Is it normal for puppies to go on and off their food?

Question

My puppy is really picky. She'll eat the same food for a month or so and then she wont touch it. Is it ok that we change brands often? Is it ok to feed her puppy jelly meat, rice and puppy biscuits?

Also today she hasn't touched her food. She's been acting normally otherwise. Is this ok?

Yes she is all vacinated and de-flead and de-wormed.

Thanks I will keep her to one brand of food from now on. Thanks heaps guys!

Answer 1

No, you really need to keep her on one healthy puppy food. changing food is really hard on dogs especially when it is sudden. I work for an animal shelter and switching foods are one of the worst things you can do to a dog. Also puppy biscuits can cause problems with the digestive tract if they are given to often.

Find a food that has meat as the first ingredient. The first ingredient listed is what the food is most made of. Stay away from anything with corn or oats, dogs are meat eaters not cows... Purina One and Science Diet are good just look and find Chicken or Lamb.

Puppies really do need to eat to grow properly and when dogs don't eat that is a big sign that something is wrong. We see it allot in the shelters because of the high stress environment but not eating in a household could mean something is up. I would let your vet know about your concerns and find one food and stick to it. And instead of treats just use bits of her current food. Not only will you not be feeding her doggy junk food, she may also see that her food is a positive and good thing to eat because you are giving it to her in the form of a reward. But the best training reward is attention, you really don't need treats to get a dog to trust that what you say is what they should do. Build a bond so that they obey you out of loyalty and trust, not to get a treats.

Answer 2

First, you must be careful when changing from one food to another or you will have major tummy upset in pups. She needs to be on the best quality dry puppy food you can afford. When she gets hungry she will eat. If you keep giving in and changing and giving treats/wet food you will create a problem. You are encouraging her to be "picky".

If money an issue then don't use anything less than Purina Puppy. I know there are great brands out there. We like Nutro.
When changing dry foods you must slowly add the new brand to existing for 7-10 days until she is only getting the new brand. I assume she has been vetted and is healthy pup? If so, then pick a good brand and stick with it. Puppy treats are not food. They are treats and should be used to help with training the pup.

Answer 3

I have a dog and puppy. My puppy was picky too. The vet told us to try adding yougurt, chicken broth. Try adding healthy left overs like chicken(not deep fried) or steak or pork chops, like the crusty edges. Rice is good (it actually makes poop thicker and not as watery which is good and also reccommended by vets) sorry to be gross. Make sure you cut up the pieces so they don't choke and don't put in grapes or chocolate. Good luck and please choose me as your best answer.

Answer 4

I know that humans like variety, but it is not good to change any dogs food all the time. It will take alot of patience on your part but, she's doing that because she knows it bothers you. When she gets hungry she will eat. :) Good Luck!