Bored or growing plateau or.....

[Amy Clayman]

Hi brain trust! My pup, Roxie, turned 1 on 2/2. We have had her on blue life protection large breed puppy since we got her at 9 weeks and recently switched to the adult large breed version. When she was younger, she scarfed up her food and had 3 cups per day. She now weighs 43 lbs. at about 10 months, when she was still on puppy food, she just 'stopped being into' her food. The vet suggested we decrease to 2 cups which we did and she still wasn't crazy about it. It's important to mention that generally she is a food motivated dogs. Enjoys and will do anything for treats, etc. She gets at least two mile long walks a day along with backyard play so she ought to work up an appetite. By day's end, she ends up eating about 1.5 cups. We used to take it up, but now leave it there all day per the vet. Her poops are fine and she is thriving and growing as expected.

My question is: should we switch over to a different brand? Or different flavor? Or go to the wilderness line? Take up the food and introduce again later in the day? Any help you can provide would be great. Thanks in advance!! Doodles rock.

[Amy Clayman]

Hi, all!  Well, I went out and got a small bag of the fish and sweet potato today (makes me gag even thinking about it...hehe).  And presented a few nuggets to Roxie to see how she would like it.  Wouldn't even TOUCH it or LICK it or ANYthing.  I then put the few nuggets in her bowl and she sniffed and walked away.  Now, when I switched her from puppy to Adult Blue Chicken she gobbled it up at first.  I figured it was because it was "different" but no go on this at all.  Does it sometimes take time?  Part of me thinks this is the best it will get and perhaps I should switch out for Lamb.  And then if she's not into that, try Wilderness?  Then a different brand (Wellness Core)?  Ugh and BLERG.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

She might like a grain-free formula better, as they usually contain more animal proteins. And dogs are funny with fish; they either love it or hate it, it seems. JD is one of those who loves it, but many dogs prefer meat and poultry. Try switching this bag for the lamb formula first, the store should do that for you, and then if she still doesn;t want that, I'd go with a grain-free food.

[Amy Clayman]

Hehe.  Unbeknownst to me, the hubby grabbed the fish bag and switched it out for lamb.  Just presented it to her and she gobbled it up and is now sitting staring at the bag, willing more to her bowl!  So, at least for now, I suppose we have our alternative.  Will see how her belly does and perhaps switch back and forth for a while.  A little bummed that these are the only options in this line, but will be happy for her eating for now.  :)  Thanks, everyone!!  :)