Dog Food - Could Choice Could Be the Issue When Your Dog Refuses to Eat?

By C Jenkinson

There's nothing quite like a fresh bowl of dog food to get you going in the morning...assuming you have four feet and a tendency to wag your tail when excited. However, sometimes our loving pets just turn their noses up at food, and us humans can't exactly ask them why. Fortunately some troubleshooting can help you with this.

First and foremost is medical issues. If not eating is the only symptom then it could be a dental problem or an injury to the inside of your dog's mouth. To be really sure, you should take Sparky to the vet.

Though it isn't quite a medical "problem" per se, if your dog is female and she's in heat, or male and around a female in heat it's natural to see a dog lose it's appetite. Give it a few days and they'll be fine.

What you can easily diagnose at home is your dog's eating habits. This can take a few forms. For example, if you just switch brands of dog food and your dog is simply turning the new stuff down, try mixing some of the old stuff with the new. Less and less of the old dog food every day for a few days and you are good to go. Also, no more giving the dog table scraps. It could be that your dog is used to the "good stuff" and no longer finds dog food appealing. You may have to talk to the kids about this one. This is also why it is a mistake to mix people food in with the dog food to get your dog to eat. It forms bad habits and expectations.

If nothing so far is adding up for your situation, you don't need to panic just yet. A healthy adult dog can go up to three days between meals without a complication, a fact that your dog is very much aware of. Dogs, as pack animals, love structure, so try a scheduled feeding time. Twice a day feed the dog, if it refuses to eat after fifteen minutes, take the food away. A dog will be more likely to eat if it knows this is its only opportunity. Another easy trick that has been proven effective is to move the dog's feeding place to somewhere away from noise and distraction. Consider helping your furry friend build up an appetite as well. Help him get some exercise.

The right pet food should be enjoyable and nutritious for your furry friend so at the end of the day if none of your troubleshooting efforts seem to be panning out, you really need to consult a vet.

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Are You In Control Of Your Dog's Eating Habits?

By Lori Kniff

Most dogs love to eat. If you don't control what your dog eats and when he eats, you could unknowingly cause him blotting, diarrhea, constipation and even obesity.

Allowing your dog to have free feeding, always having food at his disposal, can be a detrimental to him. Controlling what and when he eats will help you keep him healthy.

What should your dog eat?

Only give your dog an occasional bit of table scraps, and never from the table. Good quality dog foods have higher nutritional value. Also, he may learn to beg while you are eating if you feed him scraps very often.

What you feed your dog is not necessarily determined by his breed but more importantly his age, activity and health. Also, become a label reader so you know what is in the dog food you purchase.

As a puppy, you may find a good quality dog food formulated just for puppies. You can also find a good quality dog food for any age dog. If you decide on a brand that is for any age dog, it will probably have nutrients best for your dog's growth. If, however, your dog becomes overweight, finding a quality dog food for his maintenance may be a better choice.

Look online or check your local pet store for dog food with a specified 'meat' as the first couple of ingredients. You may find chicken, turkey, etc, or chicken meal, turkey meal, etc. These meats are specific and indicate a much higher quality of food. "Meal" means that the water has been removed and you get a condensed, high quality food. Refrain from any dog food where the first ingredient is corn or corn meal.

If, however, the first ingredients are meat meal, or meat by products, it is not a good quality. "Meat", in this case, could be anything from a diseased, dead animal to an unknown, undesirable animal. By-products are another term to be aware of. These 'by-products' could be hooves, toe nails, eyes, etc., and not considered edible.

The best quality dog food you choose will provide your pet with a glossy coat, good energy, and a good quality of health.

Is your dog a nibbler or a gobbler?

A dog who inhales his food becomes obese more easily. They hardly stop to think what they are doing. Maybe they are afraid that a companion dog will eat their share of food before they get a chance. It is pretty much unknown why a dog eats so rushed, but it is not good for his digestion.

Try to control the speed of intake. There are pet bowls designed to make it harder to eat fast. They have partitions. You can also put an object in the food dish to slow them down because they have to work around the object to eat. If you put an object in the bowl, make sure it is too large for them to get it in their mouth. A ball is a good object, and you can use a ping pong ball up to the size of a tennis ball or baseball. It will depend on the size of your dog. As a side note, clean the ball after each feeding so it doesn't develop bacteria.

If your dog is a nibbler, be grateful. They will probably never overeat and become obese.

How much should you feed your dog?

The quantity depends on the breed, age, energy level, and health of your dog. Obviously, the smaller the dog, the less food he will require. If your dog is in his puppy stages, usually up to 8-9 months, you will need to increase the quantity gradually as he grows.

The quantities can be determined by reading the suggested quantities on the label of the dog food, talking with your vet, or by trial and error. Give him a little and see if he needs more food, and when does he become satisfied.

The better quality dog food will have a higher cost, and will cost more than the supermarket specials. However, the food will be more satisfying and he won't need as much to eat.

Is canned dog food or dry dog food better?

Either kind of food is good as long as the quality is good.

Canned food contains water, which the dog needs. Some dogs like the texture. It is usually more inconvenient to feed, may be more expensive, and carries what is sometimes considered an unpleasant odor.

Dry food is more convenient to serve, keeps longer as long as it stays dry, does not have a strong odor, and helps to eliminate plaque build up on your dog's teeth.

These foods can be mixed, but the food will not keep as long as straight, dry dog food. When moisture is added to the dry food, whether it is water or canned food, it should be eaten within the hour.

How often should you feed your dog?

A feeding schedule is important for several reasons.

1. It helps you to know when he will have to eliminate - usually within an hour after eating.
2. It helps you plan when to give medications, if needed.
3. It helps to eliminate obesity by not having food always available.
4. You can control the time you leave the food available, usually 5-30 minutes.
5. You will know if they are experiencing any illnesses or health issues by noticing a loss of appetite.
6. Consistent and regular feeding times are good training.

Puppies, between 3-4 weeks and up to 6 weeks should be fed 4-5 times daily. Divide the daily quantity in to approximately even portions. Introduce solid food gradually by adding water or milk replacement to the dry food.

At 6-8 weeks, feed him 3-4 times a day. Make sure these little ones are getting the proper nutrition for a growing dog.

Around 8-9 weeks, you can begin feeding them twice a day. This schedule will continue throughout their life.

Always beware of your dog's nutritional needs. Make sure he has plenty to eat, and that he is getting a good quality nutritious dog food. He will have a glossy coat, be active, and he will be healthy. Giving him treats for good behavior is good training.

Always have water available while he is eating. The warmer the day, the more water he will need. If he is outside, water should always be available.

If you are ever in doubt about your dog's eating habits, check with your vet. Proper diet and nutrition is the best pro-active way to have a healthy, happy companion.

Disclaimer: I am not a veterinarian nor do I have any formal training in any medical field. This article is not to replace the advice of your veterinarian. I am only providing options and ideas that you may want to discuss with your veterinarian.

Having had cats and dogs most of her life, Lori Kniff is concerned about the health, welfare, and comfort of our best friends, our dogs and cats.
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Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/

How to Stop Dog Stool Eating Behavior

By Gerry Restrivera

You've got the most wonderful canine as companion - a delightful puppy with charming eyes and pleasant disposition. Loyal and playful, this little creature would cheerfully welcome you whenever you arrive home. Your beloved dog fetches your slippers and excitedly runs around the house, waiting for you to start your regular game of catch. Simply put, your puppy is just about the perfect pet there is - well, almost. Because just when you thought that you've got the best canine in town, your little buddy has one little surprise for you. As it turns out, your pup has the unpleasant dog stool eating behavior.
  Coprophagia, or dog stool eating, is natural to dogs. Puppies have the tendency to develop a habit for this, which is brought about by the gradual desire of their taste buds to consume something solid.  To help you out with this problem, here are some tips in getting rid of the nasty dog stool eating behavior of your beloved pet:
    1. Keep your place spic and span.
    When you keep the environment of your puppies tidy, chances are, the probability for dog stool eating behavior is reduced. Always make sure that after eating, playing, and especially excreting, you clean up the area immediately. Keep a lid on the litter box to avoid any unsanitary odor and the temptation for dog stool eating behavior. By eliminating the opportunity for stool-eating, your puppy will eventually get rid of that habit.
    2. Train your pet.
    Training your pet is very vital in bringing a halt to this  coprophagia or dog stool eating behavior. You can get your canine buddy off this nasty habit by introducing the words BAD, NO, or other negative vocabularies. Whenever your dog starts stool eating, say "BAD" or "NO" and gradually, it will begin to associate these negative words with dog stool eating. Coupled with punishment, e.g. no desert, your pet will be conditioned to stop dog stool eating behavior.
    3. Spend more time playing with your dog.
    Keeping your pup busy can take its mind off dog stool eating behavior. Increase the quality time that you spend with your pet. Walk them in the morning and make time to play with them when you are at home. Treat these as your bonding moment with your pet. This way, you do not only reduce your pet's tendency to engage in dog stool eating but also give you some time to relax. 

    4. Invest in toys.
    So, you keep your pet busy while you are at home, but what happens when you are not around? The best thing to do in this kind of situation is to introduce your pet to a wide array of toys it can play with. This will keep your charming little canine entertained and hopefully, diverted from its dog stool eating habits.   

    5. Add Mono Sodium Glutamate (MSG) to your pet's food.  

    Some dog owners who had similar problems with their pet add a dash of monosodium glutamate in the food of their dogs. This chemical gives an unpleasant taste so that your puppy will be revolted with the taste of their own stool. By constantly doing this, your pet will eventually learn to dislike the taste of stool, thus, ridding it off this disgusting habit. 

    6. If the dog stool eating persists, consult your veterinarian.
    As your puppy grows older, the dog stool eating habit usually stops. However, there are certain cases where the pup would continue with this behavior. Consulting the experts is still the best way to help your pet do away with this offensive habit. Sometimes, the puppy might have a vitamin or mineral deficiency. Should this be the case, then the puppy should be put in a program that provides complete nutrition suitable for the canine's age. 
    Just follow these tips and you will be on your way to stopping your canine buddy from dog stool eating. In no time, your puppy will no longer engage in this nasty, revolting habit.
If the above tips to stop dog stool eating behavior didn’t work, do not lose hope, it only means you need more effective techniques to transform your dog’s behavior. Did you know that you can put an end to the stress and annoyance of your dog’s behavior problems by using techniques that will give you immediate results? Discover dog obedience training secrets to stop your dog’s behavior problems visit [http://dogscorner.great-discovery.com/]Dogs' Corner
To know more about Pets visit [http://luv-pets.blogspot.com/]All About Pets
Gerry Restrivera writes informative articles on various subjects including How to Stop Dog Stool Eating Behavior. You are allowed to publish this article in its entirety provided that author’s name, bio and website links must remain intact and included with every reproduction.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Stop-Dog-Stool-Eating-Behavior&id=561853] How to Stop Dog Stool Eating Behavior

When a Dog Has Strange Eating Habits

By Alisa Chagnon

As a responsible dog owner, we are quite sure you are following proper feeding habits for your dog. However, there are many owners who are voicing concerns about what may seem like strange eating habits that their dog is displaying.
Some owners are concerned that their dog seems to be eating less than normal. Since dogs are obviously much smaller than humans, even a divergence of a pound or so can make a visible and worrisome difference. Other owners are concerned because their pet is a very finicky eater. Of course, having a stubborn canine can be quite a challenge.
They may also show an unusual habit of refusing to eat where you wish and bringing their food to a spot that they choose. This can be an issue when your dog brings food to a room that you want to keep clean.
No matter what type of odd or unusual eating you dog may have, there is a solution. Discussed will be eating issues that can be fixed and also signs of a medical condition that should be addressed immediately with your vet.

Refusal to Eat In the Designated Area
As a loving owner, you most likely set up a really nice eating area for your dog. You probably have a nice matching food and water dish and a place mat that holds them. Following proper feeding, you chose a quiet corner of a room to place their food. Does your dog pick up their food and carry it into another room? There are several reasons for this. If you have a dog that was previously owned by a neglectful or abusive owner, they may have learned that he or she must "hide" their food.
Another explanation is that to you, your kitchen or eating area for your dog may seem quite and free of distractions but they may feel that the room is much too noisy and does not feel secure there. Be sure to make a very nice, quite area for them to eat. Do all you can to make the area their own undisturbed dining area. Section it off or make sure no one walks by, even at times that your dog is not eating. It should be very clear to your dog and to all members of the family that this area is only for your dog to eat in privacy.
If they take food into another room, and you have followed the above guidelines, gently take the food and bring it back to their eating spot. If your dog stays and eats there, even for a few seconds, during that time show how proud and happy you are with kind words of encouragement and a cheerful tone to your voice.
If they are having great difficulty eating in the spot you wish for them to, if they eat anything there, give a big reward such as a new dog toy.
If Your Dog is Not Eating
First and most important, when a dog refuses to eat it can point to a medical issue. Those that are in pain will not eat. The first thing you should do is bring them to the vet. If all checks out okay, it may be caused by one of two things.
Dogs will eat less in hot weather. If you turn your heat up very high in winter months, try lowering it a bit. If your home is very hot in summer months, do all you can to keep it cool. On average, a dog will eat 10% less food for each 10 degrees that the temperature rises. They may also appear to be eating less because of an increase in exercise that causes a bit of weight loss. Be sure you are not over-exercising them; however do keep in mind that exercise is needed for good health!
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Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?When-a-Dog-Has-Strange-Eating-Habits&id=6082046] When a Dog Has Strange Eating Habits

Correcting Your Dog's Eating Habits

Correcting Your Dog's Eating Habits

By George Spence

Given enough time, practically all dogs will develop their own eating quirks and unusual habits over the years. Just like snowflakes, no two dogs are exactly alike and it is these idiosyncratic traits that emphasize their uniqueness and individuality and make them all the more endearing to us.
However, there are some eating habits that can stand to be corrected and still others that should be discouraged outright. As intelligent as dogs typically are, they will not usually have the ability to predict the consequences of their behavior and as such they may have difficulty determining right from wrong. It is up to us then as their owners to make those decisions for them.
One of the most common eating behaviors that should be discouraged is eating too quickly. Almost all dogs are guilty of this at one time or another-even the most well behaved and well trained ones. Unfortunately this can increase the risk of choking, particularly if the food is of the dry variety. One way that you can prevent this behavior is by spreading the food out on a wide tray or a cookie sheet. This way your dog will have to gather each little bit slowly one by one. It may not be as satisfying but at least they won't choke while getting their lunch.
You can also place a large object such as a bowl, a plaything or even a ball in the middle of your dog's feeding dish. This serves the same purpose as spreading out his food, this time by making him eat slowly around the obstacle.
This method will take a little more time and effort from you, but it just may be worth it. You can train him to eat slowly by feeding him a little at a time from your hand. Keep the pace slow and relaxed, and show him that no matter how fast he gobbles up one mouthful, he will still have to wait for the next one.
Some dogs have the habit of taking small amounts of food around the house. The best way to discourage this is by feeding him at the same time everyday and cleaning up any food that is left on his plate at the end of the meal. It will also be a test of your patience, but every time this happens, you simply have to take the food back to the designated eating spot. Over time, your dog will get the message and hopefully those days of "picnicking" will be over.
Are you looking for more information about improving the diet of your dog? There is so much information around about healthy food but what will work for you and your dog?
For more free advice, tips and suggestions, visit [http://www.good-dog-food.com]Healthy Dog Diets
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Correcting-Your-Dogs-Eating-Habits&id=883469] Correcting Your Dog's Eating Habits

Correcting Your Dog's Eating Habits

By George Spence

Given enough time, practically all dogs will develop their own eating quirks and unusual habits over the years. Just like snowflakes, no two dogs are exactly alike and it is these idiosyncratic traits that emphasize their uniqueness and individuality and make them all the more endearing to us.

However, there are some eating habits that can stand to be corrected and still others that should be discouraged outright. As intelligent as dogs typically are, they will not usually have the ability to predict the consequences of their behavior and as such they may have difficulty determining right from wrong. It is up to us then as their owners to make those decisions for them.

One of the most common eating behaviors that should be discouraged is eating too quickly. Almost all dogs are guilty of this at one time or another-even the most well behaved and well trained ones. Unfortunately this can increase the risk of choking, particularly if the food is of the dry variety. One way that you can prevent this behavior is by spreading the food out on a wide tray or a cookie sheet. This way your dog will have to gather each little bit slowly one by one. It may not be as satisfying but at least they won't choke while getting their lunch.
You can also place a large object such as a bowl, a plaything or even a ball in the middle of your dog's feeding dish. This serves the same purpose as spreading out his food, this time by making him eat slowly around the obstacle.
This method will take a little more time and effort from you, but it just may be worth it. You can train him to eat slowly by feeding him a little at a time from your hand. Keep the pace slow and relaxed, and show him that no matter how fast he gobbles up one mouthful, he will still have to wait for the next one.
Some dogs have the habit of taking small amounts of food around the house. The best way to discourage this is by feeding him at the same time everyday and cleaning up any food that is left on his plate at the end of the meal. It will also be a test of your patience, but every time this happens, you simply have to take the food back to the designated eating spot. Over time, your dog will get the message and hopefully those days of "picnicking" will be over.
Are you looking for more information about improving the diet of your dog? There is so much information around about healthy food but what will work for you and your dog?
For more free advice, tips and suggestions, visit [http://www.good-dog-food.com]Healthy Dog Diets
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com