Home cooking for a very picky eater. - YorkieTalk.com Forums

MelissaStiffler · 03-07-2013, 09:55 PM

I have decided that I'm going to try home cooking for benny. I have tried several different kibble for him and he isn't interested at all, the latest being Royal Canine. He just smells them and goes on. I have even tried putting different things on top of the kibble to try and get him to eat it, and he won't. He has a vet appointment next week so I'm going to be talking to the vet to see what he recommends for him getting the vitamins and nutrients that he needs. However in the mean time I was wondering who has picky eaters and has resorted to home cooking and what they fed? I have seen several recipes in the sticky note but I didn't see anything mention that they were cooking for picky eaters, also what is best for him since there is a bunch of junk in kibble. BTW he is 14 weeks old.

Lovetodream88 · 03-07-2013, 10:33 PM

You will need to talk to an actual vet nutritionist but puppies really should eat puppy food until there older. Have you tried soaking the food in water, crushing up the food into smaller pieces, or tried mixing it with canned food?

MelissaStiffler · 03-07-2013, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lovetodream88

You will need to talk to an actual vet nutritionist but puppies really should eat puppy food until there older. Have you tried soaking the food in water, crushing up the food into smaller pieces, or tried mixing it with canned food?

I haven't tried crushing it up and putting it into canned food, I will try that though, at this point I'm willing to try anything to get him to eat his kibble that I know he really needs since he is so young.

mperran1974 · 03-08-2013, 05:38 AM

You could also try adding a little chicken broth to it and see if he'll eat it. I feel for you, because my Chloe is the same way.

MelissaStiffler · 03-08-2013, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mperran1974

You could also try adding a little chicken broth to it and see if he'll eat it. I feel for you, because my Chloe is the same way.

I've already tried the chicken broth, I've even tried gravy, with no luck.I have never seen a dog as picky as Benny is. I'm starting to think that the people that I got Benny from fed him only table food and not kibble.

Yorkiedaze · 03-08-2013, 11:34 AM

Real food or dog food! Never ceases to amaze me what lengths people will go to get the dog to eat dog food. Most times they won't eat "unless" it has "people food" mashed into it. That should tell you something. Also Vets. will push the brand of food they sell, especially since they are making the money from it.
I've never fed mine dog food and never will. I see too many dogs that are sick with one thing or another and most with serious medical problems, and it stems from their diet, medications to help with all the problems and over- inoculating.
Regardless whether you decide to feed dog food or real food, right now you really do need to give that baby anything he will eat in order to get him healthy and to start him eating normal, which can sometimes take up to a year or two. Fry up some med. rare steak, mix with some steamed carrots, green beans and a tiny bit of either Quinoa or barley, and see how that works. It isn't expensive to home cook since these guys are so small even as adults. Also give a multi-vitamin each day. You can either make your own,( Dr. Pitcairn's book has the recipe for Healthy Powder which I've used for many years) or with some other type.
Good luck with your baby. I know how they can worry you just as much as the skin-kids.

MelissaStiffler · 03-08-2013, 09:40 PM

Update: I decided to try home cooking for Benny so that he can eat. I bought a whole chicken, green beans, carrots, and rice. I cooked everything for a few hours on the stove. Then when it was done I deboned the chicken and mixed everything up. When I was done I gave Benny a little in his bowl and he ate the whole thing. I was totally shocked that he actually loved it and ate it all. I kept some out for around 3 days worth and stuck the rest in the freezer until I need more. I am so happy that Benny actually ate a lot of something and that he got his tummy full. I hope that he continues to eat it until it's finished, then I will make another recipe for him, just to give him something different. I'm going tomorrow to purchase from Multivitamins for him since he won't eat any kibble. This has made my day!

Lovetodream88 · 03-08-2013, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MelissaStiffler

Update: I decided to try home cooking for Benny so that he can eat. I bought a whole chicken, green beans, carrots, and rice. I cooked everything for a few hours on the stove. Then when it was done I deboned the chicken and mixed everything up. When I was done I gave Benny a little in his bowl and he ate the whole thing. I was totally shocked that he actually loved it and ate it all. I kept some out for around 3 days worth and stuck the rest in the freezer until I need more. I am so happy that Benny actually ate a lot of something and that he got his tummy full. I hope that he continues to eat it until it's finished, then I will make another recipe for him, just to give him something different. I'm going tomorrow to purchase from Multivitamins for him since he won't eat any kibble. This has made my day!

You really need to talk to a vet nutritionist. I don't think a vitamin you pick up at the pet store is going to be what he needs you need one especially for dogs eating home cooking.

brezofleur · 03-08-2013, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MelissaStiffler

Update: I decided to try home cooking for Benny so that he can eat. I bought a whole chicken, green beans, carrots, and rice. I cooked everything for a few hours on the stove. Then when it was done I deboned the chicken and mixed everything up. When I was done I gave Benny a little in his bowl and he ate the whole thing. I was totally shocked that he actually loved it and ate it all. I kept some out for around 3 days worth and stuck the rest in the freezer until I need more. I am so happy that Benny actually ate a lot of something and that he got his tummy full. I hope that he continues to eat it until it's finished, then I will make another recipe for him, just to give him something different. I'm going tomorrow to purchase from Multivitamins for him since he won't eat any kibble. This has made my day!

I'm a HUGE proponent for feeding homemade and raw...but you should speak with a nutritionist. There's so much research that goes into these meals (i.e., stick with one meat for 2 weeks before introducing something else) and it's not so easy as giving some chicken with a bit of green beans and carrots. You have to make sure it's balanced and know exactly how much to give, when to give it, etc.

And a salesperson at your local pet store will not know the details.

But I'm so glad to hear that he's eating!

BabyGirl Rosie · 03-09-2013, 06:25 AM

Home cooking was the best decision for my Girls. My girls love it! I do agree with lovetodream88, you need a recipe from a nutritionist. A good place to go is Petdiets.com. Also you need supplements and BalanceIt is what Dr. Remillard recommends. I think you will see a huge difference in your pup!

ladyjane · 03-09-2013, 06:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MelissaStiffler

Update: I decided to try home cooking for Benny so that he can eat. I bought a whole chicken, green beans, carrots, and rice. I cooked everything for a few hours on the stove. Then when it was done I deboned the chicken and mixed everything up. When I was done I gave Benny a little in his bowl and he ate the whole thing. I was totally shocked that he actually loved it and ate it all. I kept some out for around 3 days worth and stuck the rest in the freezer until I need more. I am so happy that Benny actually ate a lot of something and that he got his tummy full. I hope that he continues to eat it until it's finished, then I will make another recipe for him, just to give him something different. I'm going tomorrow to purchase from Multivitamins for him since he won't eat any kibble. This has made my day!

Benny needs supplements! You also need to know exactly what amounts of different food sources he needs...guessing is not a good idea.

My suggestion to you is to seek the advice of a vet nutrionist. You can find one at American College of Veterinary Nutrition

You can also find information about home cooking at:

PetDiets - VNC putting pets' health first!

www.balanceit.com

Teresiana · 03-09-2013, 06:33 AM

Congratulations! I soooo feel your pain...and your excitement at getting him to eat! I also have a finicky pup & I can't even begin to explain my long and difficult experience. I did try home cooking for a while, but ended up feeding raw just because my pups really do seem to prefer raw.

As others have mentioned, I also think it would be wise to speak to your vet or a nutritionist. I used BalanceIt when I cooked for them. It's just very important to make sure that growing puppies get all the nutrients they need so they grow up to be strong, healthy adults. A multi-vitamin may not be enough. Calcium is VERY important for a puppy. They need considerably more calcium than adults since their bones are growing at a rapid pace.

At least you can now EXHALE since you've finally found something he enjoys eating! Good luck!!

lisaly · 03-09-2013, 08:56 AM

I, too, home cook for Katie. I supplement with BalanceIt, and I am very confident that I am feeding her a healthy diet. The services of a vet nutritionist are not very expensive. Benny has special needs because he is a puppy, so it would cost more, but for a dog or cat who is healthy, to get a diet from Dr. Rebecca Remillard, DVM, the cost is only $25.00. I researched ACVN nutritionists and saw that most of them were recommending the BalanceIt supplement. They will give you a diet at no cost with the purchase of BalanceIt, but many people at YT like Dr. Remillard's diet better. Good luck with your little boy. It's great that you found something he will eat.

About.com: http://www.acvn.org/

About.com: https://www.petdiets.com/

https://secure.balanceit.com/tools/r...tor/index.php?

03-07-2013, 09:55 PM	#1
MelissaStiffler Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Hillsboro, Ohio, USA Posts: 52	Home cooking for a very picky eater. I have decided that I'm going to try home cooking for benny. I have tried several different kibble for him and he isn't interested at all, the latest being Royal Canine. He just smells them and goes on. I have even tried putting different things on top of the kibble to try and get him to eat it, and he won't. He has a vet appointment next week so I'm going to be talking to the vet to see what he recommends for him getting the vitamins and nutrients that he needs. However in the mean time I was wondering who has picky eaters and has resorted to home cooking and what they fed? I have seen several recipes in the sticky note but I didn't see anything mention that they were cooking for picky eaters, also what is best for him since there is a bunch of junk in kibble. BTW he is 14 weeks old.

03-07-2013, 10:33 PM	#2
Lovetodream88 Yorkie mom of 4 Donating YT Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: LaPlata, Md Posts: 23,247	You will need to talk to an actual vet nutritionist but puppies really should eat puppy food until there older. Have you tried soaking the food in water, crushing up the food into smaller pieces, or tried mixing it with canned food? __________________ Taylor My babies Joey, Penny ,Ollie & Dixie Callie Mae, you will forever be in my heart!

03-08-2013, 05:38 AM	#4
mperran1974 YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: splendora, tx Posts: 701	You could also try adding a little chicken broth to it and see if he'll eat it. I feel for you, because my Chloe is the same way. __________________ Michelle-mommy to Chloe also mommy to Haley and Tyler

03-08-2013, 11:34 AM	#6
Yorkiedaze My hairy-legged girls Donating Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: lompoc, ca. Posts: 12,228	Real food or dog food! Never ceases to amaze me what lengths people will go to get the dog to eat dog food. Most times they won't eat "unless" it has "people food" mashed into it. That should tell you something. Also Vets. will push the brand of food they sell, especially since they are making the money from it. I've never fed mine dog food and never will. I see too many dogs that are sick with one thing or another and most with serious medical problems, and it stems from their diet, medications to help with all the problems and over- inoculating. Regardless whether you decide to feed dog food or real food, right now you really do need to give that baby anything he will eat in order to get him healthy and to start him eating normal, which can sometimes take up to a year or two. Fry up some med. rare steak, mix with some steamed carrots, green beans and a tiny bit of either Quinoa or barley, and see how that works. It isn't expensive to home cook since these guys are so small even as adults. Also give a multi-vitamin each day. You can either make your own,( Dr. Pitcairn's book has the recipe for Healthy Powder which I've used for many years) or with some other type. Good luck with your baby. I know how they can worry you just as much as the skin-kids. __________________ AZRAEL RAZAEL JILLI ANN

03-09-2013, 06:25 AM	#10
BabyGirl Rosie I ♥ my girls! Donating Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: With My Yorkies Posts: 18,980	Home cooking was the best decision for my Girls. My girls love it! I do agree with lovetodream88, you need a recipe from a nutritionist. A good place to go is Petdiets.com. Also you need supplements and BalanceIt is what Dr. Remillard recommends. I think you will see a huge difference in your pup! __________________ Momma to three sweet Yorkie girls Rosie Marie, Mikki Leigh , and Lily Mae Grace!

03-08-2013, 09:40 PM	#7
MelissaStiffler Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Hillsboro, Ohio, USA Posts: 52	Update: I decided to try home cooking for Benny so that he can eat. I bought a whole chicken, green beans, carrots, and rice. I cooked everything for a few hours on the stove. Then when it was done I deboned the chicken and mixed everything up. When I was done I gave Benny a little in his bowl and he ate the whole thing. I was totally shocked that he actually loved it and ate it all. I kept some out for around 3 days worth and stuck the rest in the freezer until I need more. I am so happy that Benny actually ate a lot of something and that he got his tummy full. I hope that he continues to eat it until it's finished, then I will make another recipe for him, just to give him something different. I'm going tomorrow to purchase from Multivitamins for him since he won't eat any kibble. This has made my day!

03-09-2013, 06:33 AM	#12
Teresiana Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: NJ Posts: 2,194	Congratulations! I soooo feel your pain...and your excitement at getting him to eat! I also have a finicky pup & I can't even begin to explain my long and difficult experience. I did try home cooking for a while, but ended up feeding raw just because my pups really do seem to prefer raw. As others have mentioned, I also think it would be wise to speak to your vet or a nutritionist. I used BalanceIt when I cooked for them. It's just very important to make sure that growing puppies get all the nutrients they need so they grow up to be strong, healthy adults. A multi-vitamin may not be enough. Calcium is VERY important for a puppy. They need considerably more calcium than adults since their bones are growing at a rapid pace. At least you can now EXHALE since you've finally found something he enjoys eating! Good luck!! __________________ Teresa, Yoshi, Momo & Prima

03-09-2013, 08:56 AM	#13
lisaly Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Long Island, New York Posts: 5,891	I, too, home cook for Katie. I supplement with BalanceIt, and I am very confident that I am feeding her a healthy diet. The services of a vet nutritionist are not very expensive. Benny has special needs because he is a puppy, so it would cost more, but for a dog or cat who is healthy, to get a diet from Dr. Rebecca Remillard, DVM, the cost is only $25.00. I researched ACVN nutritionists and saw that most of them were recommending the BalanceIt supplement. They will give you a diet at no cost with the purchase of BalanceIt, but many people at YT like Dr. Remillard's diet better. Good luck with your little boy. It's great that you found something he will eat. About.com: http://www.acvn.org/ About.com: https://www.petdiets.com/ https://secure.balanceit.com/tools/r...tor/index.php? __________________ *Lisa and* Katie *Ashley 6/10,* *Gracie 2/04,* Kiwi 10/03, and Jolie 7/93 .