My dog is NOT motivated by food and rarely eats

[Emily]

My doodle is never interested in eating ( unless my kids have a hot dog and all of the sudden she will do anything for it- but we don't give people food to her). We have taken her to the vet on a regular basis and they say she is very healthy! She burps a lot but the vet doesn't seem to think that is a problem. I have changed her food over the years ( gradual food change over not cold turkey food switch) to see if she would like a different flavor and maybe be more excited to eat. Tried Taste of the Wild, Wellness, the Wellness Core (wouldn't eat even one morsel of it and would pick out the old food and leave that one behind), Natural Balance, Canidae, Nutro, California Natural...Still not excited to eat. Somedays she doesn't eat at all. Some days she eats a few small portions daily. I know dogs will eat when they are hungry...but as a mom, I worry when my babies aren't eating on a regular basis.

She has allergies in the spring and gets stinky butt every few weeks recently which is why I'm thinking maybe a food switch would be good?

  

[Elly Koretic]

Darla (she is a mini weighing in at 17lbs)  will take treats and she does drink water and today she ate some kibble (1/4 cup approx.) from her kong ball. I understand I should pick up her food after 15 minutes; I was doing that but I became concerned due her not eating for 3 whole days.  I think she is just stubborn.  I do feel better but now I am wondering if maybe I should give her something light to eat.  She was was at the vet office last week and was fine…Do you advise I stick to the regime of food down for 15 minutes and then pick it up until the next feeding? I was also told she might be a grazer?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Stick with picking up the bowl after 15 minutes. "Free feeding" (allowing them to graze) can be what causes picky eaters in the first place. The dog sees that food is available all the time, so there is no urgency to eat. When you set regular limited mealtimes, the dog learns to eat when the food is available or wait until the next meal. 

Sit down near her when you give her her food. Have a snack or a cup of coffee yourself. Don't watch her, but be nearby. 

[Emily]

So what did you do? How long did her strike last? Did you cave and give her toppers?  I hit the jack pot! I found something that peaked interest!!!! I know the dogs won't starve them selves but I honestly think my dog does NOT like certain things with one of them being anything sweet potato. I got a sample of  dog food and opened the bag..she was at my side in 3 seconds..(she never ever cares I couldn't believe it...total first for her) I gave her a piece and she took it and hit my hand with her nose for more. I gave her a cup and she chowed it. Then came over to me and bopped my hand with her nose twice and then sat right down and did "pretty" for an extended period of time. That's sitting on her hind legs front feet lifted off the ground balancing with her head held high. We all laughed. Longest "pretty" I have ever seen. She chased me into the kitchen. I tossed another handful into her bowl and she chowed that too. I'm sure with her non motivation she will probably loose interest eventually but I got something that peaked her taste buds and for me..being human...I was happy she seemed happy although that's human psychology- I'll take it as a win.

[Elly Koretic]

Darla is doing great…she is back to her old self being a mini doodle with a maxi personality.  She is a better eater now.  I take her kibble and the a small amount of boiled white chicken mean and put in a tablespoon of water and pulse it in the cuisinart for a moment.  That just coats the kibble really good with the boiled chicken.  She eats it up and goes about her business.  

I am glad you found something that makes your girl happy!  I love her coat…so pretty!

Here is the latest pic of Darla!

[J and Riley (and Luna)]

We have a "no food 1 foot from the counter/table edge" rule.  If your doodle is a standard dood then it may have to be a larger distance!

[Deborah Brown]

Charlie was never a big eater and has gas issues too.  (See my gassy doodle thread.  ;)  )  Orijen is the first food that he has ever eaten consistently and with gusto.