A doodle not interested in food?!

[Jessica & Zoey]

For the past one to two months, my Zoey girl has not been too interested in eating. This occurred ever since we switched from feeding her three times a day to twice a day. She used to be so excited when I started getting her food ready, she would jump with excitement! But now she doesn't have much interest, especially in the mornings. Today, she just started taking bites of her food at 3:00 and I put her food out by 8:30. I originally would pick up her food bowl if she hasn't finished it all so that she could learn that food would only be available at certain times of the day, but lately I have been letting her eat whenever just to get food in her. She is always interested in people food which we limit, I occasionally give her leftover chicken- maybe once a week. She isn't as into her biscuit treats either. Why the change in personality? I am beginning to think we just have a sensitive girl on our hands! The other thing I have been noticing is a lot of stiffness in her back legs when she gets up from laying- she also struggles getting her back legs on the couch and she is taller than our couch seats. Maybe these two things relate?...maybe not? Anyone have any thoughts?

[Laurie, Wally & Charlotte]

That's what happened in Wally's case.  Bad luck, but I wouldn't trade him for the universe!

[Laurie, Wally & Charlotte]

Wally's HD diagnosis came when he was a puppy.  Thankfully, it's a relatively mild case.  

[F, Calla & Luca]

Certainly doodles appetites change as they go through various stages of growth. Luca often doesn't eat much during the day but usually he'll eat a late dinner. The stiffness does sound a lot like Rex, a standard poodle who was my son's dog who ended up living with me. He tested positive for Lyme and was treated but he developed cancer soon thereafter.

[DJ & Chance]

My puppy also goes through "indifferent to food" phases, but this usually passes in a few days. I add non-fat plain Greek yogurt as an enticement, and this helps.

[Cathy, Fozzie & Shaggy]

My very picky eater has done great staying on one brand of food but changing up the flavors in that brand.  One day it may be chicken, the next lamb, or fish.  I've been doing this for a little over a month and he hasn't skipped a meal yet.  Usually he would only eat once or twice with a new food then turn his nose up to it until I dressed it with something else.  I hope you find something that works for you and your girl!!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Yep, rotating "flavors" within one brand of food is a great way to keep them interested.

[Cathy, Fozzie & Shaggy]

Karen I believe it was you that said eating brownies every day would get boring=:)  Thanks-

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'd love to take credit for that, but actually that was OFL Adina's brilliant analogy. I do steal it every chance I get, though!

[Cathy, Fozzie & Shaggy]

OOPS, Sorry Adina =:0

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I personally think we should test that theory and prove her wrong! Anyone with me? lol

[Jessica & Zoey]

Zoey made it through her surgery today and did very well- no babies for her! The vet wasn't too worried about her hips since the occurrence comes and goes but wants to keep an eye on it at this point. I also asked about her appetite and he agreed that its probably because her growth has slowed so much. However, he did not like the idea of adding toppings because then she will expect it. :-/ I just bought some plain Greek yogurt for her and she loves it! I think I will just have to make sure I am only adding it occasionally. The idea of different favors is really great- I will definitely try that! Thanks for all the help everyone! Enjoy your doodles tonight- aren't they just the sweetest?!

[Star and Goldie]

YAY Zoey!!!  That's great news! And glad she gets a special yogurt treat! Greeks is great for our doodles. They love it and it has great benefits. There is no harm to her expecting the yogurt topping because it's good for her and you don't have to put much just a little spoon full.

Every now and then you can go all out and give her a special dessert of a bigger portion of yogurt with dried cranberries on top. I got that from the food group and my dogs LOVE it! Now that one is an on occasion kind of thing.