Wieght gain question - Page 1

My boy (2 1/2 yo) is not a big eater and when we lost the rest of our pack, it only got worse.  I'm sure some of his weight loss was due to depression but he never did have a ravenous appetite.  So, after he lost more than 10 pounds, I started adding tuna and salmon to his kibble, he still left it in the bowl.  He's not even interested in raw, he'll chew on a knuckle bone, but that's about it.  So, I went to buy kibble (Blue Buffalo) and discovered they also had canned food.  I tried it and he now eats every meal.  I mix a can with kibble both morning and evening.  He has slowly gained back a few pounds but I'm not really concerned as long as his coat is shiny, his eyes are clear, his stool is solid and he has energy.  It's really expensive, along with kibble is costing me about $5.00/daily, but as long as he is healthy and keeping his current weight up, it's worth it to me.  I also eliminated treats, for the most part.  He only gets treats while training and then, periodically, seems to help his appetite at meal time.  I know this may not work in your situation but you just need to think outside of the box and try to find what works for her.  Best of luck, I know how frustrating it can be.

Vitamin B complex helps stimulate appetite. Don't leave the food in place more than 10 minutes at a time. A little grated cheese sprinkled on top of the food can help too.

I have a rule, food is placed on the ground for 20 min, if he leaves anything he gets nothing for period of 24hrs. Than once again leave food down for 20 min, if he eats everything, I still won't give him food for another 24hrs. Than once again this time I will add half a cup, if he eats everything I will wait 24hrs and try to feed same amount, if he won't eat everything than no food for 48hrs, within few weeks they learn, that every meal maybe a last one, they eat everything after that. My last female which was owned by my fiance had the same issue and she always said oh she gets bored, oh she just not into eating, wathever I told her give me one month and she will be eatiing like a champ, guess what 3 weeks was all that I need it now she is the dog that finish all every time, and asks for more we came from half a cup a day to 5, and she would not mind more, but 4 cups is my cut off for her to keep her in top shape. She looks better than ever before, my fiance now trys to tell me well she eat good before as well lol hahahahahaha. I found that people mix too much, over feed, or give too many choices to their dogs this is what leads to picky eating habbits. You eliminate the choices, you keep them guessing when they will next day (oh yeah one day a week they get nothing for 24hrs) and you have health dog that loves finishing his food everytime.

If you want to increase the weight I use raw eggs, and raw meat. Wash it in warm watter if you have to, maybe cover in plain yogurt, as well use salmon oil.

The new dogs I bring in usually take about a month to settle down and eat good. Stress causes loss of appetite. Stess causes B12 loss too. I would give a IM B12 injection 1ml and in two days she will be eating good. I have had great success with this.

Can you provide more details on when you got your dog and how long your dog has been with you?

Sorry.  I just saw the 4th day with you comment.  Ok, what you have here is a change in diet, pack, and a lot of stress.  I would try to keep her crated away from noise and slowly, very slowly introduce her to your life. 

What you are speaking of sounds like stress.  A sure fire GSD meal, take it to the bank, is cooked hamburger and rice.  You find a GSD that won't lap up this meal let me know. 

Reduce the stress, slowly introduce a new diet, and be patient.

I believe in adding a good canned dog food to the kibble. Of course do it gradual so you do not have gastric issues. If she is used to once a day feedings, start with twice a day. You said she was a pacer, but I am glad you did the worming schedule first. When you are feeding do you feed all of them at the same time or does each dog have a private area to eat. Things may settle down and be less stressed after she gets familiar to everything around her. I hope this helps.
Always,
Cee