Handling Senior Bully's Reduced Appetite

[sheshistory]

I am at odds about what to do with my senior bully, who isn't as voracious an eater as he used to be.

Linus is almost 8 years old and is in good health but isn't as active as he used to be. He is not overweight (anymore!) and I still feed him one cup of food in the morning and one in the evening (Nature's Variety Instinct). I have noticed that he has made a habit of leaving quite a bit of food left in his dish after his meals - usually about 1/4 to 1/6 of a cup. Not only is this wasteful, it also causes a problem when my younger bully comes over and scarfs it up since I've noticed his waistline is expanding now.

So, I am thinking I should reduce the amount of food I am feeding but I am unsure what approach to take. The two methods I am consider are feeding Linus only once per day OR reducing the amount of food I am feeding and keep feeding twice per day.

Has anyone had to scale back feeding their older bully? Should I eliminate a meal or feed less per feeding? I'm not sure what to do but I know I don't want to waste any more food!

Thank you!

 

[Vikinggirl]

As dogs age, their appetite sometimes starts to diminish. Pups that usually rush to the food bowl and gobble down their dinner may start turning up their nose at their regular food. After your vet rules out any other health problems, its time to start getting some food in Fido. Here are 14 ways to encourage your senior dog to eat.


1.Don't mix medication into meals.


If you've been adding your dogs' supplements into his food, try taking them out. A hungry dog might ignore the taste, but if they loose their appetite they may be less willing to eat strange-tasting food.


2. Prime with a favorite treat.


Sometimes giving your dog a really awesome treat gets the digestive juices flowing, prompting them to eat their real food.


3. Treat an upset stomach.


Your dog may not feel like eating because of acid reflux. Feed a small snack before bedtime to reduce morning tummy upset, or ask your vet if you give your dog a small amount of Pepcid before their meal.


4. Smaller or softer kibble


Older dogs often have teeth problems. If you switch to a smaller sized kibble, or one that is semi-soft, your dog my eat with more enthusiasm.


5. Soften the food.


Another way to ease dental distress is the soften the food. You can use warm water, wet food, or chicken broth. Make sure you look for low sodium chicken broth with no onion powder.


6. Heat the food.


Heating up your dog's food will make it more aromatic, with can stimulate appetite. You can do this with canned food or dry food that has moisture added to it. Make sure the food is only warm, not hot.


7. Add ingredients.


Cracking a whole egg on food or adding raw meat can stimulate your dog to eat their regular kibble. Cat food can add flavor but should be avoided in large amounts because it has too much protein. May also be able to add dairy in the form of cottage cheese if your dog can tolerate it. Make sure to mix well so the dog can't pick out the "good stuff" and leave the kibble behind.


8. Home made foods


If you have the time, you can start making your dog home-made food. Use boiled rice, potatoes, or oatmeal for carbohydrates. Chicken, hamburger, scrambled eggs or cottage cheese can be used for protein, and don't forget the veggies! You can also feed macaroni but only if you know your pet has no gluten allergies. Ask vet for suggestions for a balanced diet, as you may have to add supplements for nutrition.


9. Exercise before meals.


Old dogs sleep hard and wake up slowly. A bit of light exercise before meals will get the blood flowing and may stimulate appetite. Try taking your morning stroll before breakfast.


10. Note daily changes in appetite.


Pay attention to what time of day your dog seems to have a better appetite. Offer food at same times as before, but note when your dog seems most eager to eat. If they don't want their morning food, just pick it up after ten minutes and try again in the afternoon. A dog who has missed his morning meal may be much more eager to eat in the afternoon. Just make sure they are getting a full day's worth of food even if they skip a feeding.


11. Peanut butter on the paws


This is a technique to jump-start your older dog's appetite. Place some peanut butter on the top of her paw. She may lick the peanut butter off in an effort to clean her fur. Getting some tasty food on her tongue may stimulate her taste buds again.


12. Raise your dog's blood sugar.


After avoiding food, your dog's blood sugar is probably out of whack. This by itself can cause some nausea and your dog may not feel like eating. Try spreading a little light corn syrup or honey on your dog's gums, and wait 15-20 minutes. After that short time, offer your dog something tempting but nutritious such as warm scrambled or hard boiled egg, a little cottage cheese, macaroni and cheese or oatmeal.


13. Appetite stimulants


There are some high-calorie appetite simulating gels on the market which may induce appetite in your dog. If she won't eat them on her own, try to put them on her paw as mentioned earlier. Your vet can also prescribe drugs that may increase your dog's appetite.


14. The Last Resort: Tube Feeding


When all else has failed to get food into your dog, your vet may recommend syringe-feeding a liquid diet, or insert a feeding tube. This process is sometimes messy and can be stressful for you and your dog. If there are no other health problems, tube-feeding may be worth it. However, if your dog is also suffering from debilitation issues, it might be time to talk about end-of-life arrangements.

 

[bullmama]

I would reduce him to 3/4 cup and keep him on schedule, and perhaps add a supplement as well. Is he taking any supplements at all?


Sent from my iPhone 5 using Tapatalk

 

[BruceP]

Gracie is nearing seven and has 3/4 cup of Fromm, twice a day.

 

[sheshistory]

I would reduce him to 3/4 cup and keep him on schedule, and perhaps add a supplement as well. Is he taking any supplements at all?


Sent from my iPhone 5 using Tapatalk

He takes a joint supplement twice a day but that's it.

He has an appetite, it just isn't what it was so it sounds like I need to reduce a bit and keep on the twice-a-day feeding schedule.

 

[BruceP]

That is what I would do... reduce to 3/4c/twice daily and keep the supplement the same.

 

[mcraven2]

Ya I would say less food twice a day. It's funny, my 10 year old bully is so food motivated, I have never in my life seen a dog so obsessed with food. She literally eats anything and everything! My youngest (3) doesn't eat as much during the summer since he isn't walking as much because of the weather, but when he is doing his daily walk in the fall, winter, and spring he eats everything I give him. So in the summer I feed him a little bit less twice a day and it has worked.

 

[sheshistory]

Ya I would say less food twice a day. It's funny, my 10 year old bully is so food motivated, I have never in my life seen a dog so obsessed with food. She literally eats anything and everything! My youngest (3) doesn't eat as much during the summer since he isn't walking as much because of the weather, but when he is doing his daily walk in the fall, winter, and spring he eats everything I give him. So in the summer I feed him a little bit less twice a day and it has worked.

You make a good point about the heat of the summer. Of course, in Arizona, it's incredibly hot and Linus is super sensitive to heat so that could be affecting things too. I'll keep an eye out once the weather gets cooler to see if the appetite improves.

 

[cowsmom]

just keep the twice a day feeding and reduce it till he cleans the bowl out. he will eat what he wants to. you could give him a vitamin or a 1/2 one to make sure hes getting everything he needs.