lab wont eat unless hand fed

Question
Good day, I have a five month old yellow lab who doesnt eat his food unless he is hand fed. I've decided to stop handfeeding him but it seems he doesnt feel like eating much. i used to hand feed him around 5-6 cups a day but since i've stop the past few days he has been only eating about 2 cups a day. will this be only temporary? is there anything i can do to stimulate him to eat without me having to handfeed him?

Answer
It is very unusual for a Lab to be that way about food.  Most snarf down what ever you give them and look for more.  However, Labs do not read my answers or what others have to say.  Many Labs ago, I had one like him.  He should still be getting a second meal for another month.  Start a gradual change to adult chow when you run low if you are feeding a puppy chow now.  Switching to an adult chow for the larger breeds at 4- 6 months, slows growth and helps develop sturdier joints.

He may be refusing to eat more than he needs.  Try putting down about 2 cups each of 2 feedings a day.  After 15 minutes, take up any uneaten food.  Do not offer him anything until the next scheduled meal.  This can be tough.  I had a Shepherd go 3 days without more than a few nibbles.  This after a series of Labs that ate like they thought it was 15 seconds.  I was a wreck, but she was fine.  If you can't see his ribs, there isn't a problem.  

Your dog definitely should be narrower at the waist than the hips and chest.
You should be able to easily feel the ribs, but not see them.  Each dog is
different.  Standard recommendations are a good place to start, but each dog
must have its food adjusted to its individual needs. See
http://www.purina.com/dogs/nutrition.asp?article=292

The dry dog foods are actually better for the dogs.  It helps keep the teeth
clean, and exercises the jaws and teeth.  If you feed a complete dog chow, you
shouldn't need to give the dog anything else.  Various people foods may only
add more calories without providing proper nourishment.  Look at how many of
us are too fat too.  If you don't want to pay name brand prices look for
certification of passing the AAFCO tests.    Make any changes in diet slowly
over about a week.

The premium, concentrated foods give you the assurance of a brand name.  They
produce a smaller, firmer stool that is easier to clean up.  It is easier to
maintain weight on a finicky eater.  The lower cost foods may actually have
lower fat and be better for your dog.  Many dogs would enjoy eating the larger
portions you have to feed .