dog feeding

Question
My 8 month old chihaua is a sweet,playful happy dog weighing about 6 pounds.  He has been neutered and is up to date on all shots.  The previous owner who I can not contact was feeding him Purina One puppy chow, and I continued that food in the month I have had him.  My problem is that he only eats a small amount of the food.  Sometimes he sniffs the bowl and walks away.  If I leave the food out all day he may finish it very late in the day, or he may not finish it at all.  He does drink water normally.  Am I right in thinking that he simply does not like that food?  He does not get table food.

Answer
He is in a new environment, a very small dog and a very young dog. These changes can cause him go not eat as much as he did before, but at this age and size, he does not require a lot. You could add a bit of warm water to some kibbles, or one of those sauces that will make it more appealing.  But I think unless he goes off food completely, you should not worry.  Many times new pups will get up in the night to eat because they are shy of eating in their new environment. Please leave feedback, nominations, and follow-up with any questions you may have. As volunteers we really like to know that we are making a difference in the lives of our online friends and their canine companions. It is easy to see the results at our school, but more difficult online. Please leave feedback, nominations, and follow-up with any questions you may have. As volunteers we really like to know that we are making a difference in the lives of our online friends and their canine companions. It is easy to see the results at our school, but more difficult online.  So please keep me posted on his eating and if you think it is not enough at all, get a vet to check out. Also be sure that the bag of Purina One (which is good food) is not under the recall. You can check that online.  If it is newer bag, it should be okay, but I check ALL of my dog food these days. Thanks for writing. Regards, Susan