Labrador puppy is eating less at 11 weeks.

Discussion in 'Labrador Puppies' started by Winee25, Jun 23, 2020.

  1. Winee25

    Winee25 Registered Users

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    Jun 23, 2020
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    Hello,

    I need some advice. I've had my puppy for 3 weeks and she is now 11 weeks. She usually eats well and finish her meals within 5 to 10 minutes. But since a few days, she is showing no interest in the food we give her, Royal Canin Labrador Puppy. She is currently 8.2kg.

    But now, i have to leave the feeding bowl near her so that she eventually finish the meal. She drags it for hours and when i shoulf be giving her her next meal, the previous one is still there.

    Please advise.
    Thanks.
     
  2. sarah@forumHQ

    sarah@forumHQ Moderator

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    Hi there, welcome to the forum :)

    Is she still off her food? Even as a puppy, her overall body condition is more significant than her weight on the scales - this body condition chart will help you determine if she is a healthy size.

    If she may be underweight, we recommend asking a vet to look her over.

    If she's a healthy size, there are a few things you can do to increase her interest in food:

    1. Use it as rewards in training games. Food is sometimes magically more interesting to dogs if they feel like they've won it off you somehow! And as an extra bonus, your training improves too :)

    2. Roll it up in a sheet of newspaper, or put it in a feeding toy like a Kong Wobbler. My dog was also pretty disinterested in kibble from a bowl as a puppy, but couldn't get enough of it served like this!

    2. Take up her food bowl after 20 minutes rather than leaving it down for her to graze indefinitely. At the next meal, top it back up to a full meal (but don't add a whole additional portion on top), and put it back down for another 20 minutes. She might ultimately eat all or most of her total daily allowance some days, and only half on other days. As long as she's in healthy condition that's fine - all dogs have their own appetite and metabolism, and it varies as they grow too.

    3. Switch food. Some puppies just find some brands a bit boring!

    Good luck - let us know how you get on :)
     
  3. Winee25

    Winee25 Registered Users

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    Hello.
    Thanks for your response. She seems to be the ideal weight based on the chart you sent.
    I changed her food. Adding some carrots etc and she is eating now.
    Is there a correct schedule to adopt concerning her play time?
    Currently, we play with her during the day and also before going to sleep. I do not want her to be overtired.
    I know that 15 minutes twice a day should be enough. But she seems to want to play directly after eating, which i dont think is ok??
    Thanks a lot again!
     
  4. Christina2807

    Christina2807 Registered Users

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    Luna was the same after she ate. Think it just gives them a wee boost of energy, she used to get the zoomies after dinner :eek:
    Instead of playing after food maybe keep some food back and do a little training with her as this will keep her focus away from wanting to play and still keep her stimulated.
     
  5. Winee25

    Winee25 Registered Users

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    Ok thanks a lot for the responses! :)
     

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