Another picky eater...

[oldguy00]

Our 'Teddy' is a year old now, and is doing great, very sweet boy, but he is not food driven at all, to the point where he hardly seems to eat. Even human food he won't want most of the time. We've tried high end kibbles like Acana and Orjin and RC. we've tried home made recipes with chicken, beef, etc, and right now he seems to sometimes take some Stella and Chewies freeze dried food but hardly any. He otherwise seems healthy and active.
Any new tips for picky eaters? Any new favorite kibbles that we should just leave out all the time? His food is currently left out anyway, and of course always has access to water.


Pics just because.. (and yes, he had a few nibbles off some red licorice... )

[matese]

LMBO.....That's some bully stick, Teddy is adorable.

Try sprinkling some grated Parmesan cheese on his food, the smell usually perks up their appetite.

[oldguy00]

Originally Posted by matese

LMBO.....That's some bully stick, Teddy is adorable.

Try sprinkling some grated Parmesan cheese on his food, the smell usually perks up their appetite.

Thanks, we will give that a try.
Yes, he loves the meter long bully sticks! Pricey, about $30 (Canadian) with tax, usually lasts about three weeks.

[Bluebells]

Cute little guy!

My Jax isn’t truly picky, but he’s not at all food motivated, and he only eats when he decides he’s hungry. He has Science Diet Small Paws kibble available to free feed, and he eats it when he wants it ... more some days than others, but enough that I don’t worry he’s not eating enough.

One thought: is it possible that he’s ingesting too much of the bully sticks and that’s repressing his appetite?

[oldguy00]

Originally Posted by Bluebells

Cute little guy!

My Jax isn’t truly picky, but he’s not at all food motivated, and he only eats when he decides he’s hungry. He has Science Diet Small Paws kibble available to free feed, and he eats it when he wants it ... more some days than others, but enough that I don’t worry he’s not eating enough.

One thought: is it possible that he’s ingesting too much of the bully sticks and that’s repressing his appetite?

I don't think so, the bully's are a new addition, he's been a picky eater since the day we got him!
He's also recently decided that 1AM is a great time for play time..........

[Bluebells]

Originally Posted by oldguy00

I don't think so, the bully's are a new addition, he's been a picky eater since the day we got him!
He's also recently decided that 1AM is a great time for play time..........

Jax fully agrees there. Anytime is a great time for playtime.

[sandy simpson]

I would not give red licorice. It has sugar and probably red dye. Not good for him.
Give him healthy treats. Mine like Zukes mini naturals. The chicken receipe. Your little fella is so cute!

[Bluebells]

Originally Posted by sandy simpson

I would not give red licorice. It has sugar and probably red dye. Not good for him.
Give him healthy treats. Mine like Zukes mini naturals. The chicken receipe. Your little fella is so cute!

Jax has almost no interest in treats, but he loves Zukes mini naturals. He likes the chicken, but the peanut butter is his favorite.

[ladyjane]

The more foods you offer a picky pup, the pickier they get. Sometimes you have to let them skip a meal or two.

[zlumanglas]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

The more foods you offer a picky pup, the pickier they get. Sometimes you have to let them skip a meal or two.

This. Mine was also a really picky eater. I started just leaving food down for 15 minutes twice a day. If she didn’t eat, then she needed to wait until her next meal. It eventually worked...now my problem is she eats too fast but that’s easier to deal with.

[Bluebells]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

The more foods you offer a picky pup, the pickier they get. Sometimes you have to let them skip a meal or two.

Since you’re a very experienced yorkie owner, could you clarify that advice as to age and size. I think most of us know it wouldn’t apply to a twelve week old, two pound pup — and most of us wouldn’t be concerned about a twelve month old, fifteen pound dog missing a meal or two — but what age and size are safe (outside of medical issues, of course)? I’m not asking about a particular dog, just in general. Luckily, my Jax, even though he isn’t food motivated, isn’t picky, either.

[zlumanglas]

Originally Posted by zlumanglas

This. Mine was also a really picky eater. I started just leaving food down for 15 minutes twice a day. If she didn’t eat, then she needed to wait until her next meal. It eventually worked...now my problem is she eats too fast but that’s easier to deal with.

I should add to this that I did this when she was maybe 6 months old but watched very carefully for signs of hypo.

If they're younger, try adding meat to their kibble (boiled chicken/beef), or maybe some stinky wet food. You can phase out the extras as they get older when they actually eat what you give them.

[lynsul]

My little guy....9 pounds, 7 months is not food motivated at all. I make him work for his food and he loves to look but most of the time eats just a bit. Even hand feeding, he doesn’t want any. Someone mentioned Parm cheese so I’m going to try that. I’m also going to try Ziwi Peak kibble. Apparently it’s very good. He’s allergic to chicken so I stick to beef or lamb products.

[sandy simpson]

My yorkies really like Fromm turkey and pumpkin pate. I add a little warm water and they love it. I give them the senior kibble by Fromm. Its chicken based . Try the pate. Healthy and tasty. Hzs carrots and peas in it!

[lynsul]

Thank you so much! Is the turkey and pumpkin for puppies or just adults? I bought a small bag of Ziwi Peak....mackerel and lamb, to use for treats. He loves it, but he loves the wet food I’ve given him. However it’s just for adults and I’m afraid he won’t be getting all his nutrients!!!