Feeding an awkward GSD - Page 2

I have never allowed a dog to become a fussy eater.  Not saying that to sound pompous, but I decide what to feed and then use the 10-15 minute dinner time.   HOWEVER, if plain dry bread was put down for a person every day and nothing else, I am sure that person would soon eat it too, but is that the way you would want, or expect someone to look forward to a meal?????  "Here, dry bread, eat it or go without"!

Decide on a food that you consider is good for a dog, and some dogs genuinely do not enjoy eating plain kibble!  It is not meat.  It is manufactured for an Owner's ease and convenience.  If I fed kibble, but realised a dog was clearly not enjoying it, I would add and mix some raw tripe into the food as well.  Then I would know I was meeting my preference of feeding, plus supplying the enjoyment of the dog's need for meat as well - Then it would be 10-15 minute dinner time and nothing else, because both needs were clearly being met.

There is nothing wrong with Chappie.  If you are happy to feed it, and the dog is happy to eat it, plus the dog maintains appropriate weight and health, and it comes out the other end firm, then go ahead.  You might decide on giving your dog a tripe stick after dinner to knaw and eat to clean her teeth.  Or maybe she occasionally has a marrow bone to knaw for this purpose.  Or better still you clean her teeth anyway.


Vixen

Have a vet check to see that its teeth and gums are healthy and that there are no sores in its mouth.
If so, go to a quality (fish based?) kibble and do as directed above - it won't starve.
If once on kibble, if this dog has digestion issues, then treat for worms (hook, round, whip, tape) and then for Guardia, coccicidia - make sure to give 1 tsp Dannon Activia or equal morning and night after any antibiotic....
If probems presist, check for SIBO, IBS last of all allergies as all of these are manageable.


One of mine was a picky eater, he would just nibble on his kibble and didn't have much interest in other foods, yet seemed healthy and active in every other way..
I wormed him and treated him for Guardia and Cox (doubling up on the timespan medicines), now he's the first one complaining that its supper time.....and cleans his plate.