Question Regarding 4 year old Yorkie Diet

[gemy]

For most dogs it is best to break up the feedings into two meals. I am talking about healthy adult dogs.

Please I agree with others no force feedings!

If you want to use Royal Canine and it works for your dog, fine use it. My 6.5 lb dog gets 1/4 lb or 4 ounces of home cooked in one day split into two meals. He also gets 4 pieces of tartar defense.

He is at an ideal weight for his height and frame.

If we exercise a lot, and in summertime that often happens in the mornings, he gets treats, then a another lunch time meal of 2 ounces or so.

I do not believe in leaving kibble or any food down for grazing all day, unless there is some over-arching medical condition.

I put down the food in the morning, if not eaten after 10 - 15 minutes or so up it comes; otherwise the other piggies in my household will eat it. Plus I know how much each dog eats every day.

[MauiGirl]

Before commenting on this thread I read the OP's previous thread for more info: http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/yor...-question.html

Based on info given in both threads my comments are:

1. Don't force feed a 7lb. 5 year old dog. You may think that the throwing up bile is caused from not eating, but I would be more inclined to think that the not eating is the dogs way of backing off food because something is upsetting his system. The throwing up bile may be due to whatever underlying problem is there.

In your previous thread you said you had blood work done, but I don't think you had a bile acid test done. I think you should do it, as it would help you see if your dog's liver is properly handling food/fats/protein etc.

My Tiki has times when she backs off of eating and has yellow vomit and diarrhea. She has MVD, which means her liver does not properly filter toxins. She does very well if I make sure she eats only a high quality kibble that is lower in protein and fat; but if somebody gives her a piece of bacon or cheeseburger.... she gets sick.

I'm wondering if maybe your dog might have the same problem. A bile acid test would give you more information on how he processes food.

[IEkoa]

First day update...
. Kibble in the am, didnt want to eat it. Noon, didnt want to eat it. Walked a lot today out and about. Came home ate a little bit on his own. Dinner we boiled chicken breast and mixed with kibble. He ate all the chicken and some of the kibble.

[MauiGirl]

Originally Posted by IEkoa

First day update...
. Kibble in the am, didnt want to eat it. Noon, didnt want to eat it. Walked a lot today out and about. Came home ate a little bit on his own. Dinner we boiled chicken breast and mixed with kibble. He ate all the chicken and some of the kibble.

At 7 lbs. I doubt he's going to starve.... he will eat when ready and when hungry. It takes time to change the routine, but keep giving him the good stuff.

[IEkoa]

Originally Posted by MauiGirl

At 7 lbs. I doubt he's going to starve.... he will eat when ready and when hungry. It takes time to change the routine, but keep giving him the good stuff.

Exactly what I was hoping to hear.

Do you know of any good wet foods to try?

[MauiGirl]

Originally Posted by IEkoa

Exactly what I was hoping to hear.

Do you know of any good wet foods to try?

I don't use wet foods. I feed a high quality kibble (1/3 cup twice a day) and sometimes a bit of diced boiled chicken. I give them frozen green beans for treats and they love lettuce too. When the pups were babies I did partial home cooked food for them, boiled chicken breast and rice with carrots & green beans. They each got a big tablespoon of that on top of their 1/4 cup of kibble. I stopped that after 2 years because I felt they were gaining too much weight. They are not picky at all and will eat anything.

Your RC is a good kibble I think. It provides all of their nutrients, he really doesn't need anything else. Sometimes it is good to change (but very slowly) if you think they get bored with it. Some people suggest sprinkling a little parmesan cheese on their kibble as the smell makes it more appetizing to them.

[IEkoa]

Originally Posted by MauiGirl

I don't use wet foods. I feed a high quality kibble (1/3 cup twice a day) and sometimes a bit of diced boiled chicken. I give them frozen green beans for treats and they love lettuce too. When the pups were babies I did partial home cooked food for them, boiled chicken breast and rice with carrots & green beans. They each got a big tablespoon of that on top of their 1/4 cup of kibble. I stopped that after 2 years because I felt they were gaining too much weight. They are not picky at all and will eat anything.

Your RC is a good kibble I think. It provides all of their nutrients, he really doesn't need anything else. Sometimes it is good to change (but very slowly) if you think they get bored with it. Some people suggest sprinkling a little parmesan cheese on their kibble as the smell makes it more appetizing to them.

Wow, the parmesan cheese really helped. Sprinkled a little bit and he went crunching away..

[MauiGirl]

Originally Posted by IEkoa

Wow, the parmesan cheese really helped. Sprinkled a little bit and he went crunching away..

Happy to hear that. I've learned so many tricks here on Yorkie Talk.

[Llutz]

This makes me happy! I'm so glad you are taking the advice of many knowledgable people
Your little man will be much happier enjoying his mealtimes now, and let's face it...If they are happy, we are happy!

[IEkoa]

Update: eating is going well. He hasnt thrown up,has had good bowel movements, and seems hapoier and more lively. He tends to skip breakfast and eat a little at noon and finish a bunch at dinner.

hopefully yhis continues! Cant thank you all enough!

[mimimomo]

Originally Posted by IEkoa

Update: eating is going well. He hasnt thrown up,has had good bowel movements, and seems hapoier and more lively. He tends to skip breakfast and eat a little at noon and finish a bunch at dinner.

hopefully yhis continues! Cant thank you all enough!

That's awesome!

[MauiGirl]

Originally Posted by IEkoa

Update: eating is going well. He hasnt thrown up,has had good bowel movements, and seems hapoier and more lively. He tends to skip breakfast and eat a little at noon and finish a bunch at dinner.

hopefully yhis continues! Cant thank you all enough!

Sounds like a happy healthy guy to me. Happy it is working out well.

[Llutz]

Everytime I read a positive update it warms my heart

Alot of the babies here enjoy fresh veggies & fruit too! Carrots, green beans, pieces of apple w/no peal etc (No grapes or onions) He might like them too as a crunchy snack

[IEkoa]

Hello all, little update, he is eating kibble well, but is now stuck on this parmesan cheese! He will not eat it without it. I only put a pinch, if that. Its such a small amount that its barely visible. I do not want him to get addicted, but i also meed him to eat!
Any suggestions?

This goes without saying, but thank you for taking the time to help!

[MauiGirl]

Originally Posted by IEkoa

Hello all, little update, he is eating kibble well, but is now stuck on this parmesan cheese! He will not eat it without it. I only put a pinch, if that. Its such a small amount that its barely visible. I do not want him to get addicted, but i also meed him to eat!
Any suggestions?

This goes without saying, but thank you for taking the time to help!

A tiny pinch is not going to hurt him, so don't worry. It is much better than the Little Ceasar food he was previously eating. His good quality kibble is giving him plenty of nutrition.