My dog keeps pushing his bowl away and won’t eat his dry food

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Evening everyone, I’ve got a 6-month-old puppy called Bounty. He’s a Maltese and, let’s just say, he’s a proper fussy eater...

He point-blank refuses to eat his dry food. I’ve already changed brands twice – I started with Royal Canin and now I’ve switched to Natural Trainer, but he’s flat-out refusing those as well.

He won't eat from his bowl either, whether it’s his dry food or anything else. Every time I put something in it, he nudges it away with his head as if he’s telling me "I’m not having that". Mind you, if I hand-feed him, sometimes he’ll actually eat it...

I’m really at my wits' end now. Does anyone have any advice for me??

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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    As I mentioned above, your puppy needs his meals at set times. Leave him in peace while he eats, make sure you're measuring the portions correctly, and don't leave the bowl down for more than 15 minutes.

    Don’t worry about him, he won't let himself go hungry.

    If you really notice his weight dropping, then book an appointment with the vet. But there’s no reason to worry – at his age, at around 12 lbs, he’s doing just fine! 😁

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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    So should I only be giving him two a day? It breaks my heart, he doesn't eat a thing all day... but he’s really energetic, and for a Bichon, he’s quite sturdy (about 12 lbs)!

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    At that age, I’ve already started them on this: half a rusk in the morning, and then nothing else until the evening.

    Your dog would be using up all his energy just on digestion; he’s right to turn his nose up at the meals you're giving him, he’s got more sense than you LOL

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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    From 6 months onwards, stop giving three meals a day. You should now split their daily allowance into two feeds (morning and evening).

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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    He's 6 months old

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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    How old is he?

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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Thanks for your reply. Yes, I’m sticking to the recommended amounts but he won’t eat a thing. He’s supposed to have three meals a day but he’s barely even managed one...
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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi there, Generally, when dogs push their bowl around, it’s because they’re trying to hide it to come back to later, which means they aren't actually hungry at that moment. Are you sticking to the recommended portion sizes? Make sure your dog is left in peace while he’s eating, somewhere quiet without people constantly walking past. You also need to keep to set meal times. Feed him at the same time every day and take the bowl away after 15 minutes (whether it’s empty or not). When it comes to dry food, it’s best to go for grain-free options (brands like Orijen or Canagan are great). Lastly, don't hand-feed him his dry food; he’ll pick up a bad habit and won’t want to eat from his bowl at all.
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