Hi, we just adopted a beagalier and he won't eat any kibble... I have been feeding him chicken rice and vegies that I make myself but am worried as I saw him straining to do his business today! Any tips?:confused:

Puppies in particular are very sensitive to dietary changes. The breeder/store you bought him from should have told you what he was eating or if you are like me and you purchased a very young puppy (almost too young to leave mom) then you are going to need patience. Find out if the dog has had kibble before and if so consider mixing a small amount of his kibble with a bit of Kibble and bits brand - dogs love K&B but it isn't exactly nutritionally sound so not too much. Slowly increase the amount of his kibble compared to the K&B over the course of two weeks and eventually he should be eating his own kibble.

If he is a very young pup that perhaps hasn't gotten use to kibble yet then you will need to purchase canned dog food. In small batches approximately 3 times a day mix a tablespoon of can food with a little warm water and a small handful of kibble. Stir and allow to sit for 5 minutes then serve. If this doesn't work then microwave this mix for 15 seconds on hi - the warmth will make it smell better and more attractive.

Puppies in particular can chew and swallow some strange things and therefore will refuse food. Never leave a dog/puppy who does not eat for more than 3 days. Seek a vet's help at that point. Good Luck!:)

Thanks thespa the beagalier is 7, sorry I guess I should have mentioned that and the rescue shelter that we got him from told us to give him rice, chicken and vegies... I was just wondering if something else may be better for him. I have heard that dry food is better for their bowel movements but don't know whether to stick to the chicken and rice or try other things, also they told us he may be allergic to beef and wheat? So we have avoided anything with either of those.

It is almost impossible for the average dog owner to formulate a complete and balanced diet themselves. I am disappointed the rescue shelter didn't have him on a kibble. I would try something like the Iams or Pro Plan chicken and rice kibble. Read the ''My dog won't eat'' sticky at https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/dogs/information-articles-our-dogs-expert-labman-53153.html#post254171

It may take a few days for him to start eating, a strange new home, strange food, and previous rich food. It wouldn't hurt to see a vet. He may have picked up something at the shelter. Have the vet confirm your judgment of his body condition. Keep an eye on him once he starts eating his new chow. It is possible the Iams or Pro Plan may have small amounts of beef or wheat in it. Later if he seems to develop skin problems, and the vet rules out other possibilities, you could look at the more expensive chows for ones without and beef or wheat. Although I am in a position to know what is happening with thousands of dogs, very few of them ever have to switch away from Pro Plan. I don't have the same access to info on Iams, but I am sure it is the same story.

I think Labman has some very sound advice. I am not so sure of his choice of Iams or Proplan as I consider both to be bottom of the barrel. Talk to the people at Pet Smart they are very knowledgeable. I believe there is a natural/organic type of kibble suited to your dogs needs. Start him on the kibble as I suggested but instead of canned food add his chicken mix. First mostly chicken mix then gradually increase the kibble. As for the straining, you may want to encourage your dog to drink more and one trick that can work is by serving UNsalted chicken broth, they love it and it is liquid!

I very much doubt that the help at Petsmart has access to large amounts of objective data on dog nutrition. You can't take what somebody selling dog chow says without some proof. Much of the price of the more expensive dog foods comes from high mark ups rather than the ingredients. I know of no instance where a vet suggested an organic chow was needed.

Suppose you knew a breeder that bred hundreds of dogs a year, mostly Labs, Shepherds, and Goldens. They provided all the medical care for most of them the first year. At the end of it, they did a complete physical including hip X-rays on all of them. They then spent $35,000 training them before giving them away. They have a large data base of breeding records. Dogs with any physical or temperamental problems are unfit for the program and are a waste. Their well equipped clinic and vet staff are available for serious problems as long as the dog is working. When the dog is no longer able to work, it is replaced at again the $35,000 plus a large emotional upheaval for the person depending on the dog. They have experimented with different diets and exchanged data with other such breeders. Don't you think that what ever they are feeding is healthy and safe? What kinds of controlled studies are there backing the advantages of organic dog food? How objective are the sources of information on it? Is your dog's health, their top priority?

I have been raising puppies since 1991 for a large dog guide school that does exactly that. What do they feed? They instruct us to feed Pro Plan chicken and rice puppy chow until 4 months and then switch to adult Pro Plan chicken and rice. I know enough of the people with the trained dogs to know they continue the Pro Plan. The group I meet with monthly for training includes people that have raised puppies for 6 different service dog schools. Some of them are feeding other premium commercial chows including Iams and Eukanuba. Any dog owner wanting a healthy, long lived dog can make this regimen work, leaving more time to spend on the dog. It is also relatively economical.

Sorry Labman wasn't trying to step on your toes only trying to help a person out. I gave my opinion and you yours - that's what it is all about. Contrary to your experience with a certain pet store I however have learned that they go direct to the creators of all the kibble to decipher what brands are what and why a dog may require a certain type. I suggested a organic food as you may well be aware that some dogs have sensitive systems and require food that is not made from the crap leftover on the butchers block.