Why does he do this? (food - lack of interest)

[Rachel and Ollie]

So, Ollie has never really cared about food. He loves his treats, but doesn't care about meal times...he will go a few days without eating much and then clean his bowl for a day or two. Once in a while he will  forget to eat or just not realize he's hungry (I'm not really sure) and throw up because of an empty stomach. 

Why does he do this? Is this normal? 

[Rachel and Ollie]

Ollie's the same way, he will stay interested for a day or two, but then stops remembering that eating is a good idea lol

[Moe]

It was comforting to read all the replies. Charlie is 9mo old and has never been a big eater. She is pretty underweight 37lbs. at 9mo. The vet said she could gain at least 10lbs. He said that she is healthy and not to worry about missed meals. He said she will fill out from age 1-2. I started putting wet dog food or chicken on her food. It worked for a while but now she just sniffs it. She usually skips the morning meal and will eat 1/2 of her dinner. I was tempted to switch foods (she is on Orijen) but I don't think it would make a difference. I think she might eat it the first day or so and then do the same thing. I'm going to stick with the Orijen.

I do pick up her bowl after about 1/2 and hour. It is hard not to worry when they are not eating. She will always eat treats though. I wasn't really giving her treats because I thought they would spoil her meals. The vet said healthy treats will help her put on weight. He said healthy dogs will not starve themselves. It is nice to know mine isn't the only doodle who's apathetic towards her food.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

The most common discussion topic in The Food Group is picky eaters. It's very common, and usually nothing to worry about. It is always better for a dog to be slightly underweight than slightly overweight. Lots of good and even humorous discussions there about this topic.

[Rachel and Ollie]

Hey Karen! Ya, I have read a ton of those (it's where the green bean tip came from!) I just found it odd that Ollie isn't really picky, but more or less forgets that food is good, then once he remembers he eats fine. It usually doesn't bother me...unless he throws up. 

[Rachel and Ollie]

Ollie likes his treats too! I try and buy really healthy treats so he has some good vitamins and such in them :)

I agree, it's good to hear that other dogs have some of the same habits! 

[Rachel and Ollie]

Oh wow, this is funny :) It sounds like Molly just likes to run him through hoops! Ya, I don't typically worry, but I don't like it when throws up. It freaks me out a bit! 

[Chloe, Finley & Mama Shelley]

Chloe is like this also. I recently started adding the small spoonful of canned food and she is doing better. My other dogs are very happy that Chloe needs the wet food, because they LOVE it. = )

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Sounds completely normal to me. Same here

[Nina, Phil, Harlow & Lacey]

Because of the heat our pack is off their food.  They just pick at it during the day.