Ask Me Help Desk - 5 mo. Boxer eating less

Hi,

I have really enjoyed reading some of the prior posts and seems it is very common for dogs to go through stages of eating less. Esp. German Shepards.

I was wondering if this holds true for boxers as well? My 5 mo. Female boxer was a strong eater until a few weeks ago and she seems to be less hungry. So then I started putting water in her food (small amounts) and she liked it again. Few days later she eats just a bit. So I have been taking her food up in 15-20 min. I looked at your chart and she seems to be perfect. Ribs just showing slightly which is common in the breed. Other than that she is very active and we go on walks 2 times a day plus 5 min. training throughout the day.

Any advice?

If her weight is acceptable, and she is still being playful and active, then I wouldn't worry about it. If dogs are anything like children they probably go through spurts where they need more food and then times when they need less. If she started to lose weight (and that didn't stop by giving her more food), or she starts seeming lethargic, then I would consider getting a second opinion from your vet.

Also, are you getting close to the end of the bag of food? My dog seems to get less interested in food as it gets to the end of the bag, and the interest comes back with a fresh bag. I think it gets a little stale by the end.

Quote:

Originally Posted by froggy7

If her weight is acceptable, and she is still being playful and active, then I wouldn't worry about it. If dogs are anything like children they probably go through spurts where they need more food and then times when they need less. If she started to lose weight (and that didn't stop by giving her more food), or she starts seeming lethargic, then I would consider getting a second opinion from your vet.

Also, are you getting close to the end of the bag of food? My dog seems to get less interested in food as it gets to the end of the bag, and the interest comes back with a fresh bag. I think it gets a little stale by the end.

Thank you for the response. Yes - actually it is getting closer to the end of the bag! Interesting you might mention this. This is my first boxer - and had labs before and it is true they eat whatever is put in front of them.. Not use to this picky type eating.