She is a 15 week old shepherd mix. She was previously free-fed all day but now I feed her 3x per day. She was eating Techni-Cal, but I switched her to Nutro Natural Choice. They recommend 3-3/8 to 4-1/2 cups per day. She has been eating about 2-3/4 cups. She eats as soon as I put the food down, but not very quickly, and soon after her first few bites she just wanders away from it. Is it possible she just doesn't really like it? We walk her about an hour and a half everday plus lots of fetch in the backyard. Just wondering if I should be worried about the low quantity or wait until next Thursday to talk to the vet?
2006-08-04 00:15:11 · 8 answers · asked by ontario ashley 4 in Pets ➔ Dogs
It has NOTHING to do with not liking the food. And cudos to you for switching to a better food. Techni-cal is a low grade food and the Nutro Natural choice, although not the best, is much better. If you dog eats it, she probably likes it.
The problem is from the learned behaviour of free feeding. Dogs typically are grazers and will come and go to their food throughout the day. However, most people try to get them on feeding schedules to ensure the eat the right amount and people don't come along and "top-up" the bowl" so the dog gets overweight. She obviously prefers the free feeding but if you want to train her to scheduled feedings you will have to work with her.
Another thing to remember is that the feeding guidelines on the back of the bag are just that....guidelines. They are not appropriate for every dog. The are just an approximation based on the majority of dogs. Some breeds have different metabolism rates, require slightly different levels of protein, etc. She just might be indicating to you that the guidelines on the bag are too much for her. Don't worry about it unless she starts to lose weight. At that point I would take her to the vet because their could be something else wrong.
Good luck and don't fret. This is normal.
2006-08-04 00:55:30 · answer #1 · answered by PAWS 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
As long as you know that there are no underlying health conditions, I wouldn't worry at all. A healthy dog will never starve herself; if she is hungry, she will eat it. Don't worry about a missed meal or two as it won't do the dog any harm.
Like was mentioned earlier, remember that they ARE only guidelines and different dogs have different needs. Monitor her weight (or just look and feel her - if you can feel but not see her ribs, she is the correct weight) and if she is doing fine then keep her on that amount of food. Adjust accordingly.
Good for you for switching to a higher quality food, and also for putting her on a feeding schedule. While free-feeding a well trained and healthy adult dog is perfectly fine (to an extent - I wouldn't recommend actually topping up the food as the amount given should still be monitored), it can cause dominance problems in a younger dog.
Just keep up what you're doing. If it looks like she is losing weight then consult the veterinarian, but otherwise just keep an eye on her. She'll eat it if she's hungry.
2006-08-04 09:11:07 · answer #2 · answered by Spud 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The bag's feeding amounts are often based on dogs in kennels that get way more exercise than a house pet. I've NEVER fed a dog as much as the bag recommends.
Nutro is an excellent food, but if she won't eat it try Canidae - another top-quality food (no by products). My friend feeds her labs Canidae (www.canidae.com) and they look great and don't shed much.
Any changes in diet should be made slowly to avoid diarrhea - gradually mix more new food in with what you've been using until she's switched over. Don't change foods every time she skips a meal, though - you'll create a picky eater who holds out for a better offer.
2006-08-04 12:48:46 · answer #3 · answered by Danger, Will Robinson! 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It probably is because the pup is used to the food that she was fed already and doesn't like the food that u are giving it. It is common for dogs and pups 2 pick at the food when the food has been changed. Try making some gravy and mixing with the food or put a bit of meat grease in with it to give it some flavor. This will give the dog food a differant flavor and the pup just may decide to like it, or switch back 2 the dog food it was use to.
2006-08-04 07:38:54 · answer #4 · answered by badgirl41 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NEVER follow the bag. If I followed that, my three month 45 pound Newfie would eat 6-81/2 cups per day. He eats 4.
They cannot take into account breed, activity level, and any other food the dog is getting.
They eat enough to maintain a healthy weight. If they are looking chunky..cut back a little. If they are looking too skinny...add a little more. Just remember, LEAN is better for growing puppies!!!! You should be able to easily feel the ribs.
2006-08-04 11:30:48 · answer #5 · answered by ARE YOUR NEWFS GELLIN'? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It could be that she doesn't like the food. But if she is in correct weight to height proportion then I wouldn't worry about it. Our boxer doesn't eat quite a bit and she's kinda skinny but the vet said she's fine because she has really good muscle mass and that's probably just the way she's supposed to be.
2006-08-04 07:21:20 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I just fill up my dogs food dish every time it gets low. He can eat as much as he wants. That way he is never starving and he does not over eat. If you do that and your dog still eats below the recommedation that just means she is not hungry and does not want to eat that much food. Try that.
2006-08-04 08:31:07 · answer #7 · answered by sarah 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no it isn't go and seea vet they will be able to help you
2006-08-04 07:20:54 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋