Anyone have a suggestion to help a picky eater?

Question

I have a female newfoundland that is a very picky eater. She seems to only eat enough to keep her from starving, but not enough to keep her weight up. Her activity level is normal and she seems to be a very happy dog. I just can't get her to eat or to gain weight that she really needs. Any ideas?

I talked with a newfie breeder at a local dog show, and she told me to try canned mackerel. That has helped, but she still is not gaining weight. Or maybe she is and its still too early to see a difference. I am getting ready for a vet visit in the very near future.

Answer 1

What are you feeding? A good high quality food is the best place to start.
My finicky eater does fine with Canidae and Timberwolf.
If that doesn't work, try adding a little fish oil or plain yogurt to the kibble. Don't add a lot, but just enough to coat the kibble and make it a little more appetizing.

Answer 2

I would have the vet check her out, once you have confirmed that she has no medical or dental problems, just relax, she will not starve herself. I went through a similar problem with my french mastiff- from about 4 months till he was almost a year old, I would put his food down, he would take a bite or two then walk away from it. He still grew just fine, and has only recently started to really eat- he still eats very slowly, but I have actually increased him to 6 - 7 cups of food a day. I also switched to Canidae All Life Stages. I mix in a little canned food, or a couple spoonfuls of cottage cheese or plain yogurt. I did check with the vet when we first got him, and she said not to stress over it, and I talked to the breeder, who said a few of the males from his line have been the same way- didn't really start to get into their food until they were close to a year or older.

Answer 3

Make sure she is on a high quality food (little to no fillers such as cornmeal, brewers rice, bone meal, and wheat gluten. First ingredient should be a meat product.) Stick to that food and only feed her a certain times of the day. Do not deviate. Frequently changing her food or meals can cause stomach upset. Once you get her on a schedule she will realize that she eats what you feed her only and will gradually become more comfortable with the concept. She may only eat small bits for a few days but if she goes more than three days without eating at all call the vet.

Answer 4

I would recommend that you let her have checked by a Veterinaeren. There must be a reason why the dog does not eat. My poodle is a fuzzy eater too. He eats when he wants too. And than I can only purchase dog food that has small bites. That's how fuzzy he is. He also does not like any kind of chew treats nor does he like treats. Just certain once.

Answer 5

It all the tablefood that people give the dogs.
I had this problem with my oldest pit bull.
She became a "tablefood junkie"

if it is not tablefood but just lack of appetite, try mixing some canned food in with her dry dog food. it worked so now both of mine get mixed food. their weight has been perfect since starting this feeding regimen.

I occasionally add 1 egg to their food twice a month for protien. it may leave your dog gassy for a few hours though. I deal with it because the coats stay very full and shiny from the eggs.

Answer 6

I had a Shih Tzu that was also a pickey eater. I would take some soft dog food and warm it up just a little in the microwave.

I would then mix it with a good quality dry food. Worked every time!!

Answer 7

They make stuff they call "gravy" that you can put on food. Some of it is high calorie and its all made just for dogs. Sometimes it comes in a bottle that looks like a salad dressing container but I've seen similar stuff in tubes too. They also make high calorie gel that comes in a toothpaste-like tube and I guess they are supposed to like it.