Some Suggestions Please!

[Tamaryth]

When we brought Max home, he had been eating puppy chow. We got him changed to Iams. A new family moved in behind us. They have a 10 month old german shepherd/wolf female that Max is in love with. They have dug themselves a tunnel to get to each other. We have spoken with the new neighbors and we feel that it is nice that they can play together so we don't mind. Also, with the one tunnel built they are not digging anymore. We notice that Max has been getting more exercise as well as learning what is and is not acceptable play. The two are nearly inseparable. The problem is that I think her owners feed her puppy chow. Max is not eating any of his own food. Last weekend we decided to change from Iams to Chicken Soup for the Puppy Lover's Soul. He did eat a little when we first poured it in the bowl. But, that was it. We have even set out a bowl of the Iams to see if he just doesn't like the new food. He isn't eating any of it either. Yesterday, we kept him from the neighbor's all day to see if he would eat his own food. He never took more than a couple of bites. As of today, I haven't seen him eat more than a mouthful of his own food in over a week. The puppy chow is wreaking havoc on him too. He has diarrhea constantly. Would anyone have any suggestions on how we can make his food seem better than puppy chow? I don't want to keep him from playing with Dixie. Ever since he started going over to play (as well as getting his regular walks) he is better behaved and not nearly as hyper.

Thanks for anything you can offer.

[Rottweilerlvr]

Yes, take him to the vet immediately... IAMS is on the national recall list for dog food... Refusing to eat and the runs are first signs.... I don't mean to worry you, but you don't have much time...

[Tamaryth]

But, everything I have read about the foods being recalled said it was the moist food not the dry food. We have only fed him the dry food. Now, I am really worried. I'll get him into the vet as soon as I can.

[SmoothCollieluver]

as far as i have heard it is only wet. but maybe call the 1800 number on the back of the bag of food and ask them.

[Rottweilerlvr]

It is, I apologize, I assumed you were feeding wet/dry... The way he is acting are the signs of what to expect from the rat poisoning that was tested in the food, which is coming from corn or wheat, I can't remember, I've read so much on it the past few days... I would check it out though, just to be safe...

[ClarkFarm]

(I think it was from rat poisoning found in the wheat in the canned foods.)

Can you talk to your neighbor about the food and ask that she not leave the puppy chow outside while both dogs are playing?
If not, I would probably fill in that tunnel and only permit certain playtimes for Max.

[Tamaryth]

I think you are right. We are trying to figure out a way to sort of put a door on the tunnel, so we can regulate his visits. It has been wonderful for him to have a friend and I don't want to keep them apart forever but he is literally not eating any of his own food. The husband says he will purchase another large bag of "Chicken Soup" and give it to Dixie's owners and say that it is because Max has eaten so much of their food and we feel bad about it. That way, they don't feel like we are telling them how or what to feed their dog. We shall see if it works.

[Tamaryth]

Just wanted to give an update. We went and bought some dog gravy and now he is eating his food and loving it. He doesn't seem to eat any of Dixie's food anymore. YEA! He is healthy and having healthy movements. :p I am so glad. We are feeding him Chicken Soup for the Puppy and he is now loving it, but it does need some gravy for him to really enjoy it. :D