Talking about eating ...

[Martina]

A short while ago there was a discussion about how much and how often one does or should feed their frenchie. Well, something has happened in our household these past two weeks and I'm hoping to get some comments from ya'll.

G & L have almost entirely stopped eating in the morning. They either don't eat at all, or eat very, very little - 1/8 to 1/4 cup. For instance, one day they'll eat in the morning, but then for the next 3, they won't. They still eat in the evening, and even if I give them extra (thinking they might be hungrier) they eat just about a cup. If I give them the extra, they just leave it.

It seems odd to me, but I figure that if they're not hungry, then I shouldn't worry. Especially since they seem to eat what they want, if they want it. They get some treats, but not enough to wipe out one of their feedings. Not to mention that they obviously haven't had anything all night by the time they get breakfast.

So I'm not really worried, but I'm still wondering if this is just a phase. Neither of them is under/over-weight. They seem perfectly normal energy-wise. Nor do they don't seem to dislike their food.

Any comments?

[gmacleod]

I would totally agree that if they don't seem hungry and don't want to eat in the mornings, don't worry about it. A lot of dogs seem to do that, and often it comes and goes in phases.

IMO it is still best if the dogs are offered two meals a day than just one. Empty tummies for too long can end with the dogs feeling nauseous and throwing up bile. But if they don't want to eat a meal, it's no problem. Just give them 20 minutes or so in which to eat or not eat, and then take the food away until next meal time. No healthy dog will starve itself to death, and if they're hungry they'll eat. If not, it's no problem for them to wait until the next meal. Just watch the treats in between ;)

[Carolyn]

Martina...Abby and Ferris are fed once a day. Abby seemed to just grow out of her breakfast routine and they both seem fine w/ once a day. They do get a couple of snacks in the morning and afternoon. If Abby is "off" her food and doesn't eat her dinner...then of course I offer her a breakfast. They both know how to let us know. Carolyn

[Martina]

I really appreciate your responses! I didn't think there was anything wrong, but I like knowing that mine aren't the only two opting out of a morning feeding.

By the way Carolyn, how do they let you know that they're hungry? I mean, I've barely come to recognize the "we need to potty NOW" signs ... except for when Lola barks at me - that's a pretty explicit sign!

[Carolyn]

When they are hungry they will sometimes lick their empty bowls. Or they will sit on the rug in the kitchen and watch my every move.

[aussieowner]

Hi all,

We feed Mac twice a day and we've noticed in the last few months that he goes through eating phases. At the moment, he's literally inhaling his food - he can't eat it quick enough.

However, about a week ago he didn't eat much at all, just picked at his food at both breakfast and dinner. He did that for about two weeks. This has happened before.

Yet, during the periods when he didn't eat enthusiastically he still appeared to be 100% well. He still got up to as much mischief as usual, and didn't appear any less energetic and active.

I was wondering if maybe it's got to do with him growing? He's about 7 months now, and looks as though he's putting on some muscle.

aussieowner

[gmacleod]

I think growing has a lot to do with it. Puppies (of all breeds) are notorious for going through picky periods and then periods where they are ready to inhale their food. I think it is indeed related to their growth spurts, where their bodies need more energy during periods of high growth, and less energy in the periods between those spurts.

I'd just continue to offer food at regular intervals, and just pick it up and try again at the next meal time if they don't want to eat. As long as the dog is looking healthy and behaving normally, I really see no cause for worry :)

[cholbrook7]

Stella gets fed twice a day ... she is about 3 months now ... she eats at 6:30 am and 6:00pm ... and some snacks throughout the day .. but she loves to eat ... she cleans her bowl everytime .. but we try not to feed her too much .. we don't want her overweight!!

[Linnysmommy]

Lenny and Sweetie both eat twice a day, as do our other dogs. They both get treats too! I have new pictures that will be up today or soon. Look and see how much they have grown.

[quinnybear]

i feed rocky and annie natural balance lamb (it comes in a tube) as snacks. and i fill the self feeders with the royal canin kibble ,so they have access to the food always. and we have a bottled water machine and i fill their water feeder with that. they gobble up the snacks and will eat the kibble when they are hungry. some people have set feeding times. but i believe that only they know when they are hungry and having the food always available ,they dont tend to gorge themselves as they do when i tried having a set feeding time.rocky was wolfing down his food and throwing it up later. since i bought the self feeders he eats when he wants and doesnt pig down his food or get sick anymore.i think switching from the iams to the royal canin was a big switch for the better too.