View Full Version : Dog doesn't eat much
Emily94
Aug 16, 2010, 09:38 AM
I stared feeding my dog evo a few months ago (2 or 3 I think) he hasn't eaten very much in the last few weeks. I know feeding a better quality dog food makes them eat less, but it seems like he is eating A LOT less. In the last week or so he has eaten less than 5 cups, he is about 25 pounds. Is this normal? He is not losing weight and doesn't look skinny (I can feel his ribs but cannot see them)
*I only used this week for an example it has been like this for about a month or more.
lJ.
Aug 16, 2010, 12:22 PM
Has his water intake changed?
You should consult your vet!
Does he still exercise and go to the bathroom reguarily?
Lucky098
Aug 16, 2010, 12:23 PM
A healthy dog doesn't need to eat every meal. I believe they can go up to 5 days without eating and it not affecting the dogs actual health.
Feeding higher quality means feeding more calories. If you dog doesn't get out much and doesn't get a lot of exercise, then your pup isn't going to have to eat as much.
My dogs don't eat every meal I give them. Sometimes they will go an entire day and a half without eating. When I exercise them regularly, then they will eat all the time.
As long as your pup doesn't apear to be sick (lethargic, throwing up, dull looking eyes) Then I see no need to be worried. Maybe get him out more.. make him tired... He'll eat more that way.
Emily94
Aug 16, 2010, 12:39 PM
He drinks a lot of water, and he does go outside and play, but with the heat I feel bad making him play outside. He runs around the house and such but I guess I'll start walking him more in the evening and see if anything changes! Thank you, I can stop worrying about him for now :P
lJ.
Aug 16, 2010, 12:56 PM
Has he always drank a lot of water? I actually talked to my vet today about a similar problem [but her intake is normal, but food intake decrased]. I would extremely recommend him to your vet, because it is usually a medical problem if he starts to drink more water, and not eat as much food. It may not be serious though, but it easily could be. Not that you should be worrying constantly about this, but you really should consult your vet. A change in eating habit is not good and he should not go without food for long. Even if it doesn't affect his diet it could affect his other organs. But if you Google "my dog is drinking a lot of water and not eating yahooanswers" you will get similar results. But only your vet can really tell you if he needs help or that he is fine. Good luck!
Emily94
Aug 16, 2010, 01:13 PM
He has always drank lots of water. The only thing that's changed is his food intake.
lJ.
Aug 16, 2010, 01:19 PM
You should consult your vet so they can help him with his change in diet, it could be serious or it may not be at all. Is his food different lately, or have you noticed anything else slightly changed even not having to do with his diet? Maybe his mood, or sleep? Good luck !
Emily94
Aug 16, 2010, 01:26 PM
As I said his food changed about two-Three months ago, from a very low quality food (I didn't realize how bad it was) to a good quality food, nothing else has changed.
lJ.
Aug 16, 2010, 01:36 PM
If you consult your vet they can recommend a food for him, maybe even the low quality one of the higher quality one. You could try mixing in pieces of the one he enjoyed eating with the one that will benefit his health more. Or maybe there is a health issue, but your vet can try to find out if there is, or if he is just adjusting to his change in diet.
Lucky098
Aug 16, 2010, 11:32 PM
EVO is one of the best foods on the market.. No need for a food change again.
My dogs don't eat all the time. They're perfectly healthy.
You are the only one who knows your dog inside and out. If you feel as if you need to speak with a vet, by all means do. But if his energy levels are good, water intake is normal, stool is normal, nice shiney, bright eyes, alert.. then your dog is fine.
Like I said, you know your dog more then anyone else. Just keep in mind though, EVO is very high in protein. Your pup may be getting all the nutrients his body needs right now.
Also, there is a chance you are over feeding. My dogs on EVO eat about a cup and a half morning and evening.. They're 60 plus pounds. Maybe cut back on his portion by about 1/8 and see if that works.
Emily94
Aug 17, 2010, 06:56 AM
He free feeds. I tried feeding the morning/evening thing but with my work schedule it's really hard... (somedays I work evening others I work mornings)
Lucky098
Aug 17, 2010, 08:59 AM
That's why he's not eating regularly! Hes eating all day... EVO is high protein.. High protein means high calories.. unlike people, dogs will only use what they need. If he isn't very active during the day he isn't going to want to eat as much.
Maybe put him on a scheduled feeding if it makes you more comfortable. I really wouldn't worry about it though.
Emily94
Aug 17, 2010, 09:12 AM
Yeah, I still keep track on how much he is eating, but I only fill his bowl when it empties (Which is about every 4-5 days now)