Dog Community

New Dog only wants human food...

Posted : 7/17/2006 5:11:46 PM

I got a dog a week ago from the spca, a female half shepherd-half husky mix. She is adorable and will now listen to all commands and is a veyr nice dog around the house (we let her roam free even when we're away). The only thing that's starting to worry me is the fact that she won't eat ..... I tried 3 different types of dogfood (purina, canin royal and this "ultra" thing) and she will eat 1 cup a day.... and we walk and run with her quite a bit. She weighs more or less 45-50 lbs. It's at a point where her food bowl is full most of the time (I ideally would like to give her 1 cup in the morning 1 in the afternoon), she's chow down apples and biscuits and will look at me with those puppy dog eyes whenever I'm eating anything, so I assume she's hungry, but just not for her food.....

The last bowl of purina I left for her (which is the 3rd brand Ive tried) she overturned and tried to hide the kibble under the carpet, lol.

Any help would be appreicated.

Melaney B.

Posted : 7/17/2006 5:16:29 PM

Hi!

first of all, a dog will NOT starve itself. it will eventually eat it's dog food. Do not let him eat only "treats" because he will think that if he waits long enough he'll get what he wants. The best thing to do is wait and no treats untill he starts eating his food on a regular basis!

Rob T

Posted : 7/17/2006 5:20:19 PM

Thanks for the quick reply, she is an awesome dog and she loves the whole family but it's jus this little problem we have with her.

I'll take your advice and see what happens..... but should I really be feeding her something she doesn't enjoy eating?

Sarah

Posted : 7/17/2006 5:24:46 PM

I agree. A dog will not starve themselves. Just put down a bowl of food for 15 minutes and if she doesn't eat it, take it away. Do this twice a day and she will learn to eat it. You may want to try a high quality canned food as well. I suggest brands like Evanger's, Innova, California Natural, Merrick, Neura, Evolve, Natural Balance, Solid Gold and Tripett.

ron2

Posted : 7/17/2006 5:29:46 PM

Your dog is exhibiting husky metabolism and eating habit. Sibes, through at least 1,000 years or more of breeding, have developed a unique metabolism that is slow unless keyed up by exercise or work and is more adept than other dogs at getting the maximum benefit out of a little bit of food. It is not uncommon for a Sibe to eat several smaller meals. My dog, a Husky/Lab mix, eats only about a cup or so at a time, usually. As long as she still likes and eats the food, you should be okay. Huskies, because of their metabolism, regulate their own intake, making them candidates for free-feeding. Does she only eat in your presence?

mrv

Posted : 7/17/2006 6:04:49 PM

Respectfully, allowing the dog freedom will interfere with feeding if they are finding things to eat. Sibes have been genetically selected for effective scavaging. It is also more dangerous with respect to cars, strangers etc. Please consider some appropriate method of restricting movement when you are not around to keep an eye on her.

Rob T

Posted : 7/17/2006 6:08:39 PM

ron = she eats with and without my presence.

mrv = she can't find any other food, I make sure of it, all she has is the rawhide and tooth cleaning bone she can chew on.

mrv

Posted : 7/17/2006 6:09:26 PM

I misunderstood, I assumed she was out of doors. Sorry

Melaney B.

Posted : 7/17/2006 6:15:13 PM

I had this same problem (forgot to mention) and I still to this day feed her canned food mixed with her dry and she eats them both. But i would wait to see if he'll eat the dry alone (once you get canned food, you can never go back!!!lol)

Rob T

Posted : 7/17/2006 6:19:30 PM

canned food is a lot more expensive right?

Sarah

Posted : 7/17/2006 6:24:13 PM

Yes, it is more expensibe. But it's way more healthy. It contains more protein, meat and moisture. It contains LESS fillers and grains. Which is a big plus. It depends on with brand you get. Some you can get for 99 cents a can, others you pay like $2.99 a can. But of course you get what you pay for.

Melaney B.

Posted : 7/17/2006 6:36:50 PM

yes,
canned food does contain a lot more moisture (45% of it actually) but what are you buying food or a drink of water. i don't think a dog should be completly dependant on canned food but should have a mixture of it's dry too! not that I am againist canned (i use it myself) but i think a healthy dog should have a helping of both!

ron2

Posted : 7/17/2006 6:40:06 PM

ron = she eats with and without my presence

The reason I asked is that Sibes are rank-oriented and that also affects eating behavior. If she eats without being right next to you, that's fine. The other stuff still holds. As a breed, Sibes will eat less than other dogs will at any given time, though through the day, it may still add up to a pound or so, depending on energy demand. Does she work (pull sleds or tires or whatever) or does she just run and play?

If she works, her appetite will increase somewhat but then you have to monitor her kcal intake depending on the demand.

papillon806

Posted : 7/17/2006 7:01:43 PM

(45% of it actually)

It's usually around 78% moisture

Rob T

Posted : 7/17/2006 7:03:38 PM

I'm in Montreal so no sled pulling lol, but I do jog with her and she likes to run around in the backyard.