For almost six weeks (since returning from holiday), Bailey, 16 month old male black lab, hasn't eaten much of his food at all. He'll either turn his nose up at it, or eat just a few bits (dried food). Occasionally, he'll eat a whole bowl, but hasn't eaten all of his breakfast and dinner for some time. He is still just as lively, and loves the odd treat on his walks. I've tried putting a bit of grated cheese on top of his food, and even burying it, which encouraged him a few times but the novelty has now worn off. He doesn't appear to be losing weight, and remains happy and lively. Is this just a phase he's going through? Should I take him to the vets? Any thoughts would be much appreciated.
I had the same problem recently with Cooper....my 2-1/2 year old. He turned his nose up to his regular food (Fromm), so I bought a bag of Blue Buffalo Wilderness, he ate some of that for a couple of days and then the same thing happened. I put grated cheese on the kibble....that lasted another 2 or 3 days! I FINALLY bought a 5 pound bag of Orijen 6 Fish and he just devours it! Of course, Orijen is DOUBLE the dollars of the other two! I dont know if they get tired of eating the same food but it worried me enough to go with a more expensive one. Orijen is grain free which Fromm was not. Maybe it's the FISH that he likes....the other two were Lamb/Turkey/Duck!! See if you can get a small bag of something that is just Fish and see how Bailey reacts. It worked for me! Good luck!
You could also try putting some meat stock on his food, which makes it taste better. Or replace one of his kibble meals with raw food - it is a rare Labrador indeed that won't eat a raw chicken wing or a bit of meaty rib.
