Hello everyone

We recently brought home our 9wk old puppy Harvey, he came with a supply of food he'd obviously been weaned onto- and also our breeder highly recommended it. (Royal Canin puppy dry/complete food)

The first meal we gave him, he definitely seemed to enjoy it and ate the whole portion. But since then he hasn't ever finished his food, (we only give him the recommended amount). Even when he sits waiting and wagging his tail for his food, he's still only eating a tiny bit.

I am worried he just doesn't like the food and he's going hungry, should i try him with another brand?

Thanks in advance

Michelle

This is very common. Pup no longer has the competiion of littermates and is adjusting to his new homes. Also if it is the amount recomended on the packet, most packets overestimate the amount actually needed.

Feed the amount he is happy to eat, and take the boel up until the next feed. Just monitor his body condition, try to keep him slim so that he doesn't strain his bones.

Hi there,

Thank You for your quick response, now why didn't i think of that?? It does make perfect sense. :)

He's definitely not off his treats :)

Thank You

Hi, I've also got a cavalier pup, Lewy, who is 11 weeks old. He is also on royal canin (mini) and seems to really enjoy it. I would be careful that you are not filling your little boy up on treats between meals, what might only seem a little treat to you can really fill their tummies at this age. I have found that Lewy tends to go through phases of eating everything you put in front of him, then seems to just pick at a couple of meals. The picking is becoming less frequent though, as i pick the bowl up after 10-15 minutes (unless he's still eating!) I also do this because i have a yorkie who feels she needs to clean up whatever he doesn't eat and she's starting to look distinctly podgy! I think Lewy has realised that if he doesn't eat his food in one sitting he doesn't get another chance till his next meal!
Hope all goes well with your little boy

Erin

Hi Erin

Congrats on your pup :) Cavaliers are just adorable!!

He doesn't seem too bad at the minute, he eats a small amount. I'm wondering if he just isn't going to be a big eater (seems almost unlikely though for a puppy though) I never allow him to eat treats in between meals, he only has 'treat time' (rolled into a training/tricks session) of an evening- usually an hour after he's eaten his last meal of the day :)

His growth seems to be coming on really well, i spoke to the vet on his last inoculation visit and she said as long as we're getting a little food down him, he's fine and give him time to adjust :)

Good luck with Lewy!!

Hi,
Glad your little boys eating something! Lewy has now decided to go off his food, i think its probably the heat though as he eats some breakfast and supper but nothing during the hotter parts of the day! I can't get over how much he is changing too, the little fluffy dumpling on legs i brought home is rapidly changing into a sleek, miniature adult! Has Harvey changed alot since you got him?

Erin

I also have 2 cavaliers, aged 3 and 5 mths. My youngest Tilly will eat 24 hours per day if I let her !! The oldest Ozzy is quite fussy and doesn't eat as much, never finishing his bowl. I am not worried though as he is very fit and healthy. I mentioned it to the vet and she said that sometimes they are not as hungry just like us, or if its hot weather they tend not to eat as much. If your pup is eating some food then he must like it !!! He sounds like Ozzy.

best wishes

Hi there,

Since i last posted i've had no choice but to change my puppy's food. I've slowly weaned him onto pedigree puppy complete dry food. He just totally lost all interest with his last food :( Fortunately now he's adjusted well onto his new food and he's even eating a lot more :)

He's definitely altering every day, he seems to have gone 'leggy' and thinner. I figure he's going to grow upwards before he fills out.

Now the only challenge we have left is trying to get him used to his lead, were getting there slowly :)

Michelle