Why isn't my shih tzu eager to eat her food?

Question

I have a 1 year old shih tzu who tends to not eat or finish her food in the morning and sometimes at night. Is this weird? And because she doesn't eat breakfast in the morning, she would sometimes vomit (yellow liquid, which I believe to be bile). I don't think she is sick or anything because she is still active and playful. She still drinks her water. Her nose isn't dry. She poops regularly. The only thing is, I think she is pretty skinny (8 lbs) and I would like her to eat more. Sometimes she doesn't finish her food. I'm just a bit concerned that she's not always willing/eager to eat her food when it's time for her to eat (morning and dinner).

I feed her Royal Canin dog food. Should I switch her food to something more tasty?

Thank you~

Answer 1

One of my dachshunds has never been big on eating either (my other one is a food vacuum). She would often skip meals, even for days at a time, even though it was obvious she was fine (we did have her seen by the vet as well). I became concerned though, because it just isn't healthy to be skipping meals like that. I started mixing things into her food. Carrots, rice, many other things that are good for dogs, and it always worked for a little while, but eventually, she would start picking out the good stuff and leaving her food. I also tried switching brands, but it didn't help.

I finally found this great stuff called Dinner Party. It's a flavored powder made of all-natural healthy ingredients. I just sprinkle a little bit over her food, stir it a little, and she can't wait to eat it! She actually gets excited at meal times now, and always finishes her food! It is $8-10 for a little container of it, but since you have a small dog like I do, one container could easily last 1-2 months. I buy it at a local health food store, but they also have a web site, and many other online stores offer it. I've noticed since she started eating properly that she has had more energy and a nicer coat. If you've tried everything else and nothing has worked, it might be worth a shot.

This is the official web site, if you're interested: http://halopets.com/index.cfm - Just search "dinner party"

You'll also want to have her checked at the vet, just to rule out any medical problems. Vomiting often is never a good thing! Of course, also make sure you are only feeding what is reccomended on the bag and no more. Good luck!

Answer 2

I just adopted a 1 year old shihtzu 2 weeks ago, and she was being picky with her food too. I got worried about the same thing you are, so I started to put just a little bit of canned tuna juice over her dry food, and she got interested in eating it, then I gradually stopped doing it and I found it best just giving her a full scoop of her food at the beginning of the day and let her just pick at it all day long. They are picky eaters and I realized they don't eat their food all at once, rather portion it out throughout the day.
The worst thing to do is constantly change brands of dog food on them, hoping to find one she likes. Their digestive systems are sensitive and they need regularity in their diet, especially in puppies who are still growing and developing.
If her bowel movements are normal and is happy and playful,
I would assume someone fed her something she shouldn't have eaten, therefore the lite throwing up she did. Check for worms in her stool, and of course, always call your vet with questions and have, have shots up to date, and administer a routine flea and tick regimen. Good luck to her and you.

Answer 3

I would suggest that you take her back to the vet, or perhaps call the vet and let them know that your dog isn't eating very much food. Perhaps you should leave some food out for a while, to see if she eats that.

Answer 4

Animals are just like people. Some are picky eaters. But..... Definitely change the food. That may be what is making her sick and if it is thats probably why she doesnt want to eat it. She may have a stomach problem to so you should take her to the vet just to make sure. But yes you need to change the food.
Hope this helps!

Answer 5

I would definitely try a different food, yes! And maybe try putting something yummy in it for her, like a little scrambled egg or something (my dog's favorite).

Also, though, I'd ask her vet. You know, it sounds like she has acid reflux or something. Maybe eating is uncomfortable for her.....

Answer 6

i also have a Shi tzu who is just like ur dog.my dogs nose is wet and if doesnt eat it vomits and he is pretty skinny!actually shi tzu's are very fussy but i've tried so many things but only one thing works.try this,add some milk powder to her food if she starts vomiting after that stop,but if she's okay,continue.

Answer 7

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Answer 8

Dogs aren't people. They eat when they are hungry, and don't eat when they aren't hungry. Stop trying to force feed her. 8# is perfect, she's a small dog.

Answer 9

I think its Vet time!!

Answer 10

pleassssse take the dog to the VET they will know best what to do.