Maybe he thinks that since everyone has gone to bed and there is no chicken to be found he better eat what is available.
Does he get much exercise during the day? Like a long walk or playing fetch? Exercise always helps to get the appetite up and helps to eliminate waste in the body as well. I know you don't want to stress his body but give him at least a moderate work out and then put out fresh food just before bedtime. Kibble reacts a lot like crackers or any dry food when exposed to the air for over an hour at a time. The scent is not as pronounced and it becomes like a moisture filled cracker. Not appetizing at all. Keep his kibble in an air tight container, that way it will always have that fresh scent to it when you serve it.
If he is eating alone at night then just encourage that by putting out fresh food at night time. Make sure you wash his dish before you put his kibble in it, too. Many dogs are scent motivated. If a dish has the smell of old food in it he may lose interest in the new food that is in there. Glass is one of the best substances to use for a dish because glass does not hold bacteria or scent as it is not porous so it is also easily cleaned.
I hope Charlie starts to eat more for you. You certainly have done what you can for him. He is going to have to give in soon.....I hope. |