Wont eat without treats mixed in to food

Question
We have a 5 month old female Boxer. Vet says she healthy no issues. We feed her Royal Canine(puppy) and found the first few feeding she would gulp the food but lately we've had to crush her favourite dry liver treats into the food so she would eat. This is our 3rd brand and was recommended by other Boxer owner. Should I be switching brands again?

Answer
Hi Amanda,


As you no doubt are aware, Boxers can have a variety of health issues, so puppy nutrition really counts.  If your girl isn't eating, I would suggest switching to a truly premium food. Here is the Royal Canine Puppy formula:

Chicken meal, rice, corn gluten meal, chicken fat, brown rice, oat, dried beet pulp (sugar removed), natural chicken flavor, anchovy oil (source of EPA/DHA), dried brewers yeast, sodium silico aluminate, fructo-oligosaccharides, soya oil, salt, potassium chloride, dried egg product, dried brewers yeast extract (source of mannan-oligosaccharides), DL-methionine, choline chloride, taurine, Vitamins [DL-alpha tocopherol acetate (source of vitamin E), L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (source of vitamin C), biotin, D-calcium pantothenate, vitamin A acetate, niacin supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), folic acid, vitamin B12 supplement, vitamin D3 supplement], marigold extract (Tagetes erecta L.), Trace minerals [zinc proteinate, zinc oxide, ferrous sulfate, manganese proteinate, copper proteinate, copper sulfate, manganous oxide, calcium iodate, sodium selenite], preserved with natural mixed tocopherols (source of Vitamin E) and citric acid, rosemary extract.

Some  problems here; a LOT of carb compared to the protein; a  bit of gluten, plus soya oil, zinc oxide (poorly absorbed by dogs and thus may impact the immune system) - not a *horrible* product, but I bet you can stimulate appetite with a better food.



Fromm, Natural balance, Wellness, Orijen and others all make higher quality products. Is a switch possible for you, before I go on?
Catherine