GSD picky eater

[moonlitoaksranch]

That’s a nice description for Zeke. He’s enthusiastic about extra ingredients, such as plain Greek yogurt, eggs, or wet food, but his tummy reacts poorly. He’ll be fine for a week, or even several weeks, when I switch him slowly, then, explosive runs at some random point and he’ll not be as enthusiastic about the food. He’s on the same Purina 30/20 Proplan dry food the breeder recommended from the beginning, but he doesn’t eat every meal. I feed twice per day and he usually eats maybe once a day. I’ve been hearing about inconsistent ingredients in Purina products so I wonder if that could be the cause. I’d like to try a non-Purina digestive food that’s reasonable in cost (we already have the cats on Science Diet), if the inconsistent ingredients rumor is true.

Before we moved, our vet friend suggested trying an ulcer diet, but I forgot which otc product to use and the dosage. I think that might be best even though he’s always been like this.

He sometimes gets dry heaves as well. We can’t find anything he’s getting into and he’s mostly in the house. The only thing he’ll always eat is a carrot. I don’t know if it’s a breed thing, but my previous GSDs were poor eaters as well. I should also mention that he had his tummy tacked when he was neutered at 2 years old. Some changes in his eating behavior happened after the surgery. Maybe as a side effect? He’s 4 years old now.

[WildGooseChase]

I’ve grown up with several GSD’s and know several others who have them. Not a single one has been a poor/inconsistent eater. I would not categorize the breed as poor eaters. Our current GSD will sit at the dinner table with us, in a chair and everything. She has a sensitive tummy, but eats everything.

She is currently on Diamond Naturals chicken and rice formula and does great. We regularly add veggies to her food and always soften with some warm water.

Purina ProPlan is recommended by a lot of DVM’s in my area. Have you tried the sensitive skin and stomach formula? That may be an option for you. I have personally never heard the inconsistent formula rumors. They changed their formulas in 2020, but the package and guarantee-d analysis reflect those changes, and no changes have been made since. If you want to call and ask, 1-800-778-7462 is the toll free number they give on their site in the FAQ section specifically about changing formulas.

If you really want to go Purina free, there are lots of other formulas out there specifically for dogs with GI sensitivities, but you REALLY need to watch the ingredients. People are still sold on grain free diets when we know there is a link to DCM. Lots of these foods are grain free, which I strongly avoid, and you should too, unless your dog has a diagnosed allergy.

[moonlitoaksranch]

She is adorable!

All of our GSDs have been male and from the same breeder. Maybe that’s a factor. I tried the Proplan sensitive formula wet food and it worked for awhile, but maybe I’ll give the dry food a try. Chicken and rice formulas seemed to be the go to for so long. With the possible issue with peas, is that still a good option? I’ve heard of Diamond foods. Maybe I’ll try softening the food. Thanks for the ideas.

[Walk_N_Gal88]

We were having the same issue with our female GSD. I can’t even tell you how many feeds we tried for her. The only thing that she will eat is Purina ProPlan either the lamb and rice or the chicken formulas BUT it has to be fed in her gravity fed bowl. She flat out won’t eat it any other way. She’s the pickiest dog I’ve ever had

[moonlitoaksranch]

We picked up lamb and rice food for him that we’re going to try. I also want to do the ulcer protocol

[Simkie]

I would 100% treat him for ulcers with Pepcid

[moonlitoaksranch]

Thanks, @Simkie ! Our vet suggested it right before we moved and, of course, he started eating better so I let it go. I think he said 30 days?

[Simkie]

When they’ve been inappetent for awhile, I like to treat with a pretty solid dose twice daily for at least 30 days, then taper to once daily, then taper the dose. Kind of like horses! Get the response, make sure they maintain it, and step them off the pepcid kinda slowly.

I think these gastric issues are far more common in our small pets than we really recognize, and I’m as careful with my dog’s belly as I am with the horses. Pepcid is super useful, available, and cheap. I use it at the first sign of inappetence, or when I think I’m risking it. Like right now, my dog is on a hefty dose of doxy for anaplasmosis, so she’s also on twice daily pepcid with the abx.

If you don’t see a full response, I’d consider stepping up to omeprazole or esomeprazole before crossing this issue off the list and looking elsewhere.

[moonlitoaksranch]

Thank you! Our old vet retired since moved and I didn’t want to bug him.

[beowulf]

Have him tested for EPI if the ulcer protocol doesn’t work. It was the first thing I thought of when I read your first paragraph, but at four years old is a little late. I agree this breed is not typically picky or fussy eaters.