[n1kki68]

My pup of nearly a year old has gone off her food the last 2/3 days. I've tried mixing in bread, sausage or bits of cheese, which she'll just rummage for and eat but leave her food (dry). She's bright in herself and still playful, loves her walks, more cuddly than normal so don't know what the matter with her is. Should I just starve her and take her bowl away or leave food down just in case. If you can advise that'll be great. Thank you
Nicky from salisbury

[tickle]

No should not witthold food, just leave dry food down. She has probably been spoiled by the human food (not uncommon). Unless you fear a medical condition, but I don't think this is the case, don't worry about her; she will eat when she is hungry. What kind of pup is she by the way, large or small breed. Have you considered spaying in the near future? If she is one year old, her hormones are coming in to play probably why her pickiness and more cuddling.

Tick

[shazamataz]

I never recommend free feeding, especially for picky eaters.

When you free feed dry food, meaning you leave it on the floor all the time, the dog will pick at it through the day, just a piece or two here and there and it makes them less hungry when it comes to their actual dinner time.
I always feed set meals, breakfast and dinner.

I would cut out all the treats you are adding, the sausage and the cheese, of course the dog is going to pick out those and leave the dry food, the cheese is the best part!

You might want to consider switching brands or flavors, now that you have been adding treats to the food the dog sees it's regular dog food as 'boring'. By changing dry food brands it gives the dog something new and interesting.

Just remember though, whenever you are feeding something new, always introduce in small amounts. For fussy dry food eaters using a new brand as an actual training treat to begin with gets them really interested in the food.

Edited to add - I agree with Tickle about the hormones, many dogs will go on hunger strikes between the ages of 12 and 18 months. It's nothing to worry about providing the dog is otherwise healthy.

[tickle]

Hi shazzy, excellent advice and I am so glad you stepped in here; AB as well yesterday.

I don't free feed either, twice a day for brookie. I only suggested that way to get the pup ready for the regular food again. I don't mix her anything special; as I don't believe in that, and never hand feed a dog under any circumstances.

Tick