My puppy’s almost 7 months old and definitely in his teenage era lol. He’s always been a bit inconsistent with eating, like sometimes he just doesn’t want to eat at all. I used to try to make him eat, but now I think I might’ve accidentally trained him to be picky. He’s on a high-value, gently cooked diet now, which he loves, but he still refuses to eat when I serve him food. Sometimes it takes hours before he’ll even touch it. Any tips on teaching him to eat when I put the food out?
Yeah, I had a similar issue with my dog. I just started putting the food down, saying ‘dinner,’ and walking away. No fuss. It helped!
Ethan said:
Yeah, I had a similar issue with my dog. I just started putting the food down, saying ‘dinner,’ and walking away. No fuss. It helped!
Oh, interesting! I’ve been trying to make it exciting, but that might be the problem. I’ll try being more chill about it, thanks!
Ethan said:
Yeah, I had a similar issue with my dog. I just started putting the food down, saying ‘dinner,’ and walking away. No fuss. It helped!
Totally agree with DEF. Making it low-key seems to work better for most dogs.
Does your other dog eat at the same time? My pup used to get weird about food when my other dog was around.
Lyana said:
Does your other dog eat at the same time? My pup used to get weird about food when my other dog was around.
Yeah, they eat around the same time. The other dog eats kibble, so maybe that’s part of it. Any advice?
Lyana said:
Does your other dog eat at the same time? My pup used to get weird about food when my other dog was around.
Maybe try feeding them in separate spaces? Like, put up a gate or something so there’s no competition.
Lyana said:
Does your other dog eat at the same time? My pup used to get weird about food when my other dog was around.
Good idea. I do have a puppy gate, so I’ll give that a try. Thanks!
If he skips a meal, is it a big deal? My dog does that sometimes, and she’s totally fine.
Luchivya said:
If he skips a meal, is it a big deal? My dog does that sometimes, and she’s totally fine.
I was wondering about that! Sounds like it’s okay as long as he’s healthy. Thanks for the reassurance!
Luchivya said:
If he skips a meal, is it a big deal? My dog does that sometimes, and she’s totally fine.
Yeah, dogs are pretty resilient. As long as he’s not losing weight or acting sick, skipping a meal here and there isn’t a problem.
When he sniffs around later, do you feed him again? I’m curious what works best.
Hepburn said:
When he sniffs around later, do you feed him again? I’m curious what works best.
If he seems interested later, I feed him. It feels like he’s more comfortable at certain times, so I just roll with it.
Hepburn said:
When he sniffs around later, do you feed him again? I’m curious what works best.
That sounds like a good approach. Dogs can be so particular about timing lol.
Maybe he’s just not that hungry? My dog only eats small amounts and does fine.
lincolny said:
Maybe he’s just not that hungry? My dog only eats small amounts and does fine.
You’re probably right. I think I’ve been overthinking it. Thanks for the perspective!
lincolny said:
Maybe he’s just not that hungry? My dog only eats small amounts and does fine.
If he’s healthy and growing, you’re doing great. Dogs have their own quirks!