feeding a dog

Question
We have just adopted a spayed 5 year old lab/staffie cross (a lovely happy friendly girl) My husband started giving her a raw beef bone in the mornings as she is home alone for up to four hours when we are both at work. She loves the bones and it gives her something to do while we are out. The problem is now she doesnt want to eat her dog biscuits - she will sometimes eat dog roll though but just to fill up in the evening. My question is how often should a dog have bones? She is in excellent health but if she has too many bones will she be missing out on other nutrients she needs? I dont want to turn her into a fussy eater so should i limit her bone intake to a certain amount per week? Many thanks, Helen.

Answer
You are correct, too many bones are not good for dogs.  In fact, dogs are better off without any bones.  They should be feed a dry kibble and little else.  For chew toys, stick to sturdy stuff such as Nylabones and Kongs.  You can fill a Kong with peanut butter and freeze it to give the dog a safe, long lasting treat it will enjoy.  Just don't go too far with the peanut butter.  Bones also lead to broken and worn teeth.  I have a Lab whose teeth were in excellent condition at 14 years old because she never had a bone in her life.  

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 snarf 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.