Picky Eater Doodle

[selma seery]

 I was woundering if anyone has any picky eaters out there? Chesney is 13 mths old and I've never had a problem with him eating. Now all of a sudden he just seems like he would rather skip breakfast and just have dinner..No other signs of anything like being sick..... just not interested in eating like he should be.He has lots of energy,he's happy just not hungry.

[Jennifer Tramell]

If he's healthy and maintaining a good weight, I wouldn't worry about it.  I read something just today about how dogs will usually eat what they need to be healthy and sometimes it is different than what the owners think.  The article went on to say that obesity in dogs is often caused by owners thinking that the dogs aren't eating as much as they should and so they doctor the food to make it so enticing that the dog ignores its natural body needs.

My dogs eat different amounts depending on how much exercise they've had, what kind of activities, what the weather is, etc.  I bet they are affected by what they see and smell (are we cooking something that gets their tastebuds going?) and how stimulated (mental and physical) they are.  I know that kids will go through times when they are hungry all the time, and then times when they don't care if they skip a meal.  I bet dogs - especially young, growing dogs - are the same. :-)

[Kimberly Keenan]

Bindi is almost 15 months old and she just started doing this, somtimes she eats in the morning and then other times she doesn't eat until almost dinner time. She has always been a good eater in the past.

[Jennifer and Jack]

Jack is Mr. Pickey Pants Doodle Head himself. He since the day I got him has been a very picky eater. I leave his food down all day. He will graze a little here and there. I allow him to regulate how much he eats. He still eats way under what is accepted as normal for the food he is on and the amount he needs.

 

He is so picky that during training sessions with the trainer, I have to supply my own treats, such as home made salmon pieces, chicken pieces or if I am too lazy to cook, cheese. If someone offers him a treat when we are out, he smells it and snubs his nose at it. I get embarrassed and Jack always looks at me funny, when I tell him to say "No Thank you" Like he has any idea how to talk or any idea that he is not being polite by taking a cheap dog biscuit!!!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

My two very rarely eat in the morning any more. Sometimes, they don't eat until supper time. I think they are both at good weights, so I don't worry.