don't...not a big deal. I have 35 dogs in my kennel and they all eat kibble moistened with water (although we do sometimes add other stuff, like raw meat, veggies, eggs, etc.).
In reference to another post -- not sure I'd recommend bacon grease for a puppy, as it is sure to upset his digestive system.
Good luck!
2006-07-07 17:19:34 · answer #3 · answered by Loki Wolfchild 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He is a little young to think you are spoiling him. Just keep puting water on it for another few weeks, and occasionally give him dry kibble as treats - eventually you will be able to stop using the water on it - but always keep a pan of water beside the dish no matter whether you add water or not.
2006-07-07 17:10:44 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is a common practice in most pet stores [watering down the food]. Check with the vet on whether or not you should continue to do it. If you don't, I think he will eventually start eating the food dry.
2006-07-07 17:08:42 · answer #5 · answered by Meg...Out of Hybernation 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a miniature schnauzer and prefers dry food with a bit of water. I put just a little hot water in the dry food and mix til it's cool for him to eat. They like that because to them, it's like a gravy.
2006-07-07 17:08:57 · answer #6 · answered by Cathy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Did you get him dog food for smaller dogs? The pieces may be too hard or big for him to chew easily. Oh, and make sure it's puppy food for small dogs! Good luck and congrats on being a proud owner of a cute doggy!
2006-07-07 17:08:19 · answer #7 · answered by Tact is highly overrated 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The water might help him chew the food so i would keep putting the water in it what would it hurt if he likes it better that way then keep feeding him the way he likes.
2006-07-07 17:10:00 · answer #8 · answered by Angel 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
See if you cannot find a softer puppy food, the food you are feeding him may be too hard for his teeth right now.
Other than that, putting some water in the food (and even warmin' it up), won't hurt.
2006-07-07 17:08:36 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The same thing with my grampa's dog he asked the Vet the Vet said put some veggie oil on it and maybe he will eat more!
2006-07-07 17:35:57 · answer #10 · answered by bostonredsoxgurl124 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋