gotta beef him up!

1501 Views 14 Replies 9 Participants Last post by joebeans, Dec 14, 2004

mel

Discussion Starter · Dec 12, 2004

Pip looks emaciated. His back bone shows and his ribs stick out. I know he is healthy, but he is so darn skinny!!! I know chis can be thin, but I want him to gain a little fat. He just looks like he could break! He's going on eight months,and he is three and a half pounds. He is pretty small. I feed him Eukanuba small bites for puppies, he gets Eukanuba Healthy Extras treats.
But, he doesn't eat much. Maybe two times a day, and his food is out all day. I don't know if I should try and get him to gain a little, or if I should just face the fact he's skinny. His stool and urine are fine, so is his skin, hair, eyes etc... He is healthy. Just a stick!

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Kari

· #2 · Dec 12, 2004

Buster is sorta like that too. His ribs don't really stick out but I can feel his spine when I pet him. And he is a healthy guy too. I kinda just want to let him pig out on treats but that wouldn't be very healthy either.

OzzyAndLilysMom

· #3 · Dec 12, 2004

maybe try mixing a little boiled chicken breast in with his dry food - the extra protein should help him fill out :wave:

KB

· #4 · Dec 13, 2004

Back to Basics is a human grade dog food that is higher in fat than most, you might want to try that --its a healthy alternative to treat stuffin

mel

Discussion Starter · #5 · Dec 13, 2004

luckily, we give him maybe one treat a day-so he isn't used to them. But, I am one of those people who thinks expensive is better. So, are there other dog foods like the back to basic that he can have mixed in that may help him gain weight? I have to remember he is very energetic and runs a lot still. :grommit:

colliechimom

· #6 · Dec 13, 2004

My little Dolly is the saaaaaame way!!

Vala

· #7 · Dec 13, 2004

My Stinky is the same way...i always think i'm not feeding him enough..I feed him Eukanuba too, lately we switched to the adult one and he's looking better

I think it was just a growing thing.

I read on another post I think it was Joebeans who said she feeds them Eukanuba High Performance..it has more protein and is for really active dogs...because if you were to use it on a dog that sits all day it would get fat fast..

Camilla

· #8 · Dec 13, 2004

Have you thought about maybe feeding him at certain times of the day, and not leaving the food out for him all the time? If he knows he gets food at set times, and then it gets taken away, say after 15 minutes, he will realise that he has to eat there and then, and if he doesnt, there wont be any more coming along until the next meal! I read that this encourages dogs to eat a "proper meal" instead of taking it for granted and nibbling all day. Just a thought...

mel

Discussion Starter · #9 · Dec 13, 2004

We used to feed him at designated times, but he lost interest in eating then. Plus, for example, when we get up he wants to play. So, I am not sure yet. Can I feed him adult food now? He is almost eight months. I appreciate the replies!

OzzyAndLilysMom

· #10 · Dec 13, 2004

you could try a bit of adult food mixed in with his pupy food and see if her prefers this

Ms_P

· #11 · Dec 13, 2004

I always thought puppy food had more calories in it than adult dog food because puppys need more calories to grow.
You switch them to adult dog food because they are done growing and don't need the extra calories any more.

KB

· #12 · Dec 13, 2004

I heard that is a gimic that it is not necessarily true....for what its worth. I know the food I feed Kemo is ok for all stages.

mel

Discussion Starter · #13 · Dec 14, 2004

very good idea, shall try that! Thanks!!

Camilla

· #14 · Dec 14, 2004

I was told that as long as the puupy is feeding well, happy and growing, then it can get all its nutrition from a varied diet. I agree puppy food might be a gimmick to make us feel we are giving them something "extra special". I was also told that adult dog food is also fine after 6 months.

joebeans

· #15 · Dec 14, 2004

vala444 said:
My Stinky is the same way...i always think i'm not feeding him enough..I feed him Eukanuba too, lately we switched to the adult one and he's looking better I think it was just a growing thing. I read on another post I think it was Joebeans who said she feeds them Eukanuba High Performance..it has more protein and is for really active dogs...because if you were to use it on a dog that sits all day it would get fat fast..

Yes Vala, it was me, and I do feed them the Eukanuba Premium Perfomance formula and they both love it. Chiquita has been on it for about a year now, she isn't fat or too skinny, she is just right. She is very toned and her muscles in her hind are very defined. I am very pleased with the food. However, if you fed this to a lazy chi, he would most certainly become overweight

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