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mariecrossley · May 9, 2011, 12:11 PM

I have an 18 month old yorkie, male , he's always been faddy about his food and this is getting worse.. Ive tried no end of wet brand food, dry brands all makes, still haven't found anything I can just put down without a fuss. Ive tried the removal of food, tried pretending to eat it, I've warmed it, I'm now at the stage where I offer bits by hand. I put the food down he sniffs walks away and whines and whines. Im at my wits end.. PLEASE can anyone offer me some good advice, I could just simply sit and cry. Thank-you for reading.

shazamataz · May 9, 2011, 12:45 PM

I have a dog who was exactly the same at that age.

Male dogs for some reason between 12 and 18 months go on hunger strikes.
It is unbelievably frustrating seeing them get thinner and thinner, but it does eventually pass.

I tried all sorts of food with my boy, I tried every canned food at the supermarket, dry foods, sardines, in the end the only thing I could get him to eat was chicken. So I boiled chicken thighs every day just to get some weight on him.

You can buy a paste that helps stimulate their appetite and contains lots of essential nutrients. It comes in a tube and you rub it on their gums. I personally didn't have much success with it but I do know other that have. Check with your vet and see if they sell it in their surgery.

If he is otherwise healthy then it is just a case of waiting it out unfortunately. You aren't alone though, this question has come up dozens of times here and I have been through it myself.

Aurora_Bell · May 9, 2011, 04:50 PM

With picky eaters (as long as anything medical is ruled out) the best thing to do is choose a good quality food, I prefer hard food, and leave it out and walk away. No healthy dog will starve himself. He may take a kernel here and there, but when he gets hungry enough he will eat what you provide :)

Also with offering a good quality chow, lots of exercise will stimulate his appetite. Just remember to not feed with in a half an hour after rigorous exercise.

I had a shih tzu who refused to eat dog food. I spent way too much money on trying different brands of food. Even made my own food for her of hamburger and rice, the little bugger still wouldn't eat it. She was always holding out for something better. Finally I just couldn't stand buying more and more dog food. Stuck with one brand, left it out, and by the end of the week she was eating :)

Lucky098 · May 9, 2011, 08:57 PM

I agree with Bella..

Also.. Switching his foods around constantly is going to make him become stubborn for eating. Find a food that your budget allows and that you approve and stick with it. If it looks absolutely painful for him to eat it within a month period, THEN change the diet. If you are chanigng his food every other week, not only is he confused, but he might not feel so great either.

Smaller dogs are harder to get to eat. It must be their pre-madonna syndrom kicking in ;)

What I've used in the past to get a dog to eat was mix some cottage cheese in the kibble. Yorgurt works too. Don't use too much, maybe about half a table spoon. You just have to be attentive to him, because he might get diarrhea from it, in which case, stop using it. But a little probiotic has never killed anyone ;)

Good luck.

paleophlatus · May 9, 2011, 11:14 PM

Hand feeding him is not a good habit to get him into. But, as has been said, a normal dog will not starve to death. (A cat is another matter. They must take in some nourishment at least once every two days. Longer than that and they can develop liver issues. )

mariecrossley · May 10, 2011, 12:44 PM

Thank-you all ever so much for your kind advice. Each comment has helped me a great deal. Ill keep you updated on his progress :)

Aurora_Bell · May 10, 2011, 01:24 PM

Glad we could help! Please do keep us posted.

mariecrossley · May 13, 2011, 12:32 PM

Quick update of progress... day one.. food been down since 4.00 pm.. (hes never eaten before this time) Little Alfie whined and whined, was hard not giving in :( but stayed strong.. 10.00 pm finally ate the whole lot.. :)...
Day 2.. Food down again since 4.00 pm.. Alfie now whining and whining.. 8.00pm he's scatching my leg and cupboard doors.. I'm still trying to stay strong (although finding it hard hearing him like this)
Will update again in couple of days..

Aurora_Bell · May 15, 2011, 10:10 AM

Keep up the good work! He will catch on sooner or later! We told you he wouldn't starve himself! Just stay strong.

mariecrossley · May 16, 2011, 10:43 AM

Hi again day 3. went lot better food was down only couple of hours, he whined a little but then ate all of it.
Day 4. food down again couple of hours then ate all of it.
Day 5. food down its now 6.40.. think he's trying it on with me he keeps looking at me and whining. Im just not responding. Must say I'm feeling less stressed now at mealtimes, and I do think he's getting to know that I'm not going to give in. Im so grateful to all of you especially you Aurora Bell :) thank you ever so much. I should have found this site months and months ago. X

Aurora_Bell · May 16, 2011, 12:48 PM

We're glad you found us anyway! Stick around and help out if and when you can! Feel free to browse the other threads, lots of good info out there. :)

shazamataz · May 16, 2011, 01:28 PM

Great to hear! It's strange the effect the little fuzz balls can have on our stress levels!

mariecrossley · May 17, 2011, 11:33 AM

Hi all again.. day 5 didn't go well :( he never ate at all.
Day 6.. put down fresh food at normal time 4.00 pm its now 7.30 pm and he still hasn't eaten :( (think I spoke too soon when I said things were improving) now I'm feeling guilty because he hasn't eaten. Im still trying not to respond but its very hard now knowing he's not had anything. Do you think he's just trying it on by being stubborn?

Aurora_Bell · May 17, 2011, 01:01 PM

Honestly, if it's nothing medical, then he will not starve himself. Has anyone been sneaking him handouts or treats? If he knows he will get snuck food somewhere else, he will hold out.

mariecrossley · May 20, 2011, 11:06 AM

Well nearly 2 week I've stuck to being strong with Alfie and his pickiness. I've stuck to same time feeding everyday.. 4.00pm. Most nights the food has been there for hours.. but today I'm so happy happy happy, he ate it straight away woohoo.. hope this the start of things to come now.. THANK YOU :) :) :)

mogrann · May 20, 2011, 01:36 PM

It is hard when we do what we know we have to for our pets. They give us that special look and we want to just say ahh forget it here you go. I am happy you stuck with it and are starting to see improvement. It would be so much easier if they could understand us and why we do what we do to them.

Aurora_Bell · May 20, 2011, 02:05 PM

Yes, it's hard! I see my girl give me those puppy dog eyes and I want to cave. But of I let her eat what she wanted, she would drive her self crazy itching. She has allergies to certain foods, and I buy her hollostic foods, but I know she would love nothing more then to chow down on those high salt, high fat dog foods.

mariecrossley · May 24, 2011, 12:18 PM

Hi there just want to say a big thank you for your help and advice.. Alfie now eating daily. Some days he has the odd whine but nothing major.Mealtimes are so much better now and less stressful for me. Once again thank you :) you're a star :)

Aurora_Bell · May 24, 2011, 01:44 PM

Aww shucks! You are very welcome. I am just glad we could be of help! I am also happy to hear of mr. Alfie eating as he should be. Keep up the great work, you're the one who did all the hard stuff ;)