how to get my 8 month old dog to eat

[gwenfrewi]

how can I get my 8 month old staffy to eat and stop being fussy, Ive tried everything, any advise?

[lankeela]

The answer is to stop trying everything! Stick to one good quality dog food, put it down and if the dog doesn't eat it within ten minutes, take it away. and try again at the next meal time. (At 8 months he should be on two meals a day). If the dog is hungry he will eat. If you keep offering different things, or pandering to him, he will learn to keep playing you up.

[divegirl]

Hi, totally agree with Lankeela....just thought I'd add that although this may feel a bit cruel... it does work! Be strong.

Lisa x

[missmoore]

We've got a staffie cross who was a picky eater at that age as well. I think we tried the same advice as given above (althought we got it from 'it's me or the dog'...) and eventually she grew out of eating a bit of food and walking away. I'd also check the spot where you're putting the food dish down - ours was in a corner which meant she had her back to the whole room, making her a bit nervy.

[drgnrdr]

Yes as the others say, also she may need more exercise I find if I don't give mine enough exercise during the day, they aren't as hungry.
An 8 month old should be getting about 20 minutes of fetch or play/tug at least 2 times a day, minimum, a leisure walk is not going to do it, even if it's for 30 minutes, if you aren't exhausted at the end of it neither are they. Build up play time, their endurance. You need to make them play, don't depend on a second dog or a romp in the yard. Also they will be going thru another burst of teething, and that can put them off their food also.

[blue eyes ;)]

my 8 month old min pin is the same!! hes so fussy,so i just leave dry food out and offer wet food once a day and he he doesnt eat it then tough..he goes hungry.ive tried numerous foods so its just a case of him playing me up!! x

[kazxe]

Try mixing a spoonful or two of natural yoghurt with the dries dog food, also some porridge oats and sunflower oil.
A bit of cold tea over the food as well works wonder, and mashed sardines or tuna can make the fussiest eater clean the dish!!

[doglady]

But don't put the food down, let them turn their nose up at it, and then add something tasty. If you want to add extra, do it before you put the food down. Otherwise you are teaching them that if they don't eat the first lot, something better will come along.

Don't worry if your dog doesn't eat for a day or so. It won't do him/her any harm.

Good luck!!

[blue eyes ;)]

my dog hates fish!!,i tried him on tuna,prawns and taramasolata.when he begs while i eat i put the pot of taramasolata up to his nose and he scarpers!!! xx

[boxers]

Take bowl of food outside,flop it out on the floor,leave dog outside with food,close the door, it usually works.