| tomlcu | 05-05-2014 08:49 PM |
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nancy1999
(Post 4432026)
Is .9kg less than 2 pounds? If so, I would probably feed her several times or even free feed. Twice a day works well for some 5 or six pounders, but for many dogs under 5 pounds three and even four times a day is better. You say she doesn't eat even half what you give her, so I would feed her more often. Joey's breeder said to always have food available during the first 7 or so months, they go through growth spurts and are super hungry some days and not so much, other days. Have you ever had her liver tested? I'm concerned because sometimes dogs are ultra small because they have liver problems. I feed my dogs RC and they are doing really well on it, so I don't think your food is the problem, but if she has liver issues you want to find out as soon as possible because a special diet is required.
| 0.9kg is about 2lbs. Yes we tried free feeding Ava. We start each day filling up her bowl. Sometimes she'll eat a little, sometimes more, but its definite that she wouldn't finish it and we still leave the food there. The problem is, she wouldn't touch the leftover food and would prefer new food in her next meal. Once the food is replaced with a new one, she'll get back to her tiny eating habits again. One reason I can think of is that since the weather here is very humid, the food can easily spoil, that's why she's not touching the leftover food anymore.
We'll definitely visit her vet soon and then discuss if it can be a liver issue. Thanks for this advice. We'd definitely have this detected early rather than later if there's indeed an issue. Quote:
Originally Posted by Cherie6446
(Post 4432075)
I think she looks a little thin but I'm a believer in a little chub doesn't hurt. If you are concerned, take her to your vet for a check up.
| Yes, we'll take her to the vet soon. Maybe this weekend if we can schedule one. Thanks. Quote:
Originally Posted by MauiGirl
(Post 4432083)
Because she is so young, and under 2 lbs. I also think you should free feed and make food available to her all the time until she is older. If she is a picky eater, you might try sprinkling a little parmesan cheese on her food, as I've heard the smell increases their appetite.
She is thin, but they go through growth spurts in the first year, and seem to fill out later. My Tiki seemed to get taller and longer, and I could feel every rib and spine until she was well into her second year. She still is slim, but eats well and is healthy.
| Parmesan cheese, that's interesting! Is this a popular suggestion among the group? I can definitely try this especially if this can potentially make my li'l Ava eat more. I haven't tried feeding her anything rather than the RC junior we've been giving her. Maybe she'd prefer a little variation in her menu hehe. Thanks for the advice! | 