Date:   3/31/2008 11:48:20 AM ( 17 y ago)
Hits:   14,934
URL:   https://www.curezone.org/forums/fm.asp?i=1144572

Are there any types of treats that have been her favorites over the years? When Chewey was going through the kidney issues and wouldn't eat, she would actually eat a couple of her favorite treats. They were basically pure protein (not good for kidney issues), but I was just happy she would eat. The treats were dehydrated chicken and freeze dried liver. She would sometimes eat her favorite "cookie" (Buddy Biscuits), too. If you've never bought dehydrated chicken treats or tried them, you can actually make them at home easily and see if she would try them. Sometimes dogs are more willing to eat when they think it is a "snack". I cook chicken (usually boneless, skinless chicken breasts) in the oven or however else. It's best if you don't cook them until they are falling apart. I then refrigerate them (found it is easier to do once cold). Then I slice thin strips and place them on a plate (no overlapping). Cover the plate with paper towels and microwave until crispy --- usually anywhere between 5 minutes and 8 minutes -- depends on the moisture level of the chicken, quantity, and microwave. Since it's easy and cheap, it's worth a shot to try it. Then maybe give them to her by hand in a "snacking" atmosphere. I gave them to Chewey in bed, on the couch, or anywhere that wasn't associated with her regular meal time.

This will sound odd (and not all that healthy), but you may also want to try foods like kielbasa, hot dogs, chicken nuggets, or odd stuff like that. For some reason most dogs go crazy over kielbasa.

There is also a supplement that is sometimes recommended to give nutrients to puppies. There is a lot of Sugar in it, but it is supposed to stimulate appetites. I believe it is called Nutri-Cal. I have also heard that some baby foods have been used with success. They are cheap and you could try a variety of flavors.

Years before the kidney failure, Chewey became diabetic and had to start getting insulin injections. This made her very sick at first, and I had trouble getting her to eat. I found a really cheap puppy food that came in a "pouch". It wasn't something I wanted to feed her permanently, but she started eating it by hand and then would eat it in her dish. It was probably pedigree or something like that. It had tiny little soft pieces in a juice. Also, my vet gave me a pinkish/whitish liquid that I gave her before mealtime. I think it was kind of like Pepto Bismol and was supposed to help settle the stomach. It was fun giving it, but it helped a little. I don't remember what it was called, though.

I will keep trying to think of the things I used. It's tough because Chewey's problems were from the initial use of insulin and then from kidney failure. Haley (my current dog) was just extremely picky for almost the first year I had her and would only eat the same thing for 2 or 3 meals and then wouldn't touch it. Like I said, the pre-made raw, frozen food is the first food out of everything I tried (including many, many high quality brands of dog food and many different types of food I cooked myself) that she would eat on a consistent basis and wouldn't turn her nose away from. I didnt' even do a "break in" period with her -- meaning I didn't slowly ease her into the raw food. Once I saw she liked it so much, I just started feeding it to her for every meal. She didn't have any bowel problems / adjustments, either.
 

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