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My puppy only eats chicken & rice. How do I get him to eat dog food?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Samoyed | Male | unneutered | 2 lbs

My 4 month old Japanese Spitz only eats chicken and rice.He doesn't eat any dog food.

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1 Answer

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Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 31st, 2017

As you probably realize this is not a balanced diet for a growing puppy. If you haven't already I would recommend trying various canned puppy foods with a little chicken and rice mixed in. If he absolutely won't eat you can talk to your veterinarian about whether or not it is safe for you to leave food out and wait for him to eat when he's hungry - this could take a day or even longer. If you don't mind cooking for him you could also ask your veterinarian for a referral to a nutritionist to help create a recipe for a balanced home cooked diet.

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