Underwieght puppy, help?

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Underwieght puppy, help?
by Dean
ORIGINAL MESSAGE:
Underwieght puppy, help?Hi folks, Last week, the vet told me that my little Maltese (8 months old) is a little bit underweight. I feed him twice a day, morning and night. I've been feeding him the same food for several months now, and he eats a big meal at night, and a little snack in the morning. I mix in some moist food with his evening meal, but just give him dry food in the morning. However, he rarely, if ever eats all of the food in the bowl. I only leave his food down for 15-20 minutes, and he usually goes to his food right away, but he just doesn't seem to eat much. Also, he gets very few snacks between meals. He gets some of his doggie treats when we're practicing his tricks and training, but we always do this in the afternoon, or after his meal for dessert. We've followed this routine for a while now. I've always thought that the little fellow didn't eat enough, but his energy level has always been very high, lots of playing and running around, so I wasn't too worried. But, when the vet mentioned he was underweight, I got a little more concerned. How can I get him to eat more? Should I try changing his food? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated...

Thanks in advance,

Dean (and Chico of course!)

DISCUSSION:

Dean ! Please, leave dry food out all the time, these little fellows don't ever eat a full meal at anytime! You are starving him, it is a wonder he has not gone into hypoclycimia yet, he is a puppy and needs lots of food and fresh water on a continuous basis, NOT just 2 times a day ! Think of him as a baby ! Would you feed your baby only twice a day ?
Renee

Dean, I'm having the same problem with Rudy. He will pick at his food. I'm limited, though, in what I can offer him due to allergies. Like Chico, he is full of energy. Did the vet offer any solutions? Diet supplements or anything? I learned a couple of things in the chatroom last night. One was to put spaghetti cheese (Parmesan?) on his food. The other was liverwurst. Haven't tried either yet. I did grind up some chicken and frozen peas and mix it in with his canned food. He was interested for one meal... Good luck and I'm looking forward to the responses.
Marie

Dean, when I got my Puff, the woman I got her from told me to keep food and water available at all times, so I only feed her the dry food so it doesnt dry out or spoil. Puff eats a little bit whenever she wants, she never overeats and she, too, never finishes what is in the bowl at one time. I also used to wonder if my little one was getting enough to eat, but she is happy and healthy, so I guess she knows how much to take. You might want to try leaving dry food out all day for Chico and then feed him the moist food for the evening meal. You could also give him Enervite vitamin suppliment, that also stimulates their appetite. I have been giving that to Puff since I got her and she likes the taste. Good luck and dont worry :)
Sandy and Puff

Dean, how much does he weigh? Maybe you can try leaving the dry food down for him at all times. I do this. My girls have access to their food 24-7. They will take a few bites here and there throughtout the day. If he's playing a lot, he's basically burning off a lot of the calories from the food he does eat, so I would leave his food down at all times for him. Also, ask your vet about Nutri-Cal. It's a high calorie food supplement for dogs primarily with low blood sugar, but my vet says they prescribe it for dogs that need to gain weight as well. It comes in a toothpaste type tube, and you give them a little bit on the roof of their mouth once or twice a day. It's very inexpensive as well. Also, maybe you can start adding a little extra moist food to his daily food regimen. You can also boil beef or chicken and make some scrambled eggs for him. Good Luck!
Angel

Dean--I always leave Cubbie's dry food out 24 hrs a day. He eats whenever he wants. He weighs 5 or maybe a little more lbs. Try leaving the food out like I do for Cubbie. He only gets dry Iams mini chunks. His weight is just fine. Once in awhile he takes a few bites out of the cat's dish too, but we tell him no-no. I learned in the chatroom that cat food is high in fat. Hope this will help you out.
Felicia & Cubbie

Sandy, where can I get Enervite? By the way, I gave Rudy ground chicken and peas mixed in with his canned food this morning and tonight and his appetite is the best it has been in awhile. His stools have remained firm and he doesn't seem to be in any kind of stomach distress. He snacks on the dry food (whenever I roll it to him!)
Marie

Dean....Ditto on leaving the dry food down. Taffy nibbles off and on all day. This is even more important when they are pups, they have tiny little tummys and need to eat more often. Then even as an adult their food should be left for them to eat when they are hungry. I have never had a dog who over ate this way either. Good luck!
Robin M.

Thanks for all the ideas and suggestions. I'll start leaving his dry food out all the time starting today. The vet gave me some vitamin supplements called 'Pet Tabs' which Chico isn't too fond of, so I've been grinding them up and putting them in his evening meal. By the way, all the other literature I've read on the WEB says that you SHOULDN'T leave food out all day, and that it was better to feed puppies under 6 months 3 times a day, and after that, twice a day was fine. Guess I've been reading the wrong stuff. That's were great WEB sites like this one are SO great, especially for a first time dog owner like myself. Once again, thanks for the help, and BTW...look out for Chico's puppy pics...I'll try to post them in the photo album this week. Unfortunately, I don't have any recent scanned photos... Thanks again.
Dean

Dean, although most books on dogs will tell you that you should feed and leave out food only for 20 min then pick it up, I have always had small dogs and it seems to me that none of them eat like that..they all have liked to "graze." When you are in the midst of potty training, perhaps, picking up the food is helpful, but for a small dog like ours, even then they need to have the food down 3 or 4 times a day. I think you will find if you leave food out all day (dry) your little one will eat a little here and there throughout the day and then put on the weight he needs. If he is a fussy eater, try mixing some boiled chicken, wet food, etc. Catfood is also a way to get the appetite rolling--I found a little poodle who was half-starved and wouldn't eat at all last fall and the vet gave me catfood to see if it would tempt her. However, don't make the catfood a habit, as it is VERY high in fat and will put weight on quickly (probably why they all love it so!)
cathy brown

Dean, I also leave Buster's dry food down all of the time. He eats when he wants to or if I hand feed him! Ha! Yes he's spoiled. He weighs 10 pounds and is a very healthy little guy.
Libby & Buster

Dean, Please leave dry food out at all time for your puppy. From my experience, the maltese is not a "stand over the bowl and eat" kind of dog. Mine eats a few pieces off and on all day long. She seems to eat most of her food at night when we are sleeping. I guess she likes dining alone. Dry food is also good for the teeth. If I don't think she has eaten enough, I will sometimes sprinkle a little grated parmesan or romano cheese on her food to get her interested.
Judka

For the past month or so, Sunny hasn't been eating as much either. I haven't changed his food except recently since he hasn't been eating. I thought maybe he's bored with the taste. I leave his dry food out at all times and put wet food down for dinner. He is almost 11mos. old. Should this be something to worry about or just a stage? Sometimes he won't touch his food for a whole day except for little treats here and there. It worries me. No change in his personality or anything, playful as ever. Should I call the vet? Thanks.
Charlynn

Dean, My vet suggested that all Maltese should be free fed dry food AS THEIR DIET. In puppies, it may make them harder to potty train, but it is worth it, knowing that oyur puppy is getting to eat when he is hungry (most small dogs won't abuse this and eat until sick), and reducing the risk of hypoglycemia. I do this with my Bailey, and have had great success! Good luck! Kiss pup for me!
Jennifer and Bailey

Dean, I agree with everyone about leaving the dry food down all day as I do the same. Just wanted to add one thing - you didn't mention what type of food you feed your baby but my Vet likes the Eukanuba because it is high in calories. Only while they are puppies up till 1 year and then switch - you may want to try this also - the NutraCal is also a great product and very healthy which the pups seem to love. Good Luck!
Robin D.

Marie, I got Enervite from the person I got my Puff from, but I know I have seen it in one of the pet store chains, just cant remember which one. It could have been Pet Valu or PetSmart. But it should be easy to find. Good luck :)
Sandy and Puff

Once again, thanks for the suggestions. I've been leaving dry food out for Chico for the past two days, and I've been shocked at how much he's been eating! He hasn't been eating as much at 'mealtimes', but he's certainly eating more food overall. I'm really feeling bad that I was starving the little guy for the past few months. :-( However, thanks to you all, perhaps I can learn to become a better father.

Thanks again, I know Chico REALLY appreciates your advice!
Dean

Dean, you are a thoughtful father because you were concerned enough to ask for advice and make changes when you received the answer. I find that if I need advice I can always come onto this forum and get my questions answered I'm glad that Chico is coming along fine. Keep us posted
Opal, Lalita, & Veba