finnicky eater

Question
I have a 2 1/2 yr old chihuahua. She is in flyball, so she gets a lot of treats to encourage proper performance, but that is usually just once a week. Sometimes twice a week. I give her a Greenie once a day. Other than that I don't give her anything else except her dog food. My partner, whom I have absolutely no control over, is always feeding her from his plate. I begged thousands of times, but it is beyond my control.
I have tried putting food down once a day with the "15 minute" rule. The only thing that seems to get her to eat is to put down her food and just wait until she finally decides to eat it, which usually takes about three days. In the meantime I worry she is not getting proper nutrition. I have tried changing dog food brands; currently it is Evo for small dogs. If I mix it with wet food she will eat it only once before I have to switch to a different wet food. I tried heating it up; that worked for about a week, and then back to the same old routine of not eating.
So-called experts say that what I am doing will cause her to gain weight, but she is not at all overweight. In fact I can easily feel her rib bones, but they are not protruding either.
What can I do to get her to eat on a regular basis? And please don't suggest having H stop giving her people food. It can't be stopped; believe me, I've tried!

Answer
Hi Tim,

First of all, I don't like Greenies for dogs.  They have no value in a diet and can be a choking hazard. Treating with something like tuna or chicken is so much better to reinforce good performance.

Feeding from one's plate makes for a ill mannered dog.  Having a dog stare at you when you are trying to eat can be a problem.  Personally I don't like a having a dog at the table. But, that's one's personal preference.
Have you ever tried Life's Abundance?  Check out my website www.pipschoice.com and get a sample.

I would say that what you are doing has caused her to be picky. Dogs will eat their food, they will not starve themselves.  Perhaps, it seems that she will but then again she knows you to well.

I will not tell you to stop giving her people food, maybe putting her on a home cooked diet is best for her, the only thing I would stress is that you get her on a supplement to make up for what she isn't getting.  Nuvet Plus is the only supplement I trust to do just that.  See it here www.nuvet.com/44299 you will need that order code to purchase it.

Hope this helps you.
Susan Potts,CPG
www.spottsgrooming.com
www.pipschoice.com
Your holistic pet place