Zeus is too thin

[Gempress]

I think Zeus is getting too thin. You can see his last two ribs on each side, and feel the rest of them pretty easily.

When we rescued Zeus, he was badly emaciated. It was suspected that he had been chronically starved since puppyhood. He has always been a poor eater; the vet thinks that Zeus just wasn't used to eating regularly anymore. He's always been on the slim side, but I think now he's a bit too thin. Otherwise, he is a perfectly active and healthy dog.

Is there anything I can do to encourage his appetite? Since he had so many food issues in the past, we've been free-feeding him. We're feeding him Natural Balance Venison and Brown Rice formula, since he has food allergies.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Gallien Jacks]

has he been tested fro worms? and what about a change of food, is he on dry at the mo?

 

[Gempress]

He's been tested for worms, and is also on heartworm meds. We switched from Eukanuba to the Natural Balance about 3-4 months ago. He only gets dry food. He's had these "thin spells" once or twice before, which we had to fix by giving him broth, meat, etc., in his kibble until he gained weight and started eating decent-sized meals again.

Hope this info helps..

edit: Also, he is a hound breed. I've heard that hounds tend to be skinny as adolescents/young adults. It this true? If so, maybe I'm worrying about nothing.

 

[Gallien Jacks]

Sotty but I dont know about hound breeds I hope someone else helps, have you ever tried him on meat mixed with kibble it my make him eat more

 

[Sheba]

Hmmmmmm.... dry food could be upsetting his stomach, since it expands in liquid, and maybe he is having mad memories with it and has stopped eating... I'm sure somebody else on here will help you more with this, since I'm not a specialest on hounds. All though, i do think they get pretty skinny at the age Zues is...

 

[~Tucker&Me~]

I have two suggestions.
First, is crazy owner syndrome.
While you are making his dinner (Take your time, lol), make yummy sounds and act as if you are just DYING to eat it yourself.
Second, is to make his food. Put it right under his nose then throw it out (or dump it back in dog food bag). Do this again. One day of fasting won't hurt him. If it goes as planned, he should be REALLy excited the next time you feed him.
Give it a try and see if it works, lol.

~Emily

 

[Julie]

I also think hound breeds tend to be thin at adolescent. I have also read alot on this and a dog that is a little thin tends to be healthier, lives longer, and less medical probs.
So unless you think there is a problem, I wouldn't worry about it.

I also mix some broth, or meat, or appropriate leftovers in my Shepherds food, she is a very light eater, and is thin also. But she is very active and has a high metabolism, and is in constant movement. Some people tease my husband and ask him, When are you going to start feeding her?, but in reality she gets fed at least two times a day, usually 3. But that is just because she picks, and I know she has to eat to work the long hours.

Best Wishes,
Julie.

 

[Nobody's Fool]

Gempress, Have you tried adding any fish to his food? Buddy went through a period where he wouldn't eat much, even if I added canned food to his kibble. Then one day I was having a bowl of oyster stew, and he wouldn't leave me alone. I poured some of the broth into his dish and for the first time in a week and 1/2 he ate all his food. The next day I started adding Mackeral at every feeding, and he hasn't refused to eat since. (I do occasionally use Salmon instead of Mackeral, and he likes both just the same)
The fish is good for dogs, as it has the omega fatty acids in it and I think the soft bones in it give them extra calcium.
Just a suggestion......

Sara

 

[Amstaffer]

The guy who lives next door to me adopted a pit bull that was starved as a puppy and had (has) real trouble putting on pounds. He was told by his vet to give him some special canned dog food call Gold or Golden....something. It is made to be very tastie and high in calories to put on weight fast. It work fairly well but it is still a struggle to get him to keep the weight on.

When Athena (my brown Amstaff) was a puppy she was real picky and didn't like to eat normal dog food. I used to buy liver and cook it for her and add it to her dog food with yorgut (Yorgut sticks to the dog food and if they want the yorgut they have to eat the dog food) She really like that and now she is a good eater of most anything...lol


I also echo concerns on worms....

 

[bubbatd]

Check with Morty ... in foods. I take fish oil pills and give Chip one daily. He could give Zeus 10 #s though !!!

 

[Gempress]

The guy who lives next door to me adopted a pit bull that was starved as a puppy and had (has) real trouble putting on pounds. He was told by his vet to give him some special canned dog food call Gold or Golden....something. It is made to be very tastie and high in calories to put on weight fast. It work fairly well but it is still a struggle to get him to keep the weight on.

That sounds exactly like what I'm going through with Zeus. He's gotten a lot better over time, but still has problems on occassion. What does your friend do with his dog? Maybe I should start putting some goodies in with Zeus' food, like yogurt or something.

 

[Gempress]

He could give Zeus 10 #s though !!!

LoL! I wish I could give Zeus 10 lbs! I wouldn't mind...

 

[bubbatd]

I'd give an egg, cottage cheese, yogurt etc.... I give Chip dry Kibble but always add water or broth , the above or left over vegies. His weight is not from his meal... it's bad Grammy and the dog cookies !!!

 

[Gempress]

His weight is not from his meal... it's bad Grammy and the dog cookies !!!

Haha Grammy! My "full-figured" golden retreiver lady was the same way. Very healthy meals, horrible at begging for snacks. But who could resist those big brown eyes, especially when they lay their head in your lap?

 

[Renee750il]

Kharma's like that too, and trust me, she's not starving Try putting some raw egg in with his food - those are good calories, lots of protein for putting on good muscle weight instead of just fat. Sardines in oil are a good addition too.

 

[filarotten]

Try adding yogurt. Brutus requires this with every kibble meal. He will not eat without it. However, he will eat anything else that doesn't eat him first. But, be warned, yogurt seems to be addictive. Once you start there may be no truning back. If you run out, you may recieve some very hateful looks.

 

[Boxer*Mom]

I've heard you can add some bacon grease over their kibble like a gravy. He'd probably be sure to eat then. It'll put some more fat and calories in his diet and the oils will help make his coat shinier.

But most active, larger breed dogs have the athletic look to them and as long as the muscle tone matches his appearance and other problems are ruled out, you really shouldn't worry.

 

[Fran27]

Try adding yogurt. Brutus requires this with every kibble meal. He will not eat without it. However, he will eat anything else that doesn't eat him first. But, be warned, yogurt seems to be addictive. Once you start there may be no truning back. If you run out, you may recieve some very hateful looks.

Tell me about it

 

[sparks19]

Teddy is part hound and he is very thin and lanky. He has always also been a very picky eater. We always added things to make him eat his full meals. Bacon grease every once in a while is GREAT. They love it . I also give him some of the drippings from the crock pot he LOOOOOVES that too. Egg is also good.

 

[showpug]

Seeing the last rib or two is actually quite normal for a dog built like Zeus! It's good that he is lean he will stay healthier that way! A lot of breeds show the last rib or two and are not under weight!!!!!