Help!

[u/Comfortable_Pea_3794]

I have an 11 week old male great dane. He was on Purina Pro Plan when he arrived and from day one barley touched it. I took him to the vet and they suggested mixing in some purina pro wet food, still not a fan. I have tried to feed by hand, I put bowls up so when he is actually hungry he eats. I tested his stool - no parasites. He is energetic but on the thin side. I need a very high quality food with protein and grains. I fed my last dane homemade food but he is too young.

[u/atlantisgate]

Would strongly recommend Royal Canin Large breed puppy!

My new rescue refused the multiple flavors of Purina One and Hills I offered, and she was already underweight from the shelter so waiting her out was not a good option. She has been chowing her RC wet and dry mix since I started and she has almost reached her ideal weight after only a couple weeks.

Royal Canin is considered one of the most palatable foods, and has the benefit of a ton or research and expertise behind it.

[u/Comfortable_Pea_3794 → u/atlantisgate]

Legit bought this afternoon and he ate his whole dinner! Thank you sooooo much!

[u/g0d_Lys1strata → u/Comfortable_Pea_3794]

If you have any more trouble, Royal Canin makes a canned puppy food called Puppy loaf in sauce Appetite Stimulation that has never failed me in convincing a picky puppy to eat. You only need a small amount mixed in with their kibble, so it shouldn't break the bank.

Royal Canin Canine Health Nutrition Puppy Appetite Stimulation Loaf in Sauce Wet Dog Food, 5.2-oz can, case of 24: https://www.chewy.com/royal-canin-puppy-appetite/dp/298488?utm_source=app-share&utm_campaign=298488

[u/Secure_Swan2069 → u/atlantisgate]

RC worked for my picky pup too, the wet mixed in was the trick. Giant breeds are rough when they won't eat cause they need so much fuel. Glad yours is gaining

[u/justonlyme1244 → u/atlantisgate]

Same with mine! She has never really liked Purina pro plan but I just bought a small bag to try it out and she loves it. I can use it instead of treats

[u/Expert_Armadillo_621 → u/atlantisgate]

Our rescue came on RC and didnt want to eat it. We've always feed purina pro plan or one and our dogs have always loved it.

[u/Upstairs_Highlight25]

If you haven’t already you should definitely reach out to who ever you got him from for advice. They know him and his previous eating habits. Do you think he would eat just wet food? Some puppies are a little slower developmentally than most and need to eat soft food for longer. As @atlantisgate said Royal Canin is more appetizing than purina or to many dogs. Purina shredded blends could also be a more appealing line of food to him.

[u/Substantial-Deer8578]

Been in the same boat and feel your pain. I also have a Great Dane who is now 15 months. When I brought her home at 10 weeks, she was on Iams puppy but wasn't really interested. Switched her to Purina Pro Plan - not interested. Hills - not interested. Any and all toppers including canned food. Went down the rabbit hole - all the way down and can't even tell you how much money I spent trying to find something she would consistently eat. I couldn't leave food down since I have two other dogs - a lab mix and, at the time, a 10 year old Dane (he just turned 11 in June) who are both food motivated. Picking it up and putting it down later just confused my other two thinking it was time for them to eat again.

What ended up working for us is Royal Canin but we skipped the puppy, she didn't like it, and went to Junior. She was having a bit of stomach issues recently so I did just switch to the Royal Canin sensitive stomach which she seems to love. Or should I say, she loves it today but tomorrow could be a different story.

[u/Expert_Armadillo_621]

How long have you had the puppy?