Dog And Fussy Eating

[fruitsalad]

Does anyone else have a dog that is so fussy over his food, sometimes he would rather starve himself than eat, I have tried lots of different brands and he starts off eating them fine, then gradually goes, of it, he also eats very slowly and keeps looking around to make sure one of us is nearby he's even better if we stay with him while he eats it, although if hes given a treat he will gulp that down okay.

[Zacs-Master]

How old is he, fruitsalad?

[pixie374]

I have had, Cavaliers seem fussy and uninterested. Mine started eating "properly" as soon as I got other dogs, mostly, I think just so someone else couldn't eat it first.
I would take him to the vets, if you haven't already, just to rule out teeth, throat, stomach pain. But he may just not need a lot, especially if he is small.
You seem to have found the answer- he feels safer when one of you is nearby, so maybe feed him in the living room or wherever you are, so he relaxes a bit and add in some fish or chicken or something.
But if his weight, health, energy levels are good, I would let him choose. Mine, I'm sure are absolutely nothing for about 4 years, although there was always food left down for him too... but is an energetic, fit and healthy 9 year old now, so clearly, he was eating enough.

[fruitsalad]

Hes 3 Zacs

[pixie374]

What breed(s)?

[fruitsalad]

Yes pixie his weight and energy levels are good

[Bobbisox1]

FS, if he’s an older dog I can give you a link to a guy who writes about dogs and the varying need to knows, he’s an author based in the States, I first come in contact with him on a Cockapoo site , as that’s what mine is , he wanted photos for a new book and Lola was chosen and I was sent a complimentary book, the next one he’s promoting is for the older dog,I got an email asking if I knew anyone needing advice, Lola’s just 5 and doesn’t qualify as they need to be in the third semester of their lives, roughly about 8 yrs old , I hope you and your fur baby get sorted soon

[Bobbisox1]

Oh just read he’s 3 FS

[Zacs-Master]

Have you tried feeding him at the same time as you eat? Dogs are pack animals and like to do things together which is probably why he eats more when you stand near him.

[hereIam]

My dog, Jill, has always been a fussy eater and it took me a very long time to find out what she would eat and keep on eating it. I give her chicken every day and on two days a week she has tins of Lily's Kitchen dog food (which is quite expensive, but I don't want to give her additives). She also has chicken based treats and she is happy with this diet, but sometimes she still leaves a meal and does what your dog does, looks around at me, but she doesn't want me to stay, she wants me to go away! She will then eat the meal the next day.