4.5 year old no longer wants to eat in the morning

[jenn77]

My 4 1/2 yr old has always eaten in the morning and at night, but lately he's been refusing his breakfast. He'll do one of two things: go to his bowl and sort of push the food around for a minute but never eat it, or he'll just completely ignore the fact that we're filling his bowl, and go to lay down in one of "his spots."

Should I be worried? He never has a problem eating his evening meal. Could I feed him twice at night (one around 5 and again later?), or would that make his belly too full (each feeding is two cups of dry food)?

He's currently on Solid Gold, but I'm going to slowly switch to California Natural, in case he's just gotten bored with it (both are lamb-based so there shouldn't be any problems).

Ideas, please?!

 

[craZ4HERKIE]

I've noticed that Herkie has not wanted to eat in the am on several occasions, and usually what I do is entice him with a treat...because the idea is to get him started eating. Most likely he's probably hungry, and is feeling a little nauseous, as boxers do have pretty sensitive tummys, and don't do well if they are empty. Do you give him any treats at night before bed? You may want to give him a substantial treat so he'll have something on his stomach, and that way he won't have a lot of acid in his stomach, which happens when its empty. Also, another thing you may want to try is sprinkling a tad of parmesan cheese on his food...this usually gets them going. Herkie loves it, if he acts like he doesn't want to eat, I can just shake the container and he'll start eating before I've put any on his food! Silly boy! Good Luck!

 

[lafsalot]

Your dog's loss of appetite in the mornings may be due to an upset tummy because their stomachs are empty. You may want to divide his total intake into three meals a day, giving one small meal later than usual. Just a suggestion ~ Cathy

 

[jenn77]

Thanks for the advice. It does help to give him a treat first, to "get his stomach going" as you put it. Sprinkling parmesan or something else on his food is something I don't want to do, for fear that he'll never take his food again without it! I went through a phase when he was a puppy where he had to always have something added on, and I know it wasn't good for him.

Maybe I'll start giving him a bigger cookie at night. I give him small, low-cal cookies in general (that he can eat in just one bite) because he doesn't need the extra calories, but I think I'll get some larger ones for before bed only.

Thanks!