Inconsistent Interest in Eating

Question
We have a 10-month old Parsons Russell Terrier mix. He has been neutered. He is very active, weight is about 11 pounds and daily health appears normal. He is exercised 4 times daily outside and receives up to two hours of active play interaction indoors per day. He is on antibiotics once daily by vet order to treat ehrlichia and has been for the past 3 months plus. While his appetite for human food (meat, cheese, vegetables, fruits) is generally good, he shows little  and sporadic interest in commercial dog food. We have tried different brands with different protein sources and have mixed the dry with a variety of wet additives and canned chicken and tuna. He is fed twice daily and is not allowed to free graze the rest of the day. What works one day produces no results the next. We have eliminated all human food from his diet and limit treats to small training bits and 1 dentistick per day. He is not receiving food elsewhere. Can you offer an suggestions to help us make sure his nutritional needs are being met? Is this normal PRT behavior?...Thanks, Michael

Answer
It is very easy to over feed small dogs.  They have a reputation for being picky.  I think it is mostly over feeding.  Cutting out the human food was a good first step.  

If the dog never did eat very well, and has seen the vet since the problem existed, you may be over feeding it. A vet check still won't hurt. Many dogs will wolf down more than is good for them and look for more. Others refuse to eat more than than they need. Evaluate the dog as illustrated in this link, http://www.longliveyourdog.com/twoplus/RateYourDog.aspx You may want the vet to confirm your judgment. Adjust the dogs food and exercise as needed to reach its ideal body condition. Some German Shepherds and other breeds may refuse to eat enough to completely hid their ribs. As long as you are feeding a concentrated, meat based chow, the best thing is to accept it.

The worst thing you can do is to bribe a dog with rich foods into eating more than it needs. Instead, Put down the dish with what the dog should eat, and give it 15 minutes to eat. Then take it up. Do not give it anything to eat until its next scheduled meal. In a few days, it should be eating what it needs. Continue to check its ribs and adjust the food as needed. This is not easy. I had a Shepherd go 3 days on a few nibbles. I was a wreck, but she was fine. It is almost unknown for a healthy dog not to eat what it needs. Unfortunately, in too many cases, it is less than the package says, and less than the owner thinks the dog should have. Many dogs are quite good at holding out for tastier chow. Like kids, sometimes it calls for tough love.

Pick a food and stick to it.