Doberman Is A Picky Eater

Ron · 08-09-2009, 01:52 PM

My brother and sister-in-laws doberman is probably the worst eater i've ever seen. He's whole attitude towards food is like "well if i have to"

It's almost like he never really gets the "hungry" feeling.

They've tried EVERYTHING to get him to eat. Right now they're sprinkling cat food on his food to encourage him to eat lol

He doesn't even care about human food too much.

Any suggestions as to why he's like this?

whitedaisy · 08-09-2009, 03:53 PM

I have heard that not every dog is food motivated.... I can't say I understand that as my dogs are EXTREMELY food motivated!!
Have they accommodated his being picky? if they keep trying new things all the time they may have taught him to hold out for something better. How is his weight? If he's not too thin maybe they need to just try tough love and hold out to see if he'll eat what is available??

Spyglass Sally · 08-09-2009, 04:07 PM

Doberman's are German dogs, right? Perhaps he doesn't like American food. So I looked around for some German dishes your brother might try.

Badener Schneckensuepple (a snail chowder flavored with herbs)
Spannferkel (spit roasted baby pig)
Bulletten (meat balls)
Soeier (pickled eggs)

And some beer to wash it down...

Ron · 08-09-2009, 04:09 PM

AussieGirl · 08-09-2009, 08:41 PM

Hmmm, some say add things to the food to make it more appealing, some say don't add anything you will create a fussy eater. It's one of those no win things really. I remember reading somewhere that in the wild dogs often "fast" they go 1-2 days without eating and some owners try to recreate this, does the fasting thing seem to fit?
My fussy eater was our Cav and if she didn't want her meal I would just take it away and not offer anything until her next meal - she never suffered because of it - she was actually a little plump

You know how he didn't go for the chicken I read that if you brown the chicken on the skin side (do not cook it through just add a little colour) it releases the juices in the chicken and makes it appealing to them, they said you only have to do it a few times until they get the idea - you don't want to cook it though just a little heat to get the juices going.

Ruby Red · 08-10-2009, 10:40 AM

I'm not being funny, but how often is he being walked and for how long? If he's not getting enough exercise then there's very little to stimulate his appetite and he won't be that interested in eating. For a doby in good health, I'd say a good 2 hours walk minimum, every day!!!

Ron · 08-10-2009, 10:51 AM

he gets walked on a regual basis and often runs with my brother. So i don't think exercise is an issue.

He hasn't been fixed yet, would that have anything to do with it you think?

purplelori · 08-10-2009, 11:16 AM

Our lab mix (Wally's 'big sister') regularly decides she isn't interested in eating--usually breakfast. After the first few times, when I saw she would eat dinner just fine, I didn't worry about her. Only if she doesn't eat for about a day and a half--then I try to tempt her, or see if she seems sick. I think it's her version of a diet!

Lori & Wally

JoeV · 08-10-2009, 12:55 PM

does he drink a good amount of water? just wondering if he barely drinks also, or just the opposite.

Ron · 08-10-2009, 12:57 PM

he drinks water normally i would say