what to feed my dog

Question
QUESTION: My 13 yr. old ShihTzu has become very picky.  She will no longer eat kibble of any sort, and turns her nose up at commercial dog food, going for two or three days without eating properly.  What can I feed her, and how often?  She is otherwise healthy

ANSWER: Hello Eileen,

If your girl has had a veterinary check up and everything is fine, it could simply be that she requires less food now she is getting older. Generally speaking, we need to cut down on overall caloric intake for seniors, while maintaining high/optimal levels of nutrients in their diets, often using more nutrient with less energy. This is best accomplished using a homemade diet formulated by someone who knows how to do it correctly.

Going 2-3 days without eating is not something I feel comfortable about. Has the vet done a thorough dental examination? An abdominal evaluation and radiograph/ultrasound if necessary? Bloodwork including kidney and liver values? Orthopedic evaluation in case there is pain?  I don't want to alarm you at all, but it's always better to diagnose problems early.

Meanwhile, you could try using more palatable foods; I like canned Merrick's (they have many varieties and dogs tend to enjoy them geratly) or a home made diet (short term, if not formulated by a nutritonist or consultant). What kind of food have you been using? If you're not using a premium food, for example, sometimes switching to a very high quality food can be just the ticket. Or try the canned foods. If you want to investigate a home made diet, we can talk about that some more too. but I'd feel better knowing that all of the above possible veterinary issues have been eliminated, before I designed a diet for you.

All the best, Catherine


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Yes, to all the above.  She is healthy.  I've tried Beneful, Ceaser's, Iams, all to no avail!  She eats the wet food, if she's in the mood, or sometimes if I finger feed her (not spoiled at all!)

Answer
Hi again Eileen (and thank you for the nice comments, too)...

First, I would suggest trying any or all of the follwoing:

1) the canned Merricks, especially Turducken and Grammy's Pot Pie

2) any of the following canned foods; Innova, California Natural, Natural Balance, Evangers, Wellness

3)This is an excellent food for small dogs - just look at the ingredients!
http://www.solidgoldhealth.com/products/showproduct.php?id=68&code=140

I also like Wellness CORE reduced fat:
http://www.wellnesspetfood.com/dog_wellness_grain_index.html


4) try small bits of canned sardines or salmon (low sodium is best), or cooked lightmeat turkey mixed with very well cooked brown rice and sweet potato; some cooked egg, small bites of liver or beef, but none of this is balanced so it should be used to stimulate appetite and to augment her diet only

5) For some eye opening reading about "What's Really In Pet Food" - check out this page. It's long, and some is disturbing, but it will help you make the best commercial diet choices for your little girl.
http://www.api4animals.org/facts.php?p=359&more=1

Pour some fresh coffee, get comfy and read through this -  it's an eye opener, no question.
I'm here if you need more ideas or answers.

And good luck! I always like to hear how the dogs are doing, you can join my yahoogroup or drop me a line at home.
catlane@thepossiblecanine.com.

All the best, Catherine