Eating Issues

So, I posted this kind of before. But some things have changed.

Vikki wasn't eaching much, which is totally expected with her being in a new home and all. Slowly but surely she started eating yesterday. But as I sat and watched her last night, she was only eating my cat's food! She'll go over and sniff her food, maybe once and a while take a little nugget, but mostly she is eating my cat's food.

My cat's eat certain special (expensive! lol) food for their sensitive stomach, and I don't want Vikki to get used to that food, because, well, I don't know if it is "harmful" for her since it is meant for cats.

I don't get why she isn't happy with her food. I did change it from what the previous owners had her eating, but we went up in grades. She was eating Walmart Brand food. Now she is eating Iams. I don't have a problem trying a new food, but I don't really think it's neccessary.

Anyways, should I be worried that she's only eating cat food? Or just let it be. I want her to eat SOMETHING because it's been far and few between that she is eating at all right now, due to the change.

0 members like this

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Bev Levy on May 31, 2012 at 7:50am

Cat food is not good for dogs, cats have a much higher protein requirement than dogs. Move their food somewhere that Vikki can not reach it. She will never be hungry enough for her food if she is filling up on the cats. Corgis usually can not jump very far, can you put it up higher? Put Vikki's food down for 15 minutes at a time twice a day and she will start eating soon. Sometimes it takes a while for a dog to make a food change..try imagining weaning a teenager from eating potato chips to eating carrots (actually that goes for me too ), carrots taste great and are healthier but they are not chips so it takes awhile to change your taste buds.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Karen Dadisman on May 31, 2012 at 7:52am

Cat food is higher in protein than dog food and this is not really good for dogs. If it were me, I'd cut out all treats. Put her food out for 10-20 minutes and, if I remember you've been doing this, then pick it up. Maybe even go back to the Walmart brand for a bit then gradually mix in the new stuff. Use her food for treats. Don't add stuff to her food to get her to eat. You are letting her train you to add good stuff if she holds out on you!!! She will eat when she is hungry. Healthy dogs won't starve themselves. Add some water if you think she's teething. Feed the cats somewhere that she can't get. If she's full of cat food, she's not going to eat her own food. There are fish based dog foods out there since she seems to be a fan of cat food which tends to come in fishy flavors. I'm not sure if Iams comes in a fish base. Anyway, don't let her train you to "doctor" up her food to get her to eat. Picky eaters are made not born.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Brianne Mumy on May 31, 2012 at 7:01pm

I don't give her a lot of treats at all. I just put up the cats food and she chowed down on her own food, thank goodness. I'll just have to keep an eye on her and make sure the cats are able to reach their food as well. Thats going to be difficult, I don't have many high places I could put it. I'll make it work though. Thanks for the options and the facts, I really appreciate it.