dogs diet

[marie25]

i have a 3yr old cocker spaniel who seems to be a very fussy eater she is feed on science plan . but for the last three weeks she has not eaten her food, she will only eat dog treats .she used to eat ok if i mixed in abit of sausage or chicken but she will not even do this now she does not seem to have alot of energy could there be some thing medical wrong

[wiggal]

I have a constant battle to get my dog to eat, but he has his reasons that we are trying to sort out.
I would suggest you take her to the vets for a check up, just in case anything is wrong.
:)

[lankeela]

Stop the treats, put the food down for fifteen minutes, then take it up until the next mealtime.


Of course, get the vet to check there is nothing wrong, but no dog will starve - if you are offering treats it is like expecting a child to eat its greens when you are giving it sweeties.

[hau kola]

Try mixing some tinned cat food in with the dried food.

[Tony the Duk]

I totally agree with lankeela. Dogs are fussy and can be very strong willed - give them a treat and they suddenly think that this is the norm. Go back to normal food and they will literally starve themselves until YOU give in. It's up to you to show them who's master. I am not a favour of these science plan fads - they are invented to keep animals off a sensible eating programme. A lot of cat owners I know have pets that have developed kidney problems , crystal build -up in the kidney to these stupid diets. Please persevere with your pet - don't cajole him/her when it comes to eating but find something it actually enjoys. Actually chicken is inexpensive and can be bought cheaply at meat markets and put with a good mixer is a healthy diet, Once your dog enjoys something that has the vitamins it isn't neccessary to change it and feel free to add vegetables from your own dinner table. Good Luck.

[gelda]

Hau kola, cat food is a no no for dogs, it's very high in protien and if you start doing that it's the same as giving the dog treats, it won't eat the dog food without cat food added which would be bad for it long term.

[marie25]

thankyou lankeena i will take your advice as it makes sense. i will try and be more strong willed.and will try not to give treats.untill she has eaten.