Hi , I am new here and was wondering if any one knows how to make raw vegetables desirable to my puppy. She is GSD of 12 weeks. She has always been on a raw food diet, BARF, however does not like vegetables. I mix them in with her food and she sticks up her nose. If I add sardeens to the mix she will eat some glop mix of vegies. Any suggestions out there ? Thanks
As your puppy is still quite young, it is possible that he is still getting used to a diet of solely solid food, having been used to milk for so much of his life. Your best bet would probably be to persist with the sort of food that you want to be feeding him, but just take it gradually and never force him to eat anything he doesn't want. If he is happy eating some of the BARF diet, you may want to feed him this predominately initially, and then slowly add in more and more of the vegetables.
It is also a good idea to feed a higher frequency of smaller meals, such as 3-4 times a day if possible, because of the size of their stomachs and what they were used to when still on their dams. Put the food down for 10 minutes and then take the bowl away, regardless of whether he has finished or not. This will help develop in him a life-long habit of eating straightaway when given food and not being fussy.
Lastly, it is important to keep in mind that your puppy is an individual, and so will have preferences for certain foods, and dislikes of other tastes. Although you don't want to encourage him to become a fussy eater, do take notice of which sorts of vegetables that he seems less keen on, no matter how long you have fed it for, and modify the diet accordingly.
Ultimately, it is not important that he eats every vegetable, but that he has a balanced diet that is sufficient in all the nutrients, minerals and vitamins that he requires through all the different stages of his life. To make sure you have a complete healthy lifestyle, ensure he gets both regular exercise and obedience training, which will be both physically and mentally stimulating!
Hi KOPsRobyn, Thanks for the reply. What you say all makes sense. I guess that I am a little nervous with the BARF diet as this is my first experience with it and I want my puppy to get the proper nutrition. I got her from a holistic natural rearing breader who only feeds a raw food diet ant her dogs are the picture of health.
Its great that you care so much about the health of your dog. If it is your first time trying out the BARF diet, it may be a good idea to contact your vet or a pet nutritionist if possible, who will be able to design a diet that is unique for your dog and will meet all her nutritional requirements.
There are many high quality manufactured pet foods out there that will also be suitable and will allow you to rest assured that she is getting a balanced diet. You could try a few different sorts of food and see which one she prefers and appears to do the best on.
