4 month old labrador retriever doesnt like to eat

Question
Hi Diane, I have an issue with a 4 month old labrador that I am help taking care of for someone else while she is at work that does not want to eat. He was a pet store puppy so the problem, of course, begins there. I am at odds with the owner because her vet wants her to put the food down for 10 minutes and take it away if he won't eat. After a few days of "her" doing that, the puppy was all ribs. He is very small for his age but his coat has improved, etc. in the past few days since I have become involved. She is out of town for two weeks and I am staying at her house for the last week of her vacation. I don't think she should have gotten the puppy because she is gone so much (part of the problem) but I just want to get this puppy to eat and I can't convince her to go to another vet. He is eating more with me now but I am having to add a little bit of chicken, scrambled egg, cottage cheese, canned food and/or rice to get him to eat at all. He just doesn't seem interested and I know for sure that he hates kibble. I keep mixing it in though because he needs the dietary factor. I just need him to put on weight. He plays well, his coat looks good (now), his eyes are clear and bright, he has to be put in a quiet spot to rest because he's a lab and wants to play. He just won't eat. Should I try something different? I know it isn't good to keep giving him new stuff but I have to get food in him. I have added a little water and warmed it up, etc. Should I stay away from foods that I have named? It is time to get him more kibble. She has been feeding him Nutro lamb and rice which he picks at but I have yet to see him actually finish a portion of anything at one time. I can't take it from him. That didn't do anything but make him lose more weight. Any suggestions? I'm watching him closely so be sure to know that he is doing okay but still not eating like a four month old puppy should be. Thanks, Carolyn

Answer
It's wonderful that you are taking care of this puppy and care so much. I couldn't agree with you more re the pet store issue, however he's here so let's try to deal with his issues.
Both her vet and you are right. Dogs often use eating as a power play just like children will they like to make you jump through hoops and the more you jump the worse they get. I would do things a bit differently from both of you. I would continue mixing the food, but take him off the lamb and rice. Lamb is not a great source of protein.Chicken is much better. Chicken Soup for the pet lovers soul is much higher digestibility so that he will be getting more bang for the bite so to speak. 10 minutes isn't enough. I would put the food down for thirty  minutes, and pick it up. Don't make a big deal over whether he eats or not. Don't watch him don't beg him to eat etc. He will likely not eat for a few days maybe not much at all for a week or so but he WILL eventually eat. Dogs won't starve themselves to death as long as there isn't a medical issue causing him not to eat. Feed him twice a day. No treats no nothing. Feed him on schedule, same time every day. Try to talk her out of him, she doesn't need a dog. Get back with me in about a week to let me know how he's doing
blessings,
Diane