Foster dog not eating all his food

LucyLu

We just got a foster on Saturday. We are feeding him the same food he was getting at the home when he was first rescued. He is very happy, energetic, playful, loving, etc. But he isn't eating all of his food. He is eating maybe 1/2 of what he should be. Should I do anything right now, like try brown rice? Or wait a few more days? He doesn't seem to be sick at all. He will eat the treats we have, like chicken strips, cheerios, etc.

coppersmom · Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2006 12:02 am Post subject:

Hmmmm, doesn't sound like a dachshund lol. But it does sound like the terrier I grew up with.

I wouldn't panic just yet. But maybe you could mix some yummy smelling canned food in (I assume he's getting dry?). I feed that now to my girls and it's working out well.

LucyLu · Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2006 4:03 pm Post subject:

He is eating more every day so I think he's ok now. He's not very food motivated. My dogs eat every last crumb and will do anything for a treat. We fed him tiny pieces of hot dog when we cut his nails and he seemed to like that the best.

Jamiya · Moderator Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 5593

Most of my fosters didn't eat well for the first few days. Usually they pick right up once they learn the routine. I wouldn't worry about him yet, and I also wouldn't try babying him with special foods.

hermann muenster · Member Joined: 19 Jan 2006 Posts: 304

I agree with Jamiya. We recently "adopted" a dog and he ate very little the first few days. He quickly got into the routine and started eating his normal amount of chow. I also feel that you will be making problems for the future if you start spoiling him with special meals to coax him into eating.

The way I feel, if the dog is drinking (not getting dehydrated) and the poop is normal --- leave them alone. They'll eat when they get hungry enough! Dogs won't starve themselves.