cocker spaniel wont eat

Question
QUESTION: hello we my wife and I just adopted a cocker spaniel her one year old.its been three days we've had him now and he doesnt want to eat the food we go him.I was told to give him Purina beneful for puppies, every time we try to give him food he smells it and walks away. He doesn't seem like he's sick, he drinks water and walks with my wife all day. I was wondering if it could be the food and if its is there any special food cocker spaniels like to eat in particular?or should I just wait until he has  no choice and have to eat the food he's got?  thank you

ANSWER: Three days is too long to let this continue.  So I suggest trying some canned food and Not Purina or anything else at the Supermarket.

PetSmart carries AvoDerm - Nature's Recipe - Organix

PetCo carries a few decent foods - Cesar Milan - Halo - Spot's Stew

But first, since he hasn't eaten for this long, give him some plain scrambled egg (don't use milk or oil...just the 4 eggs)

If you have some plain white rice - add that.  Overcook and use extra water.  1 cup mixed with the egg.  Do not serve cold.

Don't give him a lot at once.  Feed him every 2 hours today.

And remember - he is in a new place and it takes weeks for them to feel safe & comfortable.

Let me know if he eats the egg & rice.  Plain boiled chicken breast is good too.  No bones-no skin.
Just get him eating!!!
Delores



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: hello thanks for the response i actually gave him rice and carrots and he ate it  I'm guessing he was never fed dog food before now how should i go about giving him dry dog food? or should i just stick with canned and peoples food?
thank you

Answer
Stick with dog food.  Unless you study how to cook "people food" for a dog you can make them sick.

He obviously doesn't like dry food.  I gave you a list of "good" dog foods - choose one (but none of these are sold at the supermarket).  They all have a canned version.

And whichever brand you choose - don't stick with one formula (like chicken & rice) - use different proteins.  They need a variety just as we do.

The better his nutrition, the healthier he'll be!
Delores