Losing some of their appetite

cocot · Posted: Thu Dec 30, 2004 4:14 am Post subject: Losing some of their appetite

Hi,
I have two yellow labs, one 7 mo. old and the other 2 years old. They are big eaters, never want to miss a meal and in the past have inhaled their food within minutes of setting it down. But in the last week or so they seem to be losing a bit of their mealtime appetites. While they get really excited when I pick up their bowls and scoop out the food, they'll eat some, wander around, eat some more and then (sometimes) won't even eat it all. They are pooping normally, drinking plenty and don't want to miss a snack or a treat. It's just for some reason they don't want their dog food. I haven't switched foods or anything like that. Oh, and for dinner they get wet mixed in with dry -- they're still scarfing that up, it's just when they only have dry food.. Could the change in weather be affecting them? (Though it's hardly getting that cold here in California!) Or maybe they are just tired of their food? I really don't think there's anything medically wrong with them.. Has anyone else had this kind of experience?

Labdad · Posted: Thu Dec 30, 2004 5:08 am Post subject:

Maybe it is the feed.
How old is the bag of feed?
Have you had it very long?
Does it look different from previous bags?
Does it smell different?

HTH

lablover · Account Deactivated

Hi Cocot
As labdad says, first check that you haven't got a bad batch. Also, do they have access to water all the time - they will need to drink more when fed dry.
As they are eating it when mixed with wet, and are fit and healthy I would guess that they are probably trying to train you to give them the tastier wet food all the time Very Happy

They are intelligent dogs, Inspite of the legendary labrador appetite, I do know some who try it on Very Happy

trust me when I say no healthy labrador will ever starve itself. Very Happy

Mine get a choice of two things - what gets put in their bowls or nothing Very Happy

it works every time.
Provided that the food is ok (they are fine eating when mixed with wet), and they are healthy, I would give them their meals as normal. If they do not finish it straight away, pick it up and do not give anything until their next meal (I'd also not give snacks) - they will quickly realise that if it's not eaten there and then, they go without.
HTH