Tuesday, October 6, 2020

the art of disguising dog food

 


the above are photos from yesterday at the park, he was watching Tennis matches out 2 windows,. You can tell he is shrinking, his weight is mostly water. 
He needs 1600 to 1800 to maintain his size.
I have him up to 700 yesterday which is the most since August.

Big is not eating enough calories, I am look for Trick The Dog suggestions. 

I am looking for input on how to disguise dog food.. Big stopped eating his Milk Bones. I put peanut butter on tip of finger and rubbed the bone on both sides. Handed him the bone and he turned his head.

I pushed it between his lips, a little woman handling required, and he went OH why didn't you say it was peanut butter. Ate two bones. that is only 80 calories, some days I can get him to eat 4 to 6 of them.

I am doing anything I can to get him to eat DOG food... the days he eats it, he is so much better the next day...  Even people food, he eats a few bites and turns his head...

16 comments:

Hootin Anni said...

Have you tried dipping (or mixing in) some beef gravy? Or maybe chicken or turkey? You probably tried that...

My Mind's Eye said...

It has been many years since I tried to 'fool' a K9 but I wonder if he will eat sardines and/or juice from the can. All furries are driven by scent.
Or perhaps browned hamburger drained with rice in it. Toto loved that.
Wish I had more...to offer
Hugs Cecilia

Brian's Home Blog said...

Okay BB, you need to close those eyes, open that mouth and chow down, it's important! Love ya pal.

eileeninmd said...

Hello,

I think you have tried all my old tricks I used to use on my dogs.
Peanut butter and cheese usually always worked. BB, you need to eat more. Sending hugs, and good wishes.

Sandee said...

It's so hard when they won't eat enough. I know you'll keep trying different things. I will continue to pray for Big Boy.

Have a fabulous day. Healing hugs to Big Boy. ♥

Ginny Hartzler said...

There are gravy packets, I think just for dogs. Or you can just buy regular gravy. Mix it with rice or something else. Or just plain. He does look thin.

The Adventures of the LLB Gang said...

Bilbo used to have the same, not wanting to eat anything, problem. Have you tried softer cookies? Or maybe dipping his milk bones in gravy to let them soften up a bit?

Sending love and hugs your way!

Inger said...

This is heartbreaking. I think you have tried everything I can think of.

Ann said...

I wish I had suggestions. I think you've already tried everything that I tried on Duke when he didn't want to eat.

Mevely317 said...

There you are, Big! (I didn't see you on my reader earlier.) Aside from Ensure -- do you like milkshakes? -- I can't think of a thing. Keep trying, OK? And I'll keep praying!

Yamini MacLean said...

Hari OM
Oh dear, BB - it's all too hard, this eating business, eh? I do hope you can take a little more tomorrow... hugs and wags, YAM-aunty xxx

Betty Mc said...

Have you tried wet cat food? Petmd.com/candogseatcatfood suggests it to encourage picky eaters. Maybe he would eat the really fishy smelling ones. At least they come in small cans so there would be less waste if he refuses it.

Ruby said...

Yeah, I was gonna suggest the wet cat food thing too, or tuna, or any fish. if BB likes fishes that is! You have tried everything else I can think of, butts I will keep lookin' for answers.
{{{hugs}}}}
Kisses,
Ruby ♥

Ruby said...

I just had a thought, have you tried Nutritional Dog Food Paste? It's high in calories and nutrients, it might be worth a shot. I don't have any particular brand in mind, butts that is what a furiend told me she used.
Kisses,
Ruby ♥

Rose said...

I had wondered about sardines because of the smell...and fried chicken just crossed my mind. Or what about regular pork sausage...though I cannot find any that is flavored like sausage any more...so dont know if it is even worth a shot..bacon would be too salty..I know you are at your wits end trying to think...

catladymac said...

Have you tried cat food ? I never had a dog that wouldn't have gobbled cat food first. Long term it's too high protein for them (the vets tell me) but right now he needs to EAT.