My 16 week old ES Spaniel puppy not eating?

[bigelaine]

Hi Folks
I got a new puppy 6 days ago, he is 16 weeks old and as cute as a button! He ate fine for the first few days that he was with me but for the last 2 days he has just been picking at his food, only eating about 1/4 of what he should be. I give him about 15 minutes to eat his meal then take it away and give him fresh food for his next meal.
He seems to be feeling fine in himself as he is full of beans and playing with my older dog. His nose is wet and his eyes clear and bright.

Has he just stopped eating because he is settleing into his new house or is he just too busy playing and exploring? Should I try him on another brand of puppy food or will he come round to eating when he's hungry enough?

Thanks

[jules77]

It may be that he is just too busy with other things to think about eating, some puppies are like that and if you pamper to them they will grow up into fussy adults. You cant change a puppys food overnight as it must be done gradually, but if you think he doesnt like the food you could try adding something else - tripe always goes down well with puppies and none of mine were able to resist it, but I only give them small quantities in with their other food.

What are you feeding him - he should still be on 3 or 4 meals a day, and personally I feed two meat meals (complete food with some fresh meat and veg) and two milky meals, either rice pudding or cereal with goats milk.

Is he drinking ok, and is he pooing normally. If you are worried it wouldnt hurt to give the vet a visit, as he really needs his food for his bones and body to grow otherwise he will become quite gangly.

[bigelaine]

He is on pedigree puppy chicken and rice and is fed 3 times a day. He is drinking plenty of water and is very playfull so I think he is feeling fine and just a fussy eater. He would quite happily eat his big brothers tea but I want him to eat pupy food as it has all the vitamins.