I adopted (ie Shelter) a Chihuahua yesterday. They said that he was picky with food, and that they had managed to get him to eat kibbles and bits. Yes, I know that it's not the best food but we don't want to switch him to fast. Our problem now is that he has not eaten anything since we brought him home, he has barely had any water. I know when dogs are stressed they don't eat. I wouldn't worry except he his so small that he may starve or dehydrate before his appetite kicks back in. How can I encourage him to eat something? I have even offered people food (not normal for me to allow that) and he is not interested.
As a side question we also have cats. Is it safe if he eats thier food or they eat his? The cats are very interested in his food even though he is not.
Thank you!
2007-02-18 01:49:24 · 9 answers · asked by Alexis 4 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I doubt that your new dog will starve...but keep him away from the cat food. That's bad for dogs. You could mix boiled chicken in with the food - or, even better, use the water that you boiled the chicken in to wet the food too.
Kibbles + Bits is not a good food - that may also be the problem. Here are some sites to help:
http://www.dogfoodproject.com/
and
http://www.4pawsu.com/dogfood.htm
Remember that if he doesn't eat in a few minutes - don't leave the food bowl down! Free feeding is also not good for dogs. Have fun with your dog and thanks for rescuing!!!
2007-02-18 05:36:41 · answer #1 · answered by Misa M 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First part of the question -
In the morning, put the appropriate amount of food down for the dog, preferably in a crate. Make sure the dog knows the food is there and then after 20 - 30 minutes, pick up the food. Repeat this again in the evening. Dogs are incapable of starving themselves and they will eat when they are hungry enough.
Second part of the question - It will not hurt the animals to eat each others food but cat food is not designed for the healthy nutrition of a dog and vice versa. Put the cat food out of reach of the dog but in reach of the cat and see above about what to do with the dog food.
2007-02-18 09:55:28 · answer #2 · answered by boyandhisdog2 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If your dog is not eating you should first take him off that food slow half and half Try
iams it is a really good food. If he is still not wanting to eat the kibbles you can buy a can of soft iams and just put a 1/2 a teaspoon in with the hard stuff and mix it with the crunches. My dog likes that and he is a real picky eater. He is a Toy poodle. Small dogs seem to be a little more picky them the bigger ones. Just don't change his food to often
2007-02-18 10:19:46 · answer #3 · answered by janet 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a few really good tricks for you. Start out by giving him left over meat scraps from you hand and them the new bowl this establishes his eating area and that you feed him. Mix some raspberry, srawberry or other fruit jam or jelly ( no grape) in with the kibble just a little. You can change over food easily change over takes 7 -10 day replace the old food with the new by percentage. Start with 25 new 75 old then gradually over the 7-10 days go to 100 percent of the new food. You many have to keep giving him a little sweed incentive along the way. A high quality dog food will alway increase a dogs appittie just please stay away from the designer foods (expensive) and stay away from any food with meat by products (nasty stuff)
2007-02-18 10:01:00 · answer #4 · answered by gary b 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Chances are your dog won't starve himself,he will eat when he's hungry. In the meantime,just let him adjust to his new surroundings,maybe try small doggie treats. And NEVER let your dog eat cat food,it is not good for their digestive system and can harm them. The same holds true for cats to eat his food,though their digestive system is a little stronger,they can still get sick.
2007-02-18 09:54:13 · answer #5 · answered by Deb B 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I own a Chihuahua. At fist, she didnn't want to eat later. The doctor said to leave the food out and not force her to eat. We forced her and now she's overweight because she can't stop eatting.
Just leave the food around. Dogs know when it's time to eat.
2007-02-18 09:59:28 · answer #6 · answered by Answer 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Put the food on his nose if it's canned food. He will automatically lick it off. Maybe after a couple times of this, he will eat on his own. Pets eat what they smell.. maybe he can't smell.
2007-02-18 09:56:01 · answer #7 · answered by codiane99 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I HEAR THAT IF YOU HAVE YOUR MEAL IN FRONT OF YOUR DOG, HE WILL BECOME HUNGRY, AND SET HIS BOWL OF FOOD BY YOU SO HE FEELS AT HOME. AND PUT ON A FAMILY MOVIE ON TV FOR THE PUP. ANIMALS LOVE FAMILY SHOWS. IF THIS CONTINUES TAKE HIM TO THE VET.
2007-02-18 09:58:15 · answer #8 · answered by lovepepsired 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ask a doc.
2007-02-18 09:53:38 · answer #9 · answered by peter_erdei 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋