I am feeding Charlie at 7, 1 and 7 and in the process of changing food from harringtons to Arden Grange. He sometimes loves his food and wolfs it down...other times I put it down on the floor and he doesn't even take one bite, he walks away disappointed! If it was rice and chicken he'd be eating it all up. Vet says he's on the slimmer side but she's not worried. I don't think it's the new food as on occasion he loves it and eats it all up. Might he just be being fussy or do you think there is something wrong? As it seems to be lunch he's not fussed about do I give it slightly later when he might be more hungry?
Re: Not really eating I've never had this problem, my lot have always ben hogs when it comes to food. I think having other dogs hanging around ready to step in if needed probably encourages them a bit more too. How old is Charlie? Would making the food slightly moist help maybe. WOuld make it smell more, and possibly more appealing to a younger pup.
Re: Not really eating He's nearly 12 weeks. I did wet his food a little last week in case it was too hard but whilst he ate it once like that the other times he wasn't fussed! Perhaps I just don't have a foody sort of dog! I guess if he's healthy it's not a problem so will just keep checking with the vet. He's very lively and coat is shiny and eyes very alert so I don't think he's unwell....just fussy!
Re: Not really eating I wouldn't start messing with his food to get him to eat, that will only lead to a fussy eater later on. Put it down if he eats, fine, if not then leave it for 10 minutes or so with a little encouragement and if he doesn't bother then take it away. As long as there is nothing wrong with him, then he'll eat at the next meal time having skipped his lunch. Small tip: mine at 20 months will not eat a single bite if he needs the toilet or if he's just woken up. He's to go out for a loo break and a bit of exercise before he'll feed!
Re: Not really eating Thanks, I think I will do that...it's like children they will eat when hungry I guess!
Re: Not really eating 'Fraid I have a food inhaler - the concept of a labrador not eating his food is not one I'm familiar with! As you say, so long as he is healthy, he'll eat when he's hungry enough I guess.
Re: Not really eating I have a Lab who isn't particularly interested in food! Maybe you are giving Charlie too much food in one go so that he isn't hungry at the midday meal? I always pour warm water on my dried food as it increases the aroma which dogs like. A dog usually gives up a midday meal by indicating it doesn't really want it, but I think Charlie is too young for this. Try smaller portions at each meal.
Re: Not really eating [quote author=Emma link=topic=3466.msg38041#msg38041 date=1385647125] ...it's like children they will eat when hungry I guess! [/quote] And I think that - just like children - they can develop the habit of hanging on to see if you're going to produce something better! I wouldn't swap food again at this stage, but as has been suggested, try adding some hot water to get the aroma going. I have one that lives to eat, but she is noticeably more excited if it smells stronger. If it looks like he really isn't that bothered at lunchtime, you could try decreasing the lunch portion very slightly, so there is more available at teatime should he want it then?? Clare
Re: Not really eating A lab without an appetite! Wow.....Harley said send the food her way .Shenever turns her nose up at any food at any time of the day Maybe try some of the suggestions above and see how you go Ternaya and Harley (17 weeks)
Re: Not really eating I have a two year old foodoholic, so its hard for me to comprehend also, but if he is lively, playing weeing and doing poos ok , dont worry too much , slimmer is better than fatter
Re: Not really eating Thanks guys, I think I may try reducing his lunchtime one to just a handful as that's the one he isn't fussed about. In terms of health, he's weeing and pooing as normal and definitely lively! I think he will be better on Monday when we can get him out the house after having his 2nd jabs. I wonder if when he is able to go for walks his appetite might pick up as he will be using more energy.
Re: Not really eating I think it will Emma , fresh air and exercise will do the world of good to his appetite
Re: Not really eating I changed Otis over to Arden Grange as it looked a good food, he has done really well on it, lovely coat soft and shiny, and he has much better poos, really ahem firm ! He has the chicken and rice adult one, but was on the puppy one till six months all good. Have never had a problem of him not eating he is a pigdog. Maggie x
Re: Not really eating The only other thought I had was that I think you said you were offering the amount specified on the packet? This was waaay too much for Charlie. He still wolfed it all down, but it made him fat! I think the food firms are over generous on the portions.
Re: Not really eating Yes Julie, I am giving him the max for his weight range split over the day so this morning I measured out 1/4 less. If he's not going to eat it there is no point in wasting it! I think I will up it when he starts clearing his bowl. Maggie he definately likes the food so will persevere with Arden Grange.
Re: Not really eating [quote author=JulieT link=topic=3466.msg38113#msg38113 date=1385670284] I think the food firms are over generous on the portions. [/quote] I would say they are, it makes us use more then buy more. Reduce the amount, then when he's out & about after his jabs & his appetite increases you can always bump it up a bit. Like they say with us, easier to put the weight on that get it off (as a woman of 38 I know that's a FACT!!!)
