Kibbles Mixed with What???

[Wasseem Sidhom]

Cooper is about 5 1/2 months now and i've transitioned him to Orijen right after I got him.

He was never really an aggressive eater and would take over an hour at times to finish his food (I feed him twice a day). And so often, he'd go to bed, if i can call it that, a lot of nights with only 1 feeding to 1.5 feeding for the day.  He's about 30 lbs and should go up to 40 - 45 lbs. 

Then I read on this forum about canned pumpkin!!! and voila, he eats his whole bowl in a matter of 15 minutes.

So the questions for this expert forum:

1) Is it ok to give him a tablespoon of pumpkin in every meal, or should this really be reserved for constipation/diarrhea and treats only?

2) I'm assuming that I'd want to decrease his kibbles since I'm adding the pumpkin, correct?

3) Was also thinking on giving him one of those slow feeder balls to get his mind working more during the day.  This new mixture clearly won't work with the slow feeder.  Any other suggestions?

4) Any other suggestions about things to add to his food?

Thanks in advance to what I know will be a very informative thread.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Pumpkin is very, very low in calories. It's basically just plant fiber with a few vitamins. Do not reduce the amount of kibble he gets, a tablespoon of pumpkin adds nothing, maybe 1 or 2 calories.

There is no reason you can't give the pumpkin with every meal. You're just adding a little fiber.

Forget the slow bowl. Get his mind working in some other way that is not related to his meals right now. I believe I gave you this advice yesterday, but I'll repeat it again.  Put the bowl down for 15 minutes at each meal, keep him company, and then pick up the bowl and do not offer food again until the next scheduled mealtime. If you do this for a few days, you will get results. 

I would not start adding things to his meals other than the pumpkin. Yes, there are all kinds of things you can add to that will entice him to eat quickly. But what happens when you can't? What happens when he is boarded, or in an emergency situation, or any circumstance where a dog needs to eat a dry food that doesn't require refrigeration or preparation?

Adding toppings and various things to the food in an attempt to entice a dog to eat often leads to a picky eater. As time goes by, they lose interest in the pumpkin, yogurt, eggs, beans, or whatever and start holding out for something better. Best not to start that. 

[Jenny Barnes]

I was having this issue with my 5 month old GD, Sulley, and I began using a "topper"  I found wet food by Wellness that is strictly made for that purpose.  It's called Wellness ninety-five percent.  It's pure meat and comes in beef, chicken, turkey, lamb and salmon.  I add about a small tablespoon and mix it well into his dry and he licks his bowl clean now.  I pay $3.00 a can but a can lasts about a week and a half.  His poop has been fine and it did not disturb his GI system.  Sulley is a happy doodle now!

[Wasseem Sidhom]

Thank you both for your advice.

And Karen, yesterday's advice is also much appreciated.  Now that he eats his bowl in 10-15 minutes with the pumpkin, I'll stick with this approach and take your advice on keeping him busy in other ways.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Some dogs are not eager eaters and some dogs are lighter eaters. Also some dogs want your presence when they eat and some dogs prefer to be alone, and some do not care as long as they have food.  :-}  None of these are a problem as long as the dog is healthy. You just need to understand your dog's preferences and needs.  I am glad that doing as Karen advised has brought results.