6 month ols with poor appetite

[wigganjg]

My 6 month old, although not looking particularly underweight, sems to have a poor appetite; and isnt eating her 3 meals a day on regular basis.

She is nearly 7 months old and 27kg.

Think I am getting bit neurotic about her appetite. But concerned as appears 'slim' and doesnt scoff all her food, like the forum often comments on !

Any ideas on how to entice her to eat and eat all her food ?

Am feeding her a puppy complete (which she wont eat on its own), mixed with minced chicken or tins. (again very choosey on what she ill eat !)

[brunie's mom]

She sounds like a good weight for a female for this age.
I would stop feeding her three times a day, she can be eating twice a day now, and that may help to build up her appetite.

What else is she getting besides her dog food and mince? Any dog bisquits, training treats, bones,chewies,etc. If she is, cut all that down....so that she has more of an appetite for her food. Is anyone in the home feeding her off the table? or any other their own meals??

At 7 months of age her growth is slowing down, and she may just not need as much food as you are offering her. Put her food down for 10 minutes, let her eat, whatever she leaves...put away till the next meal. Don't let her graze.

Gina

[wigganjg]

Thanks. Wasnt sure about what weight should be and looks slim (not that I want her over weight !).
Will try the two meals a day.
Doesnt get given much else other than th odd bone perhaps every other day.

[diane]

how heavey should a six month old rottwelier bitch be at this age

[moondog]

Originally Posted by diane

how heavey should a six month old rottwelier bitch be at this age

That depends on her height and her build, not on her age. Looking at her from the side, you should see a nice tuck up in her abdomen between the last rib and her hind legs. Looking down on her from above, you should see a definite waistline (hourglass shape) behind the ribcage to her hip bones. When you run your hands along her sides, you should easily feel her ribs with no more than light pressure. If your dog meets these guidelines, then her weight is correct......no matter what her actual weight is on the scale.

[brunie's mom]

Roughly around 50-55 lbs or so. It could be more or it could be less. Males at that age usually weigh about 60 lbs. or so.
Better for them to grow slowly and gain weight slow and stay on the slim side.

Gina

[Kate Dixon]

You sure she isn't going into her heat? Mine stopped eating seemingly altogether for about 2/3 weeks before she went into heat. Lethargic,and shedding like there was no tomorrow were the next signs long before any blood. Mine is a tiny rott - 13 months now and only 36k - she is wonderfully lean and although she loves treats, has never been one to go for it big time at meals. Not at all what I expected for a rott. If she looks well, leaner is better, and less piggy definately an advantage. As the other reply, 3 meals is a fair bit of eating at this age and I took mine off puppy food around this time due to her having HD and not wanting the extra calories. Follow your instincts rather than any Rott Chart - one thing I have learnt is these dogs, like any dog I guess, are all individuals first, breed second. Good luck.