My Staffie won't eat

Anyone have a similar problem, my staff is 3 years old tomorrow & he is so fussy when it comes to food it's untrue!!! I've tried stuff from the supermarket, I've tried a raw diet, I e tried a complete food and nothing!! The only way I can get him to eat is to play ball in the house with him. He is walked twice a day most days for at least an hour. I'm all out of ideas!! Any suggestions??? I also struggle to get him out the house to go walking too!!! Any ideas on that as well. Thank you all in advance!! Katie x

Hi ya Katie, you are not alone in this very undog like behaviour. My Flo can be fussy and go off her food but she has yet to starve herself and will always eventually eat what is down for her.

Do you think he might want playtime before eating and so has become the routine ? Just an idea. You could always jazz whatever food you're giving by adding an egg or some fish and see if that makes a difference.

As for the not walking, if it's raining then that's typical Staffy behaviour. Again my Flo will often refuse but we persist and have even carried her down the street (much to my neighbors amusement) and she will then get the idea that refusing isn't going to happen. Once we are at the park she thoroughly enjoys herself. Stand firm and tell him you are going and that's that but whatever you do, don't give in as he will know he can do that whenever he wants

I'm sure you'll get quiet a few more replies on this thread

Hi Ian!!

Thanks for that!!! Yeah Charlie hates the rain!! It's a nightmare ha ha!!! He just refuses to go anywhere unless it's in the car first!! I'm hoping with the nicer weather I can get him out this habit!!!

Would you give raw egg or cooked?? Just not sure how I get out the habit of playing ball so that he will eat if that makes sense??? How long do I leave him without him eating??

I know he is hungry but he just won't eat!! Thanks for your advice tho, I shall take it on board

Katie x

hiya katie encourage charlie using a calm voice and treats walk a little at a time and further the walk every time, even a favourite toy and reward him when he does what you need him to do. I have to physically.push mias bum out the door when its raining she pulls me to the nearest shelter . try and make the walks with charlie positive as possible use a long lead so he doesn't feel restrained

Raw egg is fine Katie, you can even leave the shell in if it makes things more interesting for him. Sometimes you have to give a little tough love so depending on what food he's having just leave it down (if dry) and see if he gives in and eats.

As I said above, I've yet to meet a Staffy that starves itself, they can be fussy little things. The important thing is hydration, so as long as he drinks he can go without food for a good 24hrs by which time I almost guarantee he'll eat anything.

Staffies are very routine oriented so just stop the ball play, don't let him guilt trip you. There's a clue there too, you can change the routine to something that suits you and him like a walk before dinner (could be fun) then dinner. He will associate a walk with dinner then and quiet possibly be more hungry

You might need to experiment a little but you will find the key