Dog owners! is it normal for a dogs eating habits to change as they get older? my 2 year old pit/chow doesnt seem to want to eat as much these days.
by 
APACHEmeansENEMY
ANSWERS: 7
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If there has been a sudden change in your dog's appetite, you should take them to the vet.
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how many meals does he get a day? hes not a pup so he should be at 2 a day. feeding at regular intervals will keep a dog eating. DO you trough feed? like just keep a bowl of food out all day? this definitely causes fickle eating habits. I read your other post and see you regularly visit a vet. Unlesss he stops eating all togehter I would wait and ask the vet..
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Our dog started eating more regualarly. When she was younger, she'd be more picky as to when she'd eat.
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Hm... I think my boys would eat me out of house and home if they could! The only thing that's changed about Bub's eating habits as he's gotten older is that he no longer confuses furniture or shoes with his kibble. However, he does seem THIRSTIER than usual (he's 11 years old) I've started giving my boys vitamins... they aren't as ravenous since they started on them.
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I would think that it is pretty normal. I mean, by 2 they have stopped growing - which means their body doesn't need as much food and as they get older their energy level drops, which means they need less food because they aren't spending the same amount of energy. Do you still walk the dog or run the dog as much? If it is a BIG decrease in your dog's eating habit - I would recommend taking him/her in to the vet to make sure that there aren't any serious problems with the function of his/her system.
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Yes, it can be normal. At age two the dog is no longer considered to be a puppy. While some of the larger and giant breeds DO continue to mature up to age five, the major growth is over. Read up on the ingredients of your feed and compare with the information on the web site listed here. http://www.api4animals.org/facts?p=359&more=1 Taking the total daily diet and serving it in at least 2 meals a day is preferred as it helps keep the dog's blood sugar more even, preventing spiking and also helps prevent BLOAT which some breeds have more issues with than others. If your dog showed additional signs of illness...no interest in playing, going for a walk, interacting, constant groaning, abruptly swinging his/her head around to stare at the stomach, runny stools, or inability to produce a normal stool...THEN I would be more concerned. You might also try (if you are feeding a dry kibble) scattering the food so that the dog must then "forage" for it. This sometimes perks an interest in some dogs.
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Hopefully someone has not been sneeking some human food to him. But if not just make sure he is getting a goog quality food with no corn, wheat or soy. Rice is OK. Chicken & rice is the most digestible thing you can feed your dog. So if you love your dog consider a good diet.
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