Eating habits.

[jacobcaz]

Hi all,

I have a question about eating habits (or lack thereof). Roxie was rescued, and was fed once a week.

So now she gets food twice a day and doesn't know what to do with it. She just doesn't eat it. I've been feeding 1.75 cups twice a day, but she only finishes her food about every third day.

It doesn't matter if I give her the food in her crate, leave it out all day, take it away after 30 minutes, etc. She totally ignores it, but will have a clean bowl about every other or every third day.

She doesn't look malnourished, and she loves her treats when ever I'll give them. So I suppose she knows what's best for her, but over all she's probably eating about 8 or 9 cups of food a week total. She's gone from some generic kibble to Innova, so maybe it's just ultra rich for her taste.

So do I need to worry or just let her decide when she wants to eat?

Thanks,

Jacob

[TrishB]

You are best to give her multiple, small feedings. Often dogs that have been starved 'fill up' easily. Their poor stomachs feel full after a tiny bit of food. Doing small, frequent feedings will help her to gain some tolerance for food.

It is always best to have them on feedings. Place the food down and pick up what is left over after 15 - 20 minutes. If she should be getting, lets say 2 cups a day (just as an example) - Try splitting her food into 1/4 cups and feed her 8 times a day.

Your vet would be the best judge of how much she should be eating for her weight, size and activity levels. Some dogs are also just not big eaters. The key is to know that she's healthy - have your vet assess her and go from there! :)