Hi ,we have had our new puppy for just over a week now,she has settled in well with our other dogs and is very clean ,really the only problem is that at feeding times she just wants to play with her food ,or the other dogs food.She is 18 weeks old and was on meat and bisciut,I tried her with tripe and she didnt want it,have been through lots of different combinations but she just wont settle down to eat.She is a stocky little girl(cocker) ,and I dont want her to
lose condition.She is lively and happy ,she just doesnt seem to want to concentrate on her food.I have put her food in her cage,fed her with the other dogs,hand fed her but she will only eat a little and then lose interest.
Any ideas would be appreciated.
Thanks.
Tillys mum

I should pick a diet you want to use then put her food down at mealtimes, don't let her steal the other dogs fdood it's not fair on them, if she leaves it then pick it up and wait till the next mealtime and try again, a fit healthy pup will soon realize she will get hungry if she dosn't eat up in ten minits and she should start to eat, she can go a few days without too much trouble and she is training you well to give her what she wants and not what she should be getting!! Crafty little blighters these puppies!

Hi Tillys Mum

Some dogs are just not that food orientated. Mine used to pick at his and then leave it then I would put it down later and he would pick again and so on. Sometimes he would go for days without eating but was still lively and in good condition. Having said this, when he didnt eat he was a little older than yours :) but as already stated she will soon learn to eat when shes hungry. Mine was and still is far more toy orientated but is still in great condition. Dont worry too much, as long as shes bright eyed and bushy tailed she will be fine.

They know how to worry us dont they?!
Caroline

You might find she's teething and her mouth is sore.
Soak her biscuit and make it soft and you may find she eats again ok.

I went through the same problems with my CKCS at the same age, after trying numerous different foods we tried Arden Grange Prestige and he loved it and the good thing about it is that as it is so rich in nutrients and high in calories, you don't have to feed a huge amount. He is still on Arden Grange food now except I have changed him over to the normal adult maintainence diet. Good luck with your puppy - they are a worry aren't they!

Thanks everyone for your replies,she is eating a little better now,I am feeding her on her own after the other dogs have eaten,she is less distracted.She is very lively and is a lovely happy puppy.
Tillys Mum