Not a big eater

ConniesDad · Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2005 10:45 am Post subject: Not a big eater

Hi all

I don't know if this is strange or not, but our 6 month pup just isnt a big eater? She never has been. We have to really encourage to eat her food, and it has now got to the point where she only seems to really enjoy it if we scatter it over the living room floor, then its a game hoovering it up!

If we're in the kitchen she might pick from her bowl, but food just doesnt seem to rule her life. I suppose she just eats when she's hungry. Is this normal for a lab because everyone always tells me that labs are so greedy?

We have often thought that Connie is more interested in spending time following us around rather than thinking about food.

kittie970 · Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2005 10:47 am Post subject:

Hi what you feeding her on?

ConniesDad · Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2005 10:52 am Post subject:

we are currently using the Pedigree complete puppy food, but we have tried Bakers and Eukanuba but it didnt make any difference.

She has also tried Pasco's original at my mother in laws, which she seemed to like, but when we bought that she showed the same interest.

Its not that she doesnt eat, its just that she doesnt eat a lot

kittie970 · Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2005 10:57 am Post subject:

weve tried putting the oil from tuna or even some sunflower oil through her food, just a tiny amount mind you,. we had terrible trouble with Cutter and hes still not a big eater but we used tuna oil and it seemed to help, new puppy cant get enough food down his thoat so we have no worries there, how many times a day do you feed her? at 6 months they should still be having 3 feeds a day and do you soak her food or give it to her dried? sorry for all the questions!
Sarah

Amandajvv · Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2005 11:01 am Post subject:

I think if you've rule out any internal problems (a trip to the vet should ease your mind) then as long as she is eating some and not underweight I wouldnt worry too much or make a fuss. It seems when she doesnt eat you play with her and her food....lots more fun for the lab!

Don't make a fuss, she will eat when she gets hungry. Other posts have suggested limiting the time her food is available to 15minutes at a time. Personally I dont have big eaters. I can leave food out all day and they will only touch what they need. Saying that they would wolf down treats in a second. Limit her treats and the fuss and be grateful she is not a greedy lab! Laughing

ConniesDad · Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2005 12:00 pm Post subject:

we've just been weighing her food out as per the instructions on the bags and topping up during the day, if and when needed. My mother law keeps saying we should stick to meal times, but we do top up at breakfast then lunch and evening.....if required!

usually she gets it dry because the times we added a little warm water she totally ignored it!

I think she'd be quite happy if she could have frozen Kongs 3 times a day Laughing

Amandajvv · Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2005 1:30 pm Post subject:

If you're sticking to the amounts as per directed (or even a little less) then that is fine. Not to worry about topping up. Some labs would just keep eating until its finished!

If you put some in her Kong then count that towards her daily amount as well. Sticking to a routine meal time does curb fussy eaters but then if she eats little bits at a time then thats good. Just dont make a fuss about it to her.

Kev · Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2005 3:23 pm Post subject:

Hi

Buster is the same he's not a big eater most days he only eats one of the two meals I give him. It's not doing him any harm and he's not underweight at 28 kgs.I spoke to the vet about it and she said just keep putting two meals down and throw away what he doesnt eat,which is what I do.