My poodle mix won't eat

[Anonymous]

I just picked up a poodle mix from the shelter. This sweet dog is such a picky eater! Are there healthy toppers you tried with kibble? I heard about pumpkin puree...is that good? Thanks!

[Anonymous]

The dog is still decompressing from the stress of the shelter.

How long have you had him?

[Anonymous]

It’s decompressing and it’s part poodle. They’re super picky. Just leave food out and let him decide when he’s hungry.

[Anonymous]

So it's been a day? Did you get exactly the same food he was given there? Did the shelter not any feeding or digestive issues prior to this?

Please be patient with him until tomorrow. As long as he's drinking, he's not about to die on you. Give him a safe space to retreat to, with a bed, maybe in a crate if he's used to that (keep it open and cover with a blanket except the door.

[Anonymous]

*note

[Anonymous]

I see.. I have had him about a week. A new thing is that today he is super sleepy.. I'm of course paranoid he might be sick!

[Anonymous]

Most likely stress if it's the first day. Leave him alone. No touch, no talk, no eye contact.
Remember 3-3-3 rule, first 3 days are toughest.
If that dog was crated before - setup a crate in the quiet corner of the room, put food and water in or nearby and let him be.
I foster a lot of dogs, some of them won't eat/drink/go to the bathroom (in severe cases) first couple of days. All normal. Just be patient

[Anonymous]

3 days
3 weeks
3 months

The 3-3-3 rule is a guideline that helps pet owners understand the adjustment process of a newly adopted dog. It outlines the typical behaviors and emotional states of dogs during the first three days, three weeks, and three months in their new home.

First 3 Days: Decompression (note - this could last a week or two)

Behavior: Dogs may feel overwhelmed, anxious, or fearful. They might hide, refuse to eat, or seem uninterested in their surroundings.


Tips:
Allow your dog to explore their new environment at their own pace.
Avoid overwhelming them with new experiences.
Create a quiet space where they can feel safe.


Next 3 Weeks: Adjustment

Behavior: Dogs begin to settle in and may start to show their true personalities. They will start to understand routines and may test boundaries.


Tips:
Establish a consistent daily routine for feeding, walking, and playtime.
Use positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior.
Be patient as they adjust and build trust.

First 3 Months: Building Confidence

Behavior: By this stage, dogs typically feel more secure and confident in their new home. They will seek companionship and show more of their personality.

Tips:
Continue training and socialization efforts.
Maintain routines to reinforce their sense of security.
Bonding activities, like play and training, will strengthen your relationship.

Understanding this timeline can help you support your new pet effectively, ensuring a smoother transition into your home. Each dog is unique, so some may adjust faster or slower than others.

[Anonymous]

As for toppers - no salt broth do wonders, make your own, just boil some chicken with bones (or any other meat).
Shredded cheese might help too or yogurt.
No salt sardines or tuna
Dog treats such as dried liver or green tripe if you can handle the smell
Sometimes even soaking kibble with warm water helps.

[Anonymous]

Ground turkey as a topper!
I cook it on the stove with Pam, no seasoning, and my toy poodle loves it and will eat his kibble when I put it on top.

My poodle is also very picky and he grazes. I keep kibble and water out for him 24/7. Some days he doesn’t eat at all and some days he will eat double, but he does get agitated when he doesn’t eat for a while and that’s when ill cook turkey and put it on top. Works every time and doesn’t give him any digestive issues.

[Anonymous]

Try different kibbles and homemade food. Mine is not a shelter dog but it took us several years to find a kibble she’d eat. We just do homemade with cheese on top. Try cheese. Some dogs are allergic to chicken and other meats.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ground turkey as a topper!
I cook it on the stove with Pam, no seasoning, and my toy poodle loves it and will eat his kibble when I put it on top.

My poodle is also very picky and he grazes. I keep kibble and water out for him 24/7. Some days he doesn’t eat at all and some days he will eat double, but he does get agitated when he doesn’t eat for a while and that’s when ill cook turkey and put it on top. Works every time and doesn’t give him any digestive issues.

I agree except about the pam; when I cook for my dog I use coconut oil which is very healthy for them. I also add some chopped cooked veggies to the ground meat (broccoli, green beans, carrots or whatever I have on hand). If you do pumpkin, make sure it’s pumpkin only with no other ingredients.

[Anonymous]

When my dog won't eat anything, I try a little peanut butter.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ground turkey as a topper!
I cook it on the stove with Pam, no seasoning, and my toy poodle loves it and will eat his kibble when I put it on top.

My poodle is also very picky and he grazes. I keep kibble and water out for him 24/7. Some days he doesn’t eat at all and some days he will eat double, but he does get agitated when he doesn’t eat for a while and that’s when ill cook turkey and put it on top. Works every time and doesn’t give him any digestive issues.

I agree except about the pam; when I cook for my dog I use coconut oil which is very healthy for them. I also add some chopped cooked veggies to the ground meat (broccoli, green beans, carrots or whatever I have on hand). If you do pumpkin, make sure it’s pumpkin only with no other ingredients.

I use pam or avocado oil too. We also leave out kibble and sweet potato chew sticks all the time.

[Anonymous]

Mine likes both cheese and scrambled eggs. If your dog is refusing even tasty human food, you may want to take him in to the vet. Frequently dogs do come from the shelter with minor ailments that are contracted due to crowded conditions and stress . Congratulations on the new family member! Poodles are awesome.