Bringing home a new puppy is exciting, but it can be nerve-wracking as well. You’re constantly worried if she’s adjusting well, watching carefully for any issues. It’s very stressful when your new puppy won’t eat! Is she sick? Nervous? It is bad food? Is she going to starve? Take a deep breath and read on for some tips and tricks for getting your new puppy to eat.
Why isn’t my puppy eating?
The excitement of a new house, full of new smells, people and toys may distract your puppy from eating. If she was eating well at her previous home and you are feeding the same kind of food, then over-excitement is the likely culprit. Some dogs are more sensitive to change than others and, just like people, nervousness can manifest in loss of appetite.
If you have switched dog foods, a number of other issues could be at play. The first may simply be that your new puppy has to get used to the taste and texture of the new food. If she tends to mouth the food but avoids chewing it, it might be too hard or just not feel right. A more serious concern is food allergies. Some dogs are allergic to the corn, wheat, and soy in cheaper dog foods. A third concern is an underlying medical problem. If your new puppy has always been a finicky eater, you should talk to your vet to rule out any illnesses.
Picky or Sick?
So how can you tell if your new puppy is ill, or simply needs some time? The most obvious signs that your puppy’s food isn’t agreeing with her is if she is vomiting or has diarrhea. High-strung dogs may have intermittent stress stools, but if the food is the problem, your puppy’s poop will consistently be soft to liquid and possibly smelly or a weird color. More subtle indications include lots of scratching or licking, which are signs of allergic reaction in dogs. If you see any of these signs, take your dog to your vet for diagnosis and feeding options.
Getting Your Puppy to Eat
If you’ve determined that there is no medical issue, it’s time to start convincing your new puppy to eat. Start by setting a strict feeding schedule. Decide on two or three feeding times per day, depending on your routine. Allow the puppy to eat for 15 minutes, then take the bowl away. It will not harm your puppy to skip a few meals, and may even whet her appetite for the next meal. Until your puppy is eating regularly, cut out most treats. Do not feed your dog from the table. Most dogs will eventually choose dog food over no food at all.
You may decide to modify your regular dog food to make it more palatable for your puppy. Hard kibble may be uncomfortable in your dog’s mouth, so you can soak their food in water or sodium-free chicken broth. Other additions may include a raw egg, some brown rice, or a can of wet food mixed with the dry. Watch your puppy carefully to make sure that she’s not picking out the “good” food and leaving the kibble behind! This may be a sign that she’s not a fan of the food you’ve picked out. If your dog begins to eat this souped-up food on a regular basis, you can slowly cut down on the extras until she’s eating just the dog food.
Whatever you decide, try to stick with the plan for at least a week before trying something new. Some dogs are naturally more stubborn or picky than others, and need time to get the message that you’re not a pushover!
Switching Foods
It’s possible that your puppy just doesn’t like the brand of food you’ve chosen for her. Check the dog food label to ensure the highest quality dog food. If the first ingredient is corn, you’re not feeding the most nutritious dog food you can. When picking a new brand, get one in which real meat is the first ingredient, such as whole fish, chicken, or lamb. Any carbs should be limited to rice or oatmeal. If you’ve tried three different kinds of dog food with no good results, it might be time to re-visit the vet to rule out any undiagnosed health problems.
Sources:
Personal Experience
WebMD Pets: When Your Dog Is A Picky Eater