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View Full Version : My dog won't eat any food?


velvetstorms
Oct 5, 2010, 11:41 AM
My Pomeranian won't eat any type or brand of food & I've tried almost every type available! He is thin, not terribly underweight but not great either. The vets say there is no reason what so ever for him not to be eating. I'm at my wits end, any suggestions please?

JudyKayTee
Oct 5, 2010, 12:21 PM
If health problems have been ruled out - and I'm pleased to see that you've already done that. So many people don't spend the time - I think you pick a nutritional food, put it in his dish at the same time every day, if he doesn't eat it it gets picked up until the next day and eventually he eats.

I've had dogs that were picky beyond belief and this is what my Vet suggested. As long as there are no health problems (including dental), he will eat.

Vet said no dog will starve itself to death to prove a point.

I also stopped ALL table food and treats.

joypulv
Oct 5, 2010, 12:42 PM
How old is he? Did he eat a particular brand or type before, and when did it start? He must be eating something. Any chance someone is feeding him something yummy without your knowledge? Of course there's the possibility the vet missed something too. Is there any chance he's in pain, which can cause an animal to stop eating. Have you looked at his teeth and gums? Does he drink his usual amount of water? Does he seem happy, sad, sleep too much, not enough?

I confess that I have always given my dogs a little bit of my dinner (cooked from scratch) on top of their kibble (a good brand like Wellness or Science Diet). They get all the kibble they want, and have never gorged, even though my last dog was a retriever. I will never give a dog canned food, not even the expensive stuff. All the dog-nutrients are in the dry food.

lJ.
Oct 5, 2010, 02:37 PM
Try putting in a little treat in the food to encourage him to eat it. Have you noticed any other changes with him?

shazamataz
Oct 5, 2010, 06:41 PM
How old is he?

Almost every male dog I have lived with has had somewhat of a hunger stike around 12-18 months of age.
I don't know what it is or why it is but it seems to be a trend.
Brody my Miniature Poodle was a bag of bones for about 4 months, he just barely ate anything then all of a sudden almost as soon as he hit 18 months he started pigging out and well, now he's a little butter ball who needs to go on a diet.

I tried different food and adding to his food which would work for a day or 2, then he would be back to not eating again.
If you are really concerned you can try mixing sardines through his food or some raw hamburger, but I would try Judy's methos first on just picking the bowl up after 10 minutes and withholding food until the next day.

JudyKayTee
Oct 6, 2010, 06:20 AM
This dog hasn't eaten in days so it's a different story but my Gordon Setter eats every other day (approximately). I used to worry about her but she's healthy and fit and a good weight. She just doesn't eat every day (and she gets no treats).

Vet said it's just how she is - whatever that means.

velvetstorms
Oct 6, 2010, 06:55 AM
Thank you for all your replies, he's 16 months old and healthy in every other way.. apart from a fear of getting his nails clipped this is the only problem with him.

velvetstorms
Oct 6, 2010, 06:58 AM
He gets no other food, treats etc, seems happy.. just a fuss-pot I guess. I will definitely try all the suggestions given, thank you.

JudyKayTee
Oct 6, 2010, 07:00 AM
And don't you LOVE the little fuss pots!