Dogs love food, right? So, do people! However, there are times when eating is a drag for both humans as well as our fine furry friends If your Goldendoodle is eating less they will have less energy to burn, and thus will lead a less active life. In this article we will examine some reasons your doodle may have had a change in appetite, and we will also offer help ideas to help you cope.
CAUSES OF YOUR GOLDENDOODLE’S LOSS OF APPETITE
A change in environment, a different schedule, too much coming and going or too much alone time can cause humans anxiety. Thus, it can cause your Goldendoodle to build up some anxiety as well. Stress is the number one reason your Goldendoodle may not be eating.
Let’s look at some other reasons as well as some tips and solutions to help you get past this roadblock in your doodle’s life. We have mentioned stress and anxiety as key factors resulting in your Goldendoodle’s loss of appetite. Perhaps another reason could be lack of engagement with their own kind. Your doodle senses that there is just one of her/him. When you take them for a walk, they get so excited when they see any other dog as they know this is someone built like they are……a friend. When humans don’t engage enough with friends it can make them lonely and depressed. Depression leads to lack of appetite. When your doodle doesn’t engage enough with its friends the same holds true. They become anxious and depressed and could begin eating less and less.
CAUSES YOU MAY NOT HAVE THOUGHT ABOUT
Another factor to consider for the female Goldendoodle is hormones. If your doodle is not yet spayed and they are going into heat twice per year, hormones are affected during this time which also can decrease appetite. It will take a little while, but soon your goldendoodle will be back to normal. Be patient and kind and try and not get frustrated. The doodle always eats when they are hungry. It should only be a concern if when appetite is suppressed, meaning they are also not wanting any form of a treat that is offered. If this occurs, it is best to visit the vet for an examination and let the vet determine if there are any other issues.
Among those other issues may be food allergies. If food allergies are the culprit, a visit to your local vet would be a must. You might notice your doodle itching and seeming to scratch more than usual if this is the case. As smart as they are, the doodle can realize food triggering these outbreaks of constant itching and will, in turn, give up eating the food that is put in front of them. The same products may not be in the treats you are offering so they continue to accept the treats. Many varieties of dog food come in sensitive skin formulas for dogs with allergy symptoms or allergy diagnosis. We recommend Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin Formula. The price point is good and our doodle’s response was amazing!
One more cause (and this one you may not even realize) is a change in your own routine of daily life that causes a change for your doodle. It may be a new job with different hours for you or your partner, or that that one or the both of you have been travelling more in recent months, putting your goldendoodle in care outside of your home more often than usual. It could even be as simple as you changing the times of day that you go to sleep and get up, meaning a simple feeding time change. Goldendoodles, like any other breed are used to routine. Simply altering back to the your original plan may be the answer as well. Also, set aside time during the day for engagement and play. Happy Doodle, Happy You! Remember, all is not lost. There are many tricks and tips that are options for you to try when your golden boy or girl seems disinterested at mealtime.
TIPS AND SOLUTIONS TO HELP YOUR GOLDENDOODLE THRIVE AGAIN
Let’s turn our attention to practices that might help spark your goldendoodle’s appetite. Doodles are so similar to humans that sometimes just a change in “what” the goldendoodle is eating may solve any appetite issues. If the doodle is a pup in the last stages before adulthood, they may just be ready for adult food or anything that tastes different. Another tip is to coax them to eat their food by crushing up small bits of the treat they are still accepting. Once they taste the treat, they may begin eating their food again. You might also just serve them up a treat (after they obey with a trick you have instructed them to do, ie. treats should always be rewards for good behavior) and that may spark their appetite for food. Try to continue feeding at the same times every day twice per day. Do not give excessive treats that the doodle will eat as it will fill them up. Thus, they will not respond at feeding time as they think they are full. Treats should only be a reward for good behavior and obeying the owner’s commands.
MORE TIPS……….
Another tip we can give you is to use cooked chicken, just a tiny bit to help them decide they are hungry. Cooked chicken without the skin is healthy for your doodle, tastes good and is packed with protein. Just the smell of cooked chicken may entice a good result. In fact, you might also try boiling some chicken bones in water for a wholesome chicken bone broth. Use this as a topper to soften the food. ¼ cup or possibly a little more will alert your Goldendoodle and their sense of smell and taste. This last tip worked for us when Ruby seemed to be having those heat/hormone issues and would not touch her food. Just a little bit of the broth goes a long way, and it keeps well in the refrigerator for a long period of time.
In conclusion, as you can see there are many ways you can help your doodle back to their normal eating routine. The most important thing for you, the owner to remember, is you must have patience. This does not mean you don’t need to be stern. Just try a little tenderness during this unsettled time. We hope we have helped in some way to solve any eating issues your goldendoodle is experiencing. We trust as well that this will help your own frustration when things are not going well. The Goldendoodle breed is one of THE most loving breeds. We need to show them all the love we can especially when they are off course. Use the information and tips above to get your Goldendoodle back on track!