Our 7 month Beagle-Duck Toller mix has started to refuse his premium kibble (Fromm's Gold). Up until earlier this week, pup would be interested in each of his three feedings, although earlier this month we have noticed he finally began to eat more slowly.

Thinking the Fromm's may have become stale, I moistened the dog food with some diluted beef bouillon. He ate two meals, but has since left it. He ate last at 2pm yesterday. I bought "Taste of the Wild" and mixed a small portion into the dry Fromm's and left it out last night. He never touched it. This morning I put out just TOTW; that was 2.5 hours ago and it's still sitting there.

His stools are good, although this morning he passed less than normal. He's interested in his training treats and seeks food on the kitchen floor. He remains full of energy & playfulness.

There are only two other changes I can think may have affected his appetite:

a. One Monday I started taking him on our 90-minute walk (slow & easy with frequent stops in mild temperatures). Given he was still full of energy, I took him again on Wed & Friday. We walk with another (adult) dog, and our pup loves going. On alternate days, we forgo a structured walk and play chase, fetch, etc. for 15-20 minutes 3-4x per day.

b. My hubbie, who our pup adores, has been gone since last Thursday. He returns tonight.

Should I be worried?

 Quote: bev thibault

b. My hubbie, who our pup adores, has been gone since last Thursday. He returns tonight.

This could be the cause. I'd wait to see what he does after your husband gets home.

Maybe his growth is leveling off and he doesn't need as much food anymore. Have you tried just 2 meals? At his age 2 meals/day should be fine. I'd just put his food down and pick it up 15 minutes later. Offer it again at the next scheduled feeding time.

If he doesn't start eating good over the weekend when your husband is home, then I'd take him him for a vet check on Monday. Or if he seems "off" in any other way.

Tx - This was the solution my gut was telling me, but it always helps to have a sage second thought.

He might just be missing the husband, as suggested.

Free feeding will exacerbate these problems, though, so I'd put a stop to that.

Finally, he's 7 months old now. He might be maturing and simply need less food now that he's done growing.

See how he eats after the hubs returns.