Hello,

I adopted a dog today, she is a German Shepherd Cross and we think between 8 to 15 months, no idea about her history. The dogs at the adoption kennels were all fed twice daily with a dry kibble and so we bought her a complete dry food to eat at home. We've also been throwing any leftovers into her bowl throughout the day so that when chow time came she would have a bit of variety, this amounted to some baked potato skins and some egg. Never mind. The point is, she ate the egg and the potato but was completely uninterested in the kibble. Not only that, but she picked up each bit of egg and potato individually, walked into another room and very tentatively ate it there. This is the oddest eating behaviour I have ever witnesses. I'll admit, I'm used to labs that eat like there's no tomorrow, but I'm stumped with this one. She'll be going to the vets on Monday (2 days time) for a check-up, vaccinations and worming, but can anybody give me any advice in the meantime? I was thinking about not bothering with the human food and trusting that she'll eat the dog food when she gets hungry.

With thanks,

Poppy_Seed.

Your thoughts about the human food are exactly what I would have said. It is almost impossible to match the quality of a kibble by feeding table scraps.

Typical Shepherds eat very differently from typical Labs. It is also common for them to carry the food into another room to eat. Shepherds usually are slower to adjust to a new home than Labs too, so that could be an additional problem. Relax. She can tell you are anxious, and that too adds to the problem. Cut out the table scraps. Stick to whatever kibble you have. Chances are it is fine. Some quibbles start with more expensive ingredients, but they are all formulated to have the same complete and balanced nutrition that dogs need.

Put down the dish with what the dog should eat, and give it 15 minutes to eat. Then take it up. Do not give it anything to eat until its next scheduled meal. In a few days, it should be eating what it needs. Continue to check its ribs and adjust the food as needed. This is not easy. I had a Shepherd go 3 days on a few nibbles. I was a wreck, but she was fine. It is almost unknown for a healthy dog not to eat what it needs. Unfortunately, in too many cases, it is less than the package says, and less than the owner thinks the dog should have. Many dogs are quite good at holding out for tastier chow. Like kids, sometimes it calls for tough love.

Thank you for adopting her. Count on me to give you all the help I can. I do all I can to help and encourage people to adopt, and discourage people from breeding. So many nice dogs are slaughtered for lack of homes.

Dear Labman,

Thank you for the swift and reassuring reply, I had left her food down for her overnight in case she got hungry but as of this morning, it had remained untouched, I have since changed it and all she has done is sniff it. It has been over 15mins so I'll take the bowl away and wait until this evening. Thanks again, I'll keep you posted.

Poppy_seed.

Dear Labman,

Just to keep you informed, Poppy went to the vets and was diagnosed with kennel cough, after a couple of shots of antibiotics and something to bring down her temp, her appetite suddenly showed itself. She's still not 100% but at least she's eating!

Thanks again,

Poppy_seed.

I am glad you took her to the vet and found and corrected the problem. In hindsight, my advice to wait her out was wrong in this case. More human food wouldn't have been right and only is in exceptional cases. Sounds like Poppy has found a good home. Thank you for your report and for caring for her.

Take time now to read the sticky at the top of the dog forum. There is material that should help you with her.