Adult dogs wont eat

Question
I just got a new puppy about a week ago and decided since I would be housebreaking him it would be best to stop free feeding the other dogs in the house. I put them all on a schedule but my adult dogs have only eaten about 1/2 cup in a week. They are starting to rapidly loose weight. Someone suggested putting something in the food so they would willingly eat at the times I sit the food down. I would like to know if there is anything healthy I could mix in their food until they are used to the schedule. They are both 5 years old and weigh 33 and 50 lbs.

Answer
Usually that isn't necessary. You could try a little low salt chicker or beef broth.  

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.