How to manage a fussy eater

[luce]

Hi guys. I'm Lucy and I'm new here.
I adopted my first greyhound 6 months ago. Her name is Mia and when I got her from GAP she weighed 25.5kg. I have found feeding difficult as she is extremely fussy. I origionally tried feeding what Gap suggested and she wouldn't have a bar of it. Since then Ive tried all different sorts of dry and wet premium dog food. She is so fussy. With the help of my Vet, I now have her eating 4 cups of quality dry kibble mixed in with cat wet food and sardines.... she loves anything fishy... so she is happy enough eating this and weighs 26.5kg. Her coat is beautiful and shiny and she has lots of energy and is happy within herself. Wondering what you guys add to their diet to bulk them up a bit? Or good treats? As I do have to space out her meals and feed her 3-4 times per day which can be hard when working full time. I wish I could leave her food out for her to graze but unfortunately her Labrador brother would eat it. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thank you in advance

[alfiemoon]

Hi Lucy. Does she need to bulk up? You've maintained and even put a little on so I think you're doing well. You don't want to put weight on too quickly, slow and steady's better. You can get wet dog food with fish so I think that would be better long term than cat food, then you can up the quantity until you find the right level. We used to feed three times a day, but adjusted to 2 as it just gets in the way of living, so I understand it's difficult. Some people add cooked pasta but a fussy one might turn their nose up at that.

I would say not to pander to the fussy eater too much either, as it can make the problem worse. Sounds like you've found what she likes, so stick with it.

Our three lurchers like sardines/pilchards and share a small tin mixed with their dinner a couple of times a week. Not too much ortoo often as it makes their poo's a bit soft the next day (sorry - you'll end up talking poo at some point so we might as well get it over with).

Fish 4 Dogs fish skins are our treats of choice for an evening 'supper' treat. Great for helping to keep teeth clean, and all natural. Low in calories so not something you'd use to add weight, but boy, do mine love them. They're expensive, but the more you buy, the cheaper they become.

[vickyb]

I agree with the above post. I feed trays of wet food now, no kibble but I found that fish kibble suited most of ours best. Same with the the sardines, not too much or they get sloppy. I realise that your vet has approved cat food but its not good for them long term. I sometimes buy bags of frozen white fish (tescos value range is good and cheap) and add that for a change although obviously its not as fatty as oily fish. Ours used to have fish skins but they went off them after a while so they get half of a tesco own brand large dentastix a day - not because I think it cleans their teeth but because they love them. It sounds as if she's doing fine. I had a dog like that and once she got some weight on her she stopped wanting meals so often and dropped down to breakfast, tea and supper.

[kittypoker]

I only adopted my Grey 5 days ago and bought a couple of bags of the same complete dry food used by the rescue kennel to avoid any digestive issues. Good for him and definitely for us! The only difference is, he can now graze rather than eat just once a day. It would be different if he hoovered up the food but he has no competition and isn't at all greedy. Add some pilchards in tomato sauce, tuna or boiled chicken fillet and he's a happy boy. The kennel said he also loves a bit of custard but haven't tried that yet!

He was a reasonable weight when we got him but we had to let out his collar slightly this morning as he's gained a few pounds, and looks all the better for it.

Poo really is a good way to judge if the dog is getting a diet that suits him/her. It should be reasonably firm, easily picked up but not hard.

[ritab]

Greys don't want to be too porky do they. Bony compared to other dogs I'd say! Mine are small girls - 25kg and 25.5kg. The trouble is the 25kg one would be better at 26kg and the 25.5kg one would be better at 25kg. I'm constantly trying to adjust their weights but I think the thinner one is a worrier and will never be much heavier.
I recently changed her food though after 5 years on Burns Pork & Potato (which was the only thing her stomach would tolerate when we got her) to Moorlands Salmon & Potato kibble. It is just over 20% protein so I use a potato-based mixer to add calories. I also use some Natures Menu raw/canned/pouches to make it more appealing. Gizzi often left food with the Burns but she loves the new fishy kibble and eats the lot now. Boy do I feel guilty that I was feeding her something she didn't really like for 5 years!!!