For everyone who says "My dog won't eat" how much are you trying to feed them? Quantities vary by weight/age but I mean are you concerned because they aren't eating the amt listed on the bag? Because that is there to sell food and can be way too much. How often does your dog eat, once a day? Because unless you have a 3 pound dog with blood sugar problems, that's not so strange. Also as they get older they will eat less often. The better high protein foods keep them fuller longer, too. Unless you truly think there is a problem you should not be force feeding them and if you DO think there is a problem you should discuss it with your vet. Feel the ribs - you should be able to feel the last 2 ribs without pressing too hard. Take a look at them. Yes they are furry but should have a distinct "tuck up" from the side and a distinct waist from the top. Honestly, if you feed your dog a high quality food that is availalbe at various times per day (either free fed or scheduled meals) they should eat when they are hungry. As long as Loki eats a few pieces every day and eats a "meal" every other day I let it go. He gets a gazillion tiny treats in between and he gets about a tbsp of wet food with meds every night. He's a very healthy weight (which you tell by FEEL not by weight) and he gets a lot of excersize. I hope this helps some of you feel better. I know if I put down dry food and Loki wasn't interested and then I cooked him chicken because I felt bad, he'd NEVER eat the dry food because he'd hold out for the chicken. They are smarter than us! I only do that when Loki is sick or for a special treat, and even for a treat I make him eat a small portion of his kibble first!
Think of it this way. If I think "Wow I'm full" after I eat my dinner and my husband asks if I want a second helping, I turn him down. If he brings me a bowl of ice cream, 9 out of 10 times I'm going to eat it!
Other may disagree but please don't cook hamburger unless it's super lean. It's too fatty for their sensitive digestive tracts. If you MUST cook then make plain chicken breast, no skin. But that does not have the nutrients needed to sustain them long term. Yes they will be full, but not get everything they need that they can get from GOOD QUALITY dry food. You can sucessfully cook for your dog but it takes more than chicken or hamburger.
Also, please stop buying the gravy. Iams states on their site that it's HIGH CALORIE and it's sure not good calories. It's more preservatives. Besides, the first ingredient in the puppy formula is CHICKEN BROTH. At least if you just buy chicken broth/stock you can buy the good stuff. People oppose IAMS because of animal testing. I oppose them because they don't make good products! They don't care about the health of your pet, only how much money than can make by using the lowest quality ingredients and then selling you a bag of food for almost as much as you can get a HIGH quality food for.
If all else fails throw the kibble on the floor (placemat, whatever) Try different bowls, try plates. Loki never liked his bowl until I got him a huge ceramic one - his meal doesn't even cover the bottom. He hated stainless steel and he will eat very quickly out of a paper bowl at Grandma's house because then likes to steal the bowl and try to shred it. Try a different brand of kibble (slowly). Whatever you have to do but don't give in!! |