Puppy not eating.

[Stubby]

I adopted a Rotti rescue and her since last saturday and seem to be noticing a trend. She is not eating her kibble. Could this be because she is a bit disoriented still? I had her to the vet last night and he said she was fine. She drinks water no problem, but at best I can only get her to eat a couple of kibbles at a time. Any ideas??

BTW, she is only about 7-8 weeks


Dad is worried about her.. :)

[Justic]

Congradulatios on your new girl. I am not sure what kind of kibble your feeding but I had a similar problem. I switched to wellness (from Pro-plan) and Justice did better for a few days but then right back to the same way. My vet and this forum recommened using some luke warm water. This did the trick....at 3 1/2 months the vet wanted to see a little more weight on the pup so I started mixing wet food and water with the kibble. Hope this helps. If not I am sure plenty of others will have some good idea's.

-Erik

[Bruce Lanthier]

Originally posted by Justic:
My vet and this forum recommened using some luke warm water.

Luke warm water makes the food mushy and young puppies seem to like this better than hard kibble (better on their young mouths). The wet food is also a good idea.

[Justic]

Stubby,

Justice did have some "runs" for a week or so....but then his systme adjusted and he's fine. FYI you don't have to "soak" the food per say. Just mix it up real good :-) Good luck.

-Erik

[badbluehope]

stubby, our rott is also very picky. she does not like her kibble but if mix it a little shredded cheese or a little canned dog food, she gobbles it right up. we don't give her too much canned food because her stool becomes too runny and it gets worrisome. as long as your pup is energetic and the vet says she is okay. i am sure you just need to change her food. our puppy loves the shredded cheese routine. (not too much cheese. just enough to make her eat her food)

[Stubby]

She's around 6-7 weeks old now. She's got godd energy in the morning, afternoons she sleeps A LOT and evening's she' sleeps A LOT. I get some play time in with her, but she seems to tire quickly. I think it's because of the lack of nutrition in her belly.

I'm a tad worried. :(

Doc. did say she seemed healthy though.


Stubby

[Stubby]

So, like, canned puppy food mixed in with kibble thats been soaked in warm water right?

Do I need to worry that the canned food may cause her to get the run's at all?


TIA.


Stubby

[Lora Lee]

Stubby,

I don't recommend soaking dry food with Chicken Broth, sorry, but it's mainly sodium. Your dog dosen't need a salt lick :)There's also nothing else good for your puppy in Chicken Broth..NO Vit. A,B,C no calcuim and no iron.

The canned food I use is Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Puppy, you can however mix dry (same kind)with 1/2 can of soft food. Let it soak with a little hot water first, stir in can and serve.

Are you free-feeding, or on a schedule? If a schedule what times and how many feedings?

Contrary to popular belief, not all of thier food is actually chewed. A young pup as yours swallows more whole than he chews. Are his teeth coming in okay? Take a good look at his mouth and gums including under his tounge and look for any abnormalities. Let me know if you see anyting odd.

[2rotties2luv]

I've had good luck using warm chicken broth to moisten the kibble for a young puppies.
Good Luck !!

[Stubby]

Well, her teeth and gums seem to be fine as far as I can see, no "hot spots" or what have you. Teeth are solid. I had been trying to put her on a schedule, but seeing that she wasn't eating a damn thing, I moved to free feeding. That don't work either. Last night I picked up a can of Science Diet canine growth canned food. She really liked it, and ate a fair amount, slightly less than 1/4 can. This morning, I tried to give her some and she turned up her nose. She's being more than a little finiky I would say. :(
I do wonder if it had anything to do with her young age. Has anyone ever used something like that stuff you get for babies, (enfilac?) to substitute mothers milk in young ones like this?


Stubby

[Lora Lee]

Stubby,
Glad her mouth looks good. Pick on brand of food and give it an honest go, Science Diet is fine. Try and put her on a scedule feeding 4 times a day.

If she will only eat 1/4 can at a time, put the rest (from the can) in a bowl, cover and save in the fridge. Warm it up a little before next feeding. Don't bother with any dry food until she starts to eat more.

You can also tempt her with a little fresh meat. Buy some beef heart at your store, blanch it, then chop up into tiny pieces and stir in with canned food. You can also do this with kidneys and liver, just don't make it the main course; only incorporate a small amount of meats into feedings once a day.


I would be very concerned about the amount of nutrition she is getting. I therefore would supplement with formula until she's eating well :)

[Lora Lee]

Stubby,
Any improvement in appetite?

[clifford]

Our puppy Casey, now five months old, had the same problem when we first brought her home. She would eat a little bit and then just lose interst. Now she eats a cup of kibble in about 30 seconds.

[Stubby]

Thanks for all your replies guys and gals. It would seem that she just wasn't used to her surroundings. Now she is eating like a maniac! and she loves real liver. I am using it as a treat or when she's a good girl. :)

I was worried for a bit, but now she seems to be coming along fine. She's growing FAST! I can already see a change since we got her a week or so ago.

Thanks again!!

Stubby

[AngelBunny]

Stubby:

Now that she's eating, you'll need to watch out for the opposite problem--that she doesn't eat too much & gets fat. All the Rotties I've had have been stomachs on legs and would, if we gave them the chance, eat themselves to death.

DO NOT let your puppy get fat! Excess weight places too much of a strain on their growing frames. Leaner is much healthier than fatter.