my dog doesnt eat dog food

Question
Over the winter, I saw an ad for a free pomeranian, and
being a pom lover, I e-mailed them, and I am now the proud
owner of Dash, a 6 year old male pomeranian. My problem is
that is appears that Dash was solely fed human food for the
first 5 years, and he will NOT eat dog food. We have tried
almost every brand under the sun, just to have him sniff it
and walk away. I have tried adding chicken broth, which
doesn't work. I have bought every brand of soft food,
including the gourmet ones that look and smell like people
food, and he won't touch them. We recently got 2 kittens,
and he will eat their food, which I know really isn't good
for him, but at this point I am just glad he is eating more
than just what my kids accidentally spill. He's not losing
any weight, he seems to be at a healthy weight, but I can't
keep giving him cat food, and I can't give him my food,
either. I want my dog to eat actual dog food, but I am at a
loss. Please help me! What can I do to get him to eat his
own food?  

Answer
Once a dog has been spoiled by being fed people food, it can be tough undoing it.  However, it is difficult and expensive to give a dog the complete and balanced diet it needs that way.  You are right, cat food isn't the answer either.  

Have you discussed his weight with your vet?  Overfeeding is very common.  What looks like a good weight to you may still be on the high side.  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 and exercise adjusted to its individual needs. Here is a link to a good illustrated guide, http://www.longliveyourdog.com/twoplus/RateYourDog.aspx

The only way to get him on dog food is to not let him have anything else.  You may need to change where the cats are fed to keep him out of their food.  This may mean letting him lose a little weight even if he is in fairly good shape now.  I would choose a food that maybe he showed a little interest in and give him nothing else.  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.