[cecyks]

I have a 10 months old Shih-tzu mix. I recently discovered the food I have been feeding him are not quite what I thought it would be, so I am trying to switch him to a better quality brand. At the first 2 mean when I try to mix the new kibbles in just a bit, he ate like usual, with excitement :D . Then he would approach with hesitant and give it a smell & leave, come back in a minute, eat a few bites, leave again :confused: . At first I thought he doesn't like turkey, so I tried some with chicken as the main ingredient. This morning he just wouldn't eat it & I had to hand feed him 1 kibble at a time :( . Sometimes bits fell out. When I stopped feeding him like a princess, he wouldn't eat by himself. I tried putting foods in individual bowls to figure out what he liked. He didn't even care for the kibbles he used to get, instead he went for this chicken flavor adult food. Is this the result of changing food towards the end of his puppyhood? Is he in teenage stage & just being cranky? What would be your suggestions? Help please!!

[labman]

If he seems to like the adult chicken, go with it. Don't worry about the puppy food. At least in the larger breeds, it actually causes problems from too fast of growth. Those with the best knowledge switch large breeds to adult chow at 4 months or less. Adult chow at 10 months won't hurt you little fellow.

You can cut him back to one meal a day if that works for you. Put down what the package calls for. Take up anything he hasn't eaten after 15 minutes. Do not give him any more until time for the next meal. Within in a week he should be eating as much or more as he needs. Do not worry if he loses a little weight, as long as his ribs don't start to show. Adjust what you are feeding him to where his ribs don't show, but you can easily feel them. See http://www.purina.com/dogs/nutrition.asp?article=292.

[cecyks]

Thank you!!