[smepperson]

Originally Posted by FlDebra

I am convinced that NO puppy is going to starve himself when perfectly good dog food is available. The thing is they are more stubborn than most of us owners. They hold out a little while and we give in and feed them something special. So, we TEACH them to be finicky eaters. All they have to do is not eat the dog food and they have us bending over backwards trying to find ways to make it more appealing, giving them human food, or trying all sorts of new food brands. I say pick out 3 brands that you are happy with -- good history of quality and nutritional value. Then give him 3 bowls, one brand in each. Do not feed anything else for a few days -- no treats, no people food, no gravy toppers or food additives. Let him show you which of the 3 he likes the best by whichone he eats the most of. Then go with that food! Dogs are just like children -- they will have days they don't eat very well. Do not confuse a few days of not eating much with them not liking a food they have always eaten well before. They may just not feel like eating that much on those days. You might want to pick th efood they liked second best and use that as a switch after a few months for a little variety -- but know the variety is usually more for the owner than the dog. They are happy to eat the same thing every day. Some of us even use the kibble for training treats -- all in presentation!