Any advice please for refusing to eat.

[Meggie]

Can anyone offer any advice please for my little two year old who has recently started to refuse food. She used to eat really well up till about three weeks ago. Then it got she’d only eat bits of cooked meat, which I usually mix a little of with their regular kibble. Next only if I hand fed the meat. Tried Promax which worked for a day or two but still not eating a real meal. Took her to the vet who gave her a thorough examination, could find nothing wrong. He gave me a few antacid tablets incase it was acid tummy, didn’t really make much difference. Today she is refusing to touch anything, even hand fed best roast beef which she loves. I know I’ll probably have to go back to the vet but it’s New Years Day & my local vet is closed, emergency out of hours is a two hours drive away & I don’t think it warrants that. She’s drinking normally, no sickness or diarrhoea, temperature normal, not quite as lively as usual. She’s two years old & weighs five pounds.

[matese]

I always keep a package of boneless chicken cutlets for occiasions like this. Boil a boneless chicken cutlet, do not add salt or seasons. After its cooked and cooled offer her the chicken even if you have to hand feed her. If my dog refuses chicken, off to the we go.

Let me see if I can find other members that can offer up help or suggestions.

[ladyjane]

You did not mention any blood work done by the vet. If none has been done, you really need to go back and get it done! There are many things that could be going on and the only way to know is by doing the necessary labs.

Not eating can really be a serious sign. It could be she is just being picky ... I try real hard not to let that happen, but these little ones have a way of wrapping us around their paws <3

You could try to drizzle some chicken baby food on her food. That sometimes works for me.

Please keep us posted!

[Skoshie]

My little one went through a picky phase around that age too. Have you tried offering really small portions of a variety of things? Sometimes, a huge bowl of food can be overwhelming. Also, maybe try making mealtimes less of a "battle." If she refuses, just take it away and offer something else later.