Picky over bowls?

[chela]

We just brought Gary home last week, and he's been pretty much the perfect puppy. Except meal times. We have another dog, a two year old pitty, and they eat the same food, Solid Gold Wolf Cub (Nina has problems keeping weight on, so the vet recommended we keep her on the puppy food) except Nina's bowl is slightly bigger. Both bowls are the same plain, steel bowls, one slightly smaller for Gary. At meal time, he sits there and watches Nina eat, ignoring his food, and when she's done, he runs and licks her bowl clean unless I pick it up right away. He eventually eats his after about half an hour or so, but still won't finish or barely eats half. Any suggestions to get him to stop him from licking her bowl and to want his own food from his bowl? Also, any suggestions for a better food? I've always trusted Solid Gold, but am wandering if there's something better out there.

[sable123]

Originally Posted by chela

We just brought Gary home last week, and he's been pretty much the perfect puppy. Except meal times. We have another dog, a two year old pitty, and they eat the same food, Solid Gold Wolf Cub (Nina has problems keeping weight on, so the vet recommended we keep her on the puppy food) except Nina's bowl is slightly bigger. Both bowls are the same plain, steel bowls, one slightly smaller for Gary. At meal time, he sits there and watches Nina eat, ignoring his food, and when she's done, he runs and licks her bowl clean unless I pick it up right away. He eventually eats his after about half an hour or so, but still won't finish or barely eats half. Any suggestions to get him to stop him from licking her bowl and to want his own food from his bowl? Also, any suggestions for a better food? I've always trusted Solid Gold, but am wandering if there's something better out there.

That is the relationship your dogs have, and it is very common for the younger dog to act that way. Enjoy it is fun.

Yes there are better foods for half the price.

[Jax08]

I think that's all perfectly normal...at least in my house. The dogs eat their food and then play musical food bowls to make sure the others haven't missed anything. The only time I interfere is when Sierra eats her food and then goes and sticks her head in Jax's food bowl to steal her food. I'm amazed Jax hasn't taken off half her face for the offense.

I would feed your puppy in a crate. Put him and his food in there. If he hasn't eaten, pick it up. If he's only eating half of it, I wonder if you are feeding him to much? Is he losing weight or not thriving? If not, then I wouldn't worry about how much he's eating.

[chela]

Originally Posted by Jax08

I think that's all perfectly normal...at least in my house. The dogs eat their food and then play musical food bowls to make sure the others haven't missed anything. The only time I interfere is when Sierra eats her food and then goes and sticks her head in Jax's food bowl to steal her food. I'm amazed Jax hasn't taken off half her face for the offense.

I would feed your puppy in a crate. Put him and his food in there. If he hasn't eaten, pick it up. If he's only eating half of it, I wonder if you are feeding him to much? Is he losing weight or not thriving? If not, then I wouldn't worry about how much he's eating.

I guess I should have added it! He's a little skinny, but not terribley. he's about 27 pounds, and I've been giving him a cup at 6 am, 1/2 a cup at 1 pm (which he has no problem eating, as Nina eats AM and PM), and then a cup at night. That's what the vet had said to do, so maybe he is eating enough and I just haven't gave him enough time to get his ribs hidden?