Chow Chow not interested in food

Question
Hi,
I have a 1yr old Chow Chow who is off her food. She had a variety of food offered to her like rice with veg,canned tuna in spring water, canned food and kibble but will have a few mouth fulls and then walk off. She is fed at regular times and food is not left around for her other than at feeding time then it is removed. However, the strange thing is if we spoon feed her she will eat it. I know this is not a good practise to get into but it is the only way to get her to eat at the moment.....Is she being a fussy bitch or do you think it is something more sinister. Her toilet motions are normal and she drinks plenty of water.
Looking forward to your suggestions.
Jason Laffey

Answer
Jason-

How long has she been off her food? Is she spayed and UTD on all vaccines? Is she acting depressed, or just not interested in food?

There are definitely situations where dogs can just be particularly picky about their food, and bitches seem to be more picky then dogs. If she has just always been picky, you are in for the really annoying habit of convincing her that she HAS to eat. here are some suggestions:

If she has to work for her food, it may be much more interesting to her. Try putting dry kibble in a treat ball, and rolling it around with her. As she plays with the ball, the food falls out, and because its a reward she may be more interested. Stuffing a Kong with food may produce the same results.

Also, if she is food motivated with training, doing a training exercise with her with food as a reward may entice her to eat as well- go through all her training that she knows, get very excited, happy voice, hide the food from her until she does something great, then with a big flourish and happy voice give her a handful of food as a reward. Keep going, until she eats her whole bowl. I have a Siberian husky I have to do this too almost every day!

If this is a new thing, I would take her into the vet and get a check up. There are many illnesses that can cause her to go off her food.

Good luck!!!!