Hi all, I've recently decided Riley is a touch on the thin side. His ribs aren't visible but you can feel them, he has a pronounced waist and you can definitely feel the bumps in his backbone. Therefore I've tried increasing the amount of kibble he gets but he just leaves the extra, almost like he can't fit it in. I tried a few months ago to give him a bit more but gave up as he left it. Now I'm convinced he's a touch thin and am trying again. He always finds space for treats however! I have started mixing some fish in with his kibble which means he eats the lot but I don't want to stray too far from kibble for two reasons, the main one is the fact that it's complete and the second, I don't want to get caught up in a load of faff in order for him to eat. I've been tempted to change to raw but I'm only just balancing lizzie, Riley and work as it is so now is not the time. Any thoughts on good extras to give him that will complement a primarily kibble approach or thoughts on why he won't finish what he's offered?
Re: Not finishing his meals Barbara , you obviously have the rarest of dogs , a Lab who knows when he has had enough Seriously though , it sounds like he just eats to his fill and thats that . I used to worry about Sam being a bit too slim but our Vet said No , keep him like he is, its far more healthy , so I dont worry anymore , I can feel Sams ribs easily too . I know that kibble is a whole food, but I add things to it , half a tin of sardines or a little minced beef and I really dont think it alters the balance too much ?
Re: Not finishing his meals Thanks Kate He seems well in himself he certainly has plenty of energy I'll just add a little something every now and then and see how we go.
Re: Not finishing his meals You could try feeding him three times a day? Just an extra small feed at lunchtime. I do add a teaspoon or so of tinned dog food to my dogs' kibble as I think it makes it slightly more interesting for them but that is probably more for my benefit rather than theirs! I have a Lab who isn't that interested in food and he was always thin, at 7 years old he is nicely filled out now. My other Lab and GSP will eat anything. Stacia
Re: Not finishing his meals Thanks Stacia I did consider that but I'm not always in at lunchtime. My work's flexible but when I have to head out I can be out for up to four hours. If it's any longer someone comes in to look after Riley or he goes and stays with a friend and her dog. As I'm just trying to get a bit of weight on him the timing of the extra feed probably doesn't matter too much though I guess.
Re: Not finishing his meals Amy doesn't finish her meals either, I worry she is too thin for a puppy but very happy in herself. She is growing bigger every day!
