Eating questions

[Mary's Mama]

Some of you may remember Bo the big fat sheltie. Well after years of having his thyroid tested, this year (with a new vet) the test came back low, showing an underactive thyroid. He has been on meds for a little over a week now. Is it normal that his appetite would decrease? Vet said it would help him loose weight and become more active but didn't say anything about appetite.

Also, Mary (15 lb JRT) has been refusing her morning meals for quite some time now. She actually buries it in her crate under her blanket. She eats her evening meal fine. I have not been giving her more at dinner in hopes she would get hungry by morning. I only feed her 1/4 cup Wellness morning and night. Her weight is stable between 15 & 16lbs. I had always been told to feed twice a day but she doesn't want to get out of bed in the morning to eat before we leave. Would it be a problem to feed her once a day at night? I just dont know what to do about it. We have stopped with extras like bones, but I have a hard time giving up all treats because I use them for training (not enough to make up for a meal tho). Any suggestions?

[Carolk9s]

My suggestion is to listen to the dog. Especially with warmer weather coming, perhaps she does not need more than 1/4 cup a day. If her weight is stable and she appears fit and happy, try going her way for a bit and just observe for any changes in weight, energy, coat condition, alertness, etc.
Then too, perhaps she'd like lunch and dinner, not breakfast and dinner? Or dinner and a late snack?

[Kiger]

What happens if you just leave it out? I have a picker and he only eats when he wants to.

[Mary's Mama]

Kiger - I used to free feed. That is how she spent the first 10 months of her life. I changed to meals because we soon will have 3 dogs in 3 different life stages. I prefer that they each get the correct food for their life stage. At some point I am considering an "all life stage" food but right now I really like the wellness and they have only been on it for a few months, just not ready to change yet. She would prefer that I leave it out all day. I think that is why she buries it under her blanket, she is saving it for later and keeping it away from the Bo LOL. But if I did the fat dog would be extra fat. He is 45 lbs now, he has lot about 15 lbs about 5 when I changed food and 10 after changing to meals.

Carol - Thanks for your thoughts. I am inclined to do this as well, just wanted a little reassurance. I think I am gonna up her to 1/3 cup at night and maybe a late snack for now. Also with the new pup coming I will be going home at lunch every day so we could start the lunch idea. That just commits me to going home everyday and I kinda like being able to go out if I want. But what Mary needs she will get. She is far more important than lunch.

Thanks for both of your thoughts.