What is the best way to encourage my young bitch to eat her food?

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What's the best way to get my gun dog to eat her food?

Choose a good quality dried food and only feed her once a day at a set time.

By Mark Whitehouse

Tuesday, 04 November 2008

My young bitch is a very fussy eater. I have tried several brands of dog food and I have found that the only thing she will eat is dried tripe sticks. Can you advise me on this?

MARK WHITEHOUSE SAYS: I have never met a dog yet that will starve itself to death, provided that it is not suffering from a medical condition that could affect its appetite.

To rule this out I would advise that you have her checked out at your local vets, and providing that you
get the all clear, I would take a firm stance and stop offering her a large variety of different feeds as this will only encourage her to become more fussy.

Choose a good quality dried food and only feed her once a day at a set time.

Ensure you leave the food down for approximately 15 minutes. If the food has not been eaten, remove the bowl and repeat the following day.

Always allow access to fresh water and never give her any treats. I am sure that her natural survival instincts will soon take over.

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Comments

ExPat

Sat, 26th Nov 2011 10:43:38

Your Poll regarding the National Trust begins with an incorrect assumption that they actually own any estates. They don't - they are "our" estates. They are being trusted - and paid - by us to preserve the sites for everyone. Unfortunately they have their own agenda, often totally different from that of the previous owner of the Estate.

Belle and Rudi's owner

Mon, 14th Jun 2010 22:34:43

I have to agree on the above comment. Dry food is not the answer to everything. I am a big fan of the BARF diet. My dogs have raw chicken wings,legs, thighs, rabbit mius fur. Tripe, organs such as heart, kidney,livers. Fish,and also natural yoghurt which is great for the gut and digestion and is a great source of calcium. The fact that they are eating raw means that they geta really good teeth cleaning workout. Thier coats and breath have improved, no sloppy poo and they are alert and full of energy. Why feed a dog once a day? If I ate one meal a day I woulden't be at my best. For me the key is little and often reducing the risk of gastric torsion.

Mrs.E.Upton

Tue, 2nd Jun 2009 23:54:07

I am horrified at this answer to the question. Many dogs are bored by and dislike even good quality dried food. Try fresh meats such as tripe, beef, turkey etc. with a good quality wholemeal biscuit. Hardboiled eggs are often very much liked and will help supply the required vitamins and minerals, as will cheese - providing the dog is able to digest dairy products. If the dog is happy with this diet, you can gradually add lightly boiled/steamed vegetables, such as green beans, broccoli, carrot etc. It is a very simple way to feed and far more palatable.