Puppy not eating

Status
Not open for further replies.

Jeremyss

Boxer Pal
Dakota is 8 weeks old and we have had her now for 2 weeks. She may eat
1 cup a day if that. We tried mixing soft fooe, but that did not work that great either. She tried a different brand, but that is not working. She is 5/6 lbs. Should we be worried about her not eating much?
 

gmacleod

Elusive Moderator
Staff member
I would be a bit concerned, yes. Nothing that can be done about it now, but she really shouldn't have left her mother and littermates until at least 8 weeks of age. The 6-8 week range is a very important socialisation period.

I would try wetting her kibble with a little warm water to see if that will entice her to eat. If that's no-go, you could try her on a high quality adult food. Puppy formula really isn't necessary and a lot of pups turn their noses up at it - better that they eat the adult food then, especially if it means they will actually eat. I'd also supplement the dog food with things like a little raw meat, yoghurt, cottage cheese, and baby animal formula if she'll eat that. The occassional meal of lightly scrambled egg would be a nice addition too :)

good luck :)
 

Jeremyss

Boxer Pal
Tried mixing

From what i am reading on the forums, if i would have known about the the 8 week separation time, I wou;d have waited, bit like you said too late now. Apparently we picked the runt of the family and i did see the mother and she was not all that big. I always add water to her food to soften it up a bit. Some days she eats more than others, but i will take your suggestions and try them.
 

Thomas Liggin

Boxer Insane
You can also try feeding Dakota from your hand.

Indy from the time we got him has never shown a lot of interest in eating, while Ava would gobble everything you put in her bowl until she exploded.

Indy wasn't interested in his food when he first came home. He'd eat a little, then leave it alone. When we offered him the food from our hand, it was a different story. He'd eat everything we had put in his bowl.

Remember, that once weaned, dogs' ancestors fed on food their parents brought to them. For some dogs, it may be part of their natural instinct, to take food from their providers.

Even now, at almost three years of age, he's still indifferent about breakfast. If he's playing with a toy, he'll ignore his food. When he does that, I'll take it up, or Ava will eat it, and put it down a couple of hours later. Then he'll usually clean his bowl. For some reason, he is more interested in his dinner meal, and quickly devours it.

He gets the same food for both meals, so we can't attribute it to his preferences.


Tom
 

BriaLeigh

Boxer Buddy
I have this same problem with Zander. When we first got him he didnt want to eat either. I saw the vet when he was 14 weeks and they told me he was fine weight and everything and that boxers can sometimes look alil bit ribby when they are young. But still, I worry now that hes not eating enough. I found that if i fed him from my hand that worked well. Also, up untill recently id have to stand near him while he ate or he'd get up and follow me around. I tried mixing some adult food or treats with his food because he loves to eat my adult dog's food. But I couldnt let that go on... so I watched one day and found that if i take Zander's food and put it in Maddie's bowl, he'll eat it cuz he thinks hes eating her food. So easy to fool! Of course, Maddie doesnt like that so it had to change again. Now i mix Zander's food with alittle bit of rice or ground meat or chicken. I always choose healthy things and drain the meat really well. I've been doing this for a week now and hes eating alot more! Hope this helps you!
 

dakota NB

Boxer Pal
Dakota NB and Jeremyss

Dakota is out little pup (8weeks) and we got some chicken soup for the puppies soul and WOW, What a change maybe she was just picky she eats it all up without and water or soft food mixed in. I would say the problem may be solved of her not eating.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top