Eating Issues

[cowanbree]

I have a 10yr old dog who the last 6mths has been through the wars, bowel obstruction, peritonitis, and then esophageal issues which mean he will never eat a normal meal again; they all have to be blended. He has never been an overly food motivated dog but lately it is very difficult to get him to eat. He doesn’t want that mush but unfortunately there is no other option.

He has been extensively health tested from scans to bloods etc and my vet has confirmed there is nothing wrong with him. I have tried just about every combination of food I can and nothing other than blended mutton motivates him for long. He can’t live on mutton alone and no doubt will get sick of this soon too so I was thinking an appetite stimulant. Can anyone recommend something suitable?

[cj-b]

I have a 10yr old dog who the last 6mths has been through the wars, bowel obstruction, peritonitis, and then esophageal issues which mean he will never eat a normal meal again; they all have to be blended. He has never been an overly food motivated dog but lately it is very difficult to get him to eat. He doesn’t want that mush but unfortunately there is no other option.

He has been extensively health tested from scans to bloods etc and my vet has confirmed there is nothing wrong with him. I have tried just about every combination of food I can and nothing other than blended mutton motivates him for long. He can’t live on mutton alone and no doubt will get sick of this soon too so I was thinking an appetite stimulant. Can anyone recommend something suitable?

Hey I'm not sure if it's nutritionally suitable, but would bottled baby food work?

[persephone]

How frustrating :D

Have you tried mixing in stuff like sardines, or liver, or some salami, or bacon, or roast chicken?

provided he gets a bit of offal and some sort of fibre, mutton should be fine for him to live on .

Do you make meals exciting ? or perhaps skip mealtime.. roll up the mush, or use a spoon, and perhaps use it as rewards for tricks. etc?

[JulesP]

I've just used Phuds for my pup that didn't want to eat. It is sort of like Vets All Natural but a finer texture. They can probably take out an ingredient if it doesn't suit your dog. http://www.browns-animal-herbals.com.au/43-natural-dog-food.

[cowanbree]

Thanks everyone, the tuna was a hit and if I add that to some of his other meals he is eating most of them so I am really pleased. His appetite still isn’t great but at least he is eating something. Also found the smoked chicken in a can in the same placed and he really likes that