My dog won't eat dog food, only chicken. How can I get her to eat?

Question

How do I get Bella my chihuahua to eat dog food.. I want her to get all the nutrients she needs to live a healthy life.. she only wants rotisserie chicken and now she will not eat the meat she wants only the bones and I know that can’t be healthy for her. Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Female | unspayed | 1 year and 8 months old | 3 lbs

Dr. Andrea · Accepted Answer

You are right that is important to get Bella eating some dog food. Her diet is very unbalanced and dangerous. Unfortunately, you have spoiled her a little too much by allowing her to tell you what she will eat. You can't withhold food too long from a little pup, but you need to give her what you want her to eat and practice some tough love! Try a little chicken broth on the food or start with a food like Merrick canned food or Spot's Stew, as these look a lot like "human" food and dogs like them. Be tough but patient! Start even with mixing the chicken with the kibble and broth and keep cutting back on the chicken and increasing kibble Put it down and walk away... don't give her anything else. After 20 min, pick up, put in fridge and try again in a few hours. (Warm if needed). Give her 24 hours of this before you give in and offer her a bit of what she wants. Also, chicken bones are dangerous... they can lodge in her intestines or cut her... this has to stop immediately. Talk to your vet if needed about an appetite stimulant to get her eating what you want her to.

My dog won't eat dog food, only chicken. How can I get her to eat?

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