Getting my puppy to eat her dog food

[take4roll10]

I always mix in a bit of canned for mine, just a tablespoon or so, and some warm water. It really does make a difference, and if you have a canned food that you know agrees with her I would do that. I do think that our dogs generally eat what they need (except that some of mine would eat till they explode!) so I wouldn't be too worried, especially if she's getting a cup a day and she's over six months.

she's getting a cup a day, but she's only eating half of it. Maybe I'll try mixing in a little bit of canned food. Just a teaspoon. If she eats more and gets loose stool, then I know she's over eating and 1/2 a cup was enough for her.

 

[Diana]

I seem to be having this problem with Bailey (6.5 mons).

She is eating California Natural Lamb & Rice. The recommended food for her age and weight is 1 1/4 cups a day. I've been feeding her 1/2 cup twice a day, but she only eats 1/2 of that.

Buffy eats about the same amount -- 1/4 c twice a day. I started giving her 1/3 c for awhile but she wouldn't eat it, so I decided to stop wasting the food. She is 10–11 pounds, which is about Bailey's size if I remember right. She also eats kibble in her Kong (1/4 c), although she doesn't always get all of it out. She is on a higher quality kibble and they usually need less of that.

Keep in mind both of our pups are about half the weight of a regular Sheltie. Maybe they just need less? I tend to think the doggies will eat what they need and the dog food companies often put too large an amount on the label.

I mainly just get worried if she doesn't eat her 1/4 cup. She is mayyybe semi spoiled and I give her either chicken broth, hot water or wet food if she doesn't eat her morning meal.... I find she whines more if she doesn't eat (like a little kid or something).

Merrick wet food is a good idea--thanks Barb & PitterPatter--I will try to find it somewhere. I tried Wellness but I agree, that pate texture does not look or smell appetizing and it's not great for mixing.