puppy stopped eating in the morning

[Mobylicious]

Hi Everyone

Moby was eating fine until couple of days. he is in Orijen Puppy formula and he gets exercised several times a day. In the morning I let him out to do his business let him play a little with the other dog and have a couple runs at the backyard. Then after resting a little a i try to feed him in the crate like always and he just stares at it. If I give him some with my hand he will eat, otherwise nothing. Later in the day at lunch and dinner (I still feed him 3 times a day) he eats fine. Wouldn't you be the most hungry in the morning? Specially since your dinner was at 7pm the day before and today is 8:30 already? Maybe dogs think different. Any suggestions?? I am not scared of loosing weight since he gain like 1 1/2 pounds the last week but I wonder what it is....

Thanks so much!!
Have a great weekend everyone

[eskieagilitygal]

Unless he goes a day or two I would not worry about it. Skipping meals can be common.  My Taffee has always skipped meals.  She gets fed twice a day and will skip at least 2-3 meals a week, even when she was a pup.

[JimmyThy]

Yup - puppies skipping meals is common. I'd totally not hand feed, especially as a pup, since they learn super quickly to become finicky eaters that way (i.e. only eating in that manner). Unless there's a change in behavior (lethargy, vomiting, or inability to poop, etc.), I wouldn't worry about it at all. I'm not a big breakfast person, either. Moby probably just wasn't hungry then, and knows when to not eat just because it's a habit to do so. Smart puppy!

[eskilady]

I agree with Tammy and Thy - don't worry about it.  They will not let themselves starve.  And sometimes they just aren't interested.  And it sounds like he is eating his other meals, right?  So don't worry if he doesn't eat one.  Maybe he is ready to just have two meals a day? 

[Mobylicious]

Hi everyone

Today he did skip a different meal, lunch. He looks tired, doesn't want to play or drink much water which he usually swallows like crazy. I think I will give him today see how he ends the day, otherwise i will take him to the vet tomorrow....I thought about removing lunch time but I didn't know if it was the right time or not. Maybe is the hot wet weather of Connecticut.

Anyway thank you so much for your advise I will keep you updated on the little man.

Regards,

Andrea

[Mobylicious]

Hi Everyone

So it looks like if I warm up the kibble just a tiny bit and add some drops of water it works wonders. Also stopped feeding him lunch and now I am only giving him breakfast and dinner.

Thanks a lot for your help!!

[BanaerEskies]

I stick with the principal that puppy will not starve himself.  Eating will increase and decrease with growth phases, so when he isn't eating, don't worry, his body is leveling out from the last growth phase.  Don't bother dressing up the food to make him eat when he deesn't need it.

[Geno]

I free feed Chester. Sometimes he'll eat it all that day, and sometimes it takes him 2 or 3 days. Of course he gets other food like bully sticks, carrots, treats, and of course bananas (his favorite). I make him a bowl of dry food with some banana or cranberry cookie treats on the bottom and top. And usually a couple pieces of dried salmon rolls on top. Same with water... sometimes he drinks a lot and sometimes he doesn't.

Geno

[Mobylicious]

Thanks everyone again. I guess he is not much of a morning eater, he picks a little and that's eat. Later at night he eats much more. He started drinking more water which is a good thing he had me worried because it is so hot over here now.

Anyway thanks a lot and have a great day!

[Steve]

I'm glad to hear you're getting things figured out - each dog has it's own eating habits and requirements.  You're doing good to learn his pattern so when he's truly sick you'll know.