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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