I just adopted a Doberman from a Dobie rescue organization. He's about a year old. When he was rescued, he was all ribs and bones. They had him about 4 months and he has put on a little weight. Since coming to my house, he won't eat. He will come to eat then turn his nose and walk away. I know he's hungry. I've walked him and exercised him, but he still won't eat. He's not a big drinker either. He needs to gain at least 10 to 15 lbs to be where he should be. Any suggestions? I've tried everything, and he can't afford to lose anymore weight. I called my vet and they suggested cooking for him, but on the other hand they said try to get him in the habit of eating dog food rather then people food. Thanks in advance for any suggestions...

Have you talked to the rescue? Are you offering him what he was eating there? I hate to see you getting into cooking for him. It is very difficult to achieve a complete and balanced diet other than by feeding a regular dog chow. At this point, a few extra calories won't hurt. Try adding some meat scraps to his kibble or even liquid cooking oil. He has been through a lot, and once he has a chance to settle into his new home, you may be able to get back to plain kibble soon.

The consensus of the veterinarians is to feed a regular dog chow, although there are those that push all sorts of strange diets.

Make sure you aren't setting your goal for his weight too high. See http://www.puppychow.com/products/po...condition.aspx Some dogs do need to gain weight. I once had a Lab come to me at 7 months, 55 pounds, and her ribs showing. Being a lab, I had no problem getting her to eat 7 cups a day of Pro Plan, and by 10 months, she was 70 pounds and a healthy, lean dog.

You can also tempt him by adding a couple of tablespoons of plain yogurt to his food... I is good for him and many dogs love it.

They also make gravies these days... I'm also not a fan of getting a dog off the routine of eating kibble, but he has to eat something.

Dobies can be so high strung that it's hard to know what's bugging him.

-Beth

Sometimes I make my dogs a special "treat" which is chicken, plain rice, and no salt added green beans-------they absolutely love it!

Thanks to everyone for your advice. He is definitely making progress every day that he is with me. I want to try to encourage him to eat dog food rather then people food (though I do believe in the occasional treat). All your thoughts are very encouraging! I love my new dog and want him to have a long, healthy life with us.