What to do with them?

[Roxyluvsme13]

Well, my mom blames this on the Raw, but of course it's not. Lily has practically STOPPED eating her kibble. She ate her Raw, but at the time being, we just honestly can't feed Raw. Don't ask why it's a long story. Roxy used to eat great. She stopped eating her Raw, and now she's not seeming to like her kibble as much as she used to. I know I could buy a higher quality kibble or something, but my mom just won't go for that. When we can we WILL switch back to raw, but at the moment, not an option. Is there anything you recommend feeding them that's not going to be too expensive? I'm really worried about them, and afraid they aren't eating enough :(.

[Flatcoatluver]

At the kennel we have can food. We put some can food in a blender and some water and blend it together. Then we put it on there food. They love it. T.j is a picky eater and he goes crazy for it.

[Roxyluvsme13]

At the kennel we have can food. We put some can food in a blender and some water and blend it together. Then we put it on there food. They love it. T.j is a picky eater and he goes crazy for it.
We used to feed canned food, but since it's so expensive we stopped. We've never fed Lily canned food, and I really don't want to start.. :/

[vinjashira]

I used to add chicken to Snowy's kibble. She absolutely loves it :)

[Flatcoatluver]

We used to feed canned food, but since it's so expensive we stopped. We've never fed Lily canned food, and I really don't want to start.. :/
you wouldn't even use a half a can for both dogs in a week. At our kennel we call it gravy, because it liquified and gravy look-a-like. You just put like 3 tablespoon in there food and mix it all around.

[Husky_mom]

a cheap way is to mix a raw egg on the kibble, they´ll love it and they´ll eat the kibble.........tha worse that can happen they could just lick the egg off but i´m pretty sure they´ll eat........

[caseysmom]

Well I have to work hard to keep Casey's weight down but most of the time I hand feed Bubba to make sure he eats. I feed him innova now and he seems to like it but won't take the time to eat unless I make him.

[Glacier]

This is going to sound mean, but I'd ignore it. An otherwise healthy dog will not starve itself to death. Around my house, they eat what is offered or they wait until the next meal time. Only Paxil gets special offerings to entice her to eat and only because she is not an otherwise healthy dog. She has major health problems.

Also many dogs eat much less in warm weather. If it's hot where you are, they may just not feel like eating. Just make sure they have water available at all times and are drinking it.

[caseysmom]

I was thinking the same thing that Glacier said. The only reason I hand feed bubba is I am thinking sometimes he is afraid of casey when he eats...if I am not around I know she will stand near him and growl when he eats so even if I am there and the food is in the dish I think he is afraid to eat it.

[Roxyluvsme13]

Well, Lily gets fed other things, too. I can't blame her about not eating her dog food since it's poop. It's time to switch hers anyways since she's not really a puppy anymore. Roxy eats hers, but I don't see why she didn't eat her Raw.. :confused:

[Tralee]

Put their kibble down for 15 minutes if there is any food left it goes back in the bag. They don't get more food until dinner, same thing as the first meal, put it down for 15 minutes and take away whats left over. Don't watch them or add anything to the kibble. They will learn quickly that if they want food they better eat it when it is there. A healthy dog will not strave themselves! It may take a few days but they WILL catch on. My dogs inhale their food in about 30 seconds. When we got Toby he had been free fed. A few days of strict meal time and he gobbled all him food down.
Adding stuff to their food will just make the picky eaters, it is just a quick fix and doesn't help you in the long run.

Good Luck

[Roxyluvsme13]

Well, Lily knows if she doesn't eat her food that she'll get people food. :rolleyes: Mainly my mom's doing, NOT mine. So of course she's not going to eat.. Roxy's doing a bit better though, but I want to go back to Raw, and she won't eat it..

[bckrazy]

I'm not sure what to say. Roxy refusing to eat could be the result of a number of issues... =/ is she eating even a little bit or totally refusing?

My advice would definitely be to entice her to eat. Because you've expressed concern about her weight, she shouldn't be fasting too much. Mix in canned food or meat or soak her kibble in chicken/beef broth or warm water.

[Roxyluvsme13]

I'm not sure what to say. Roxy refusing to eat could be the result of a number of issues... =/ is she eating even a little bit or totally refusing?

My advice would definitely be to entice her to eat. Because you've expressed concern about her weight, she shouldn't be fasting too much. Mix in canned food or meat or soak her kibble in chicken/beef broth or warm water.
Well, she's eating her kibble fine. I just hate to feed it to her cuz it's crap. But now she won't let me watch her eat. :confused: I would have continued with the Raw, but if one dog's not going to eat it.. :(

[bckrazy]

Ok... so, Roxy IS eating but she's just being picky? Or does she actually refuse? How are her poops, and is she acting ill at all? Honestly, I think you should do much more research on raw and get to a point where you can give them a good variety of meats & supplements before switching them cold-turkey. That is how I feel. Raw feeding is great when it is given in a well-thought-out manner, but it sounds like they went from their kibble to just chicken for one week, so it's understandable that their systems might be unsettled right now. It IS better to feed a good quality kibble than to feed raw without knowing what you're doing.

I feel that Roxy & Lily, right now, would do much better on a good quality kibble with raw bones on occasion for recreational chewing. Going from all raw chicken one week to all (poor quality :/ ) kibble the next week is not a healthy diet, IMHO. My advice would be to get Roxy & Lily eating the best brand that you can afford (Nutro Natural Choice, Canidae, etc) and supplement that with occasional RMB's (for Lily chicken legs, for Roxy beef femur/knuckle or pork ribs) for their teeth.

[Roxyluvsme13]

Ok... so, Roxy IS eating but she's just being picky? Or does she actually refuse? How are her poops, and is she acting ill at all? Honestly, I think you should do much more research on raw and get to a point where you can give them a good variety of meats & supplements before switching them cold-turkey. That is how I feel. Raw feeding is great when it is given in a well-thought-out manner, but it sounds like they went from their kibble to just chicken for one week, so it's understandable that their systems might be unsettled right now. It IS better to feed a good quality kibble than to feed raw without knowing what you're doing.

I feel that Roxy & Lily, right now, would do much better on a good quality kibble with raw bones on occasion for recreational chewing. Going from all raw chicken one week to all (poor quality :/ ) kibble the next week is not a healthy diet, IMHO. My advice would be to get Roxy & Lily eating the best brand that you can afford (Nutro Natural Choice, Canidae, etc) and supplement that with occasional RMB's (for Lily chicken legs, for Roxy beef femur/knuckle or pork ribs) for their teeth.

Yeah she's just being picky. She was eating her Raw fine for about the first week, and then she just stopped. She seemed to absolutely love it, and I was getting ready to add in a new meat since her and Lily weren't vomiting, and their poop was normal. But then, she decided to stop eating the chicken..so.. :confused:. The highest quality kibble my mom would buy is Kibbles & Bits :rolleyes: and that's why I hate feeding her kibble. There's not a single way in the world I can convince her to buy something higher. She buys Lily Pro-Plan, but still bleh.

[zoomer]

Humhp... my dogs are doing the same thing. Maybe she just isn't being hungry at the time? I just leave the dogs food out and they usually eat it later in the day. How much are you feeding? Maybe you are feeding too much?

Sometimes I add a raw egg to my dogs' food and they eat it, plus, it helps prevent the goop that comes out of their eyes.

I really don't know what to say or how to help...

[luvofallhorses]

maybe it's the heat? or has it been like this for awhile?? I know my dogs don't like to eat as much when it's hot out..of course it's not always hot out being in Montana and all..

[BC_MoM]

Roxy may not be feeling well. It could be the heat.

I think it's absolutely ridiculous that Roxy gets Kibbles & Bits while Lily eats Pro Plan. *shakes head in disgust*

Canned is way cheaper than kibble.

[caseysmom]

Does your mom shop at costco. The kirkland brand is pretty good and it is really cheap.

[Roxyluvsme13]

We don't have a Costco. There's seriously nothing wrong with Roxy :rolleyes:. She just wouldn't eat her Raw.

[luvofallhorses]

is she eating now, though?

[Roxyluvsme13]

She's been eating. I just said she hadn't eaten her Raw, and I don't like feeding her kibble because it's crap.

[caseysmom]

well crap is better than nothing...

[lv4dogs]

She's been eating. I just said she hadn't eaten her Raw, and I don't like feeding her kibble because it's crap.

Didn't you say that you can not feed her raw anyways?

If you can't feed her raw & you can't afford better food than I don't know what else to tell you. Sorry. Any food is better than no food.

Maybe if you saved your money for better dog food instead of more bettas she would be able to have better food?

[luvofallhorses]

well crap is better than nothing...

yes, it is better than nothing. :)

[Vela]

I just have to ask, since you guys seem to be able to afford hundred dollar programs for you, and you mentioned getting a nintendo DS in the future, how is it that you can't afford better food for Roxy? I'm not trying to be rude but it seems to me you should ask your mom about buying YOU less stuff and buying your dog better stuff, rather than constantly asking her for things you want, and more bettas, and hamsters and all that other stuff. If you stopped getting all that stuff, you could afford to care for the animals you already have better. I really am not trying to be rude, but it seems silly to feed one dog better quality food, one dog crap, and buy a bunch of other stuff you don't really need. You earn money for all this other stuff, so save up your money and buy her the good food yourself if she won't eat the raw. You once said your mom spends 40 dollars a month on Roxy's food, but store brand Kibbles and Bits is just not going to cost 40 bucks unless she's eating 4 bags a month. She just isn't that big and I know she's not eating that much or she wouldn't be as thin as she was. A bag of 40 dollar (probably less than) top quality dog food would last her a whole month, so I don't see the difference in the money spent, unless of course she really doesn't spend that much per month on Roxy's food.

[Roxyluvsme13]

Didn't you say that you can not feed her raw anyways?

If you can't feed her raw & you can't afford better food than I don't know what else to tell you. Sorry. Any food is better than no food.

Maybe if you saved your money for better dog food instead of more bettas she would be able to have better food?
I could feed her Raw in the near future as soon as my mom gets another job, but she won't eat it.

I bought my own bettas with my own money. I bought my hamster with my own money. I bought most of my recent pets with my own money since my mom is broke. She would let me feed Raw. She just won't because Roxy's not eating it. I don't see why she doesn't like it more than her kibble anyways. I know I can't make her eat it, but I can try. I haven't asked for much of anything in a long time because my mom can't afford it. I would buy the kibble myself, but I don't make enough money to do so. I'm barely even allowed to stay home alone, so how am I supposed to make money? Sure I could clean, but that's not going to help anything, because my mom wouldn't pay me.

I'm sorry if that's all confusing, I'm just upset at the moment because Roxy won't eat what's better for her and one of my bettas is sick.

[Kfamr]

-sigh- Not another one of these threads. :rolleyes:


Ever heard of saving money? A bag of Nutro (which isn't great, but for the price it's okay) is around $25. Easily, the money you spent on getting more animals could have been saved to take better care of the ones you have now.

Just a suggestion and something you'll learn as you mature.

[Jadapit]

Do you have a Pet Smart? I have a coupon for $3.00 off any purchase from them. I would be glad to send it to you if it would help you to get a bag of Nutro. The bag would probably last Roxy at least a month, if not a little longer. PM me with your address if you would like the coupon.

[k9krazee]

I still think its horrible that the cute, little inside dog has a better quality food than the big outside dog :(

I feed my five Nutro and a 44lb bag lasts us 3 weeks, so I'm sure it would last you much longer.

[Chilli]

First off, I'll say this. I'm not saying this stuff to bash you, I'm just awfully confussed.
You say your mum spends $40 a month? Thats insane. Right now, we're feeding four dogs. Skylar eats like crazy, and he is a big dog (probably bigger than Roxy). He's over 50 lbs and growing. We buy our dogfood from a wholesale store, and we only spend around $30. That lasts us over a month. With your dogs, it should last around two months (seeing as you have 2 dogs and we have 4.)
Maybe go to a store that sells stuff in bulk, and buy enough to last you longer. Usually if you buy it in bigger packages, you save money in the long run.
And I agree with whats been said. I know you want to "help" the bettas in need, but they'll get homes. Just because you don't "save" them doesn't automatically mean they'll die a slow horrible death. I know I don't have too much room to talk, since I've taken in bettas in need, but lets keep in mind that I have enough money to pay for food for every single one of my rodents and the cats. Hey, you're just one year younger than me, I believe, so you can make enough money also. If you have to, have a yard sale or something. I'm sure you have alot of junk laying around that you don't need anymore (we all do!).

Part of being a pet owner is having to sacrifice. I say stop buying most anything for yourself unless you absolutely need it (and that includes bettas). Save your money. If you don't have enough money to feed your dogs good food, then that means you wouldn't have enough money to pay vet bills if your dog got some kind of life-threatening illness.
Anyway...
Good luck with your dogs^^!

[Roxyluvsme13]

Well, I'm sorry I'm not as perfect as some of you :rolleyes:. I'm sorry I "waste" my money on animals in need, when I could have saved it to buy some stupid dog food Roxy probably wouldn't eat. I'm almost 14. I do the best I can for my dogs at the moment. YEAH I could switch them to a higher food, but I don't have 100% control over my dogs. I had them on Raw, they were loving it, then all of a sudden one of them stopped eating it. I TRIED. It was cheaper for us, it was great, but Roxy stopped eating it. We're broke. My mom's been out of work for the past 3 months due to something that's NONE of your business. We've done the best we can feeding ourselves. I've had to give alot up for myself, and I spent my own allowance on Raw. Then, I find some extra money and want to get another 3 bettas. My own reward to myself, and I can't even be happy about it, because my dogs aren't perfect like the rest of your dogs. Roxy's eating, and Lily's eating, and at the moment I don't frapping give a care of the kibble is a piece of CRAP! They had the choice to eat better, but they wouldn't. I'm tired of every single thread I post asking for a bit of advice turning into something like this.

Edit: Jadapit, yes I have a Petsmart.

[Kfamr]

Well, I'm sorry I'm not as perfect as some of you :rolleyes:. I'm sorry I "waste" my money on animals in need, when I could have saved it to buy some stupid dog food Roxy probably wouldn't eat. I'm almost 14. I do the best I can for my dogs at the moment. YEAH I could switch them to a higher food, but I don't have 100% control over my dogs. I had them on Raw, they were loving it, then all of a sudden one of them stopped eating it. I TRIED. It was cheaper for us, it was great, but Roxy stopped eating it. We're broke. My mom's been out of work for the past 3 months due to something that's NONE of your business. We've done the best we can feeding ourselves. I've had to give alot up for myself, and I spent my own allowance on Raw. Then, I find some extra money and want to get another 3 bettas. My own reward to myself, and I can't even be happy about it, because my dogs aren't perfect like the rest of your dogs. Roxy's eating, and Lily's eating, and at the moment I don't frapping give a care of the kibble is a piece of CRAP! They had the choice to eat better, but they wouldn't. I'm tired of every single thread I post asking for a bit of advice turning into something like this.

Edit: Jadapit, yes I have a Petsmart.



Kid, you're the one who turns it into "something like this."

Every single person here has given you well intentioned advice BUT YOU DON'T LISTEN. That's why I rolled my eyes when I saw yet another one of your threads. It's just like a record playing over, over, over and over again.

We give you advice.... and 99.9% of the time it goes in one ear and right out the other. If you don't care then why is this thread here?!

[Vela]

Fine, no problem, but if you don't care, please stop coming here and bit*hing about it and asking us what you can do differently. People tell you what you can do differently when you ask and you get all defensive and start yelling at people for the choices YOU make. Also, nobody asked you about income or why your mother isn't working or aything else so I don't konw why you are getting mad at anyone about that. You come and ask for advice, don't like it, so turn around and act extremely rudely to anyone who gave you advice.

I also want to mention that comment about the dogs "could have eaten better but chose not to" is just simply silly. They are dogs, they have no idea about money or anything else like that and they can't make choices like, "oh I know this is better for me so I'm not going to eat it". You also said you couldn't afford it anyway, which is fine, but I don't know why you are blaming the dog when you wouldn't have been feeding it anyway right now.

I'm sorry you are having a hard time but you bring a lot of this on yourself as well with the choices you make. You could buy their food yoruself if you have extra money and used your own money to buy the other stuff. I do hope your mom get a new job soon and I don't really want to know the details of why she is or isn't working and never asked. Good luck to you.

I agree with Kay as well.

[Husky_mom]

not intending to sound rude, Bri, could it be posible to tell your mom to take the 40 she spends monthly on food and go buy the biggest bag of better food you can with it, then you can serve both dogs from same bag and it would be cheaper since they´ll need less food as with other less quality food, and you would be saving more than buying two different brand bags, the bigger the cheaper it turns..........i´m sure it´ll last them longer

[Roxyluvsme13]

not intending to sound rude, Bri, could it be posible to tell your mom to take the 40 she spends monthly on food and go buy the biggest bag of better food you can with it, then you can serve both dogs from same bag and it would be cheaper since they´ll need less food as with other less quality food, and you would be saving more than buying two different brand bags, the bigger the cheaper it turns..........i´m sure it´ll last them longer
But Roxy and Lily eat different formulas of food.. Lily has to have smaller bites than Roxy, and I prefer to feed her small breed formulas. Roxy, large or medium breed formulas.

[lv4dogs]

This is the thanks for all the good we do huh? :rolleyes:

[Roxyluvsme13]

This is the thanks for all the good we do huh? :rolleyes:
I wasn't trying to sound rude, and I wasn't trying to not accept the advice, but I just seriously can't buy their food myself. It's a long story, and I guess it doesn't matter, because it would be considered an "excuse".

[dogzr#1]

Didn't you say you were going to buy a new Canon Powershot S2IS? Those are $400 or so. That money can go to your dogs. I don't get an allowence, but the money I do have, I spend on my dogs. If you save your allowence, then you can buy them better food. Just a thought...

Edit: Nevermind, just saw your post.

[K9soul]

You said:


Is there anything you recommend feeding them that's not going to be too expensive? I'm really worried about them, and afraid they aren't eating enough :(.

Then when people got alarmed, you claimed they are both eating fine. Then when people gave suggestions on a better kibble that really isn't too expensive...


Then, I find some extra money and want to get another 3 bettas. My own reward to myself, and I can't even be happy about it, because my dogs aren't perfect like the rest of your dogs. Roxy's eating, and Lily's eating, and at the moment I don't frapping give a care of the kibble is a piece of CRAP! They had the choice to eat better, but they wouldn't.

It seems like you don't want advice then, if it has to do with people asking YOU to take any responsibility. Raw chicken for a week is not "going raw" IMO.

If you start these threads worried about how bad your dogs are doing, then get mad when people are concerned and scream at them that your dogs are just fine, I don't know what exactly your goal is here.

I'd suggest anyone else save their breath on giving advice. Of all the advice I've seen given, every single bit of it is shot down for one reason or another. (And by the way, large and small breed dogs do not need separate formulas.. The only time I see this as possibly necessary is with a large breed growing puppy, but I'm sure this bit of info will be ignored and shot down as well.)

[Roxyluvsme13]

It seems like you don't want advice then, if it has to do with people asking YOU to take any responsibility. Raw chicken for a week is not "going raw" IMO.

If you start these threads worried about how bad your dogs are doing, then get mad when people are concerned and scream at them that your dogs are just fine, I don't know what exactly your goal is here.

I'd suggest anyone else save their breath on giving advice. Of all the advice I've seen given, every single bit of it is shot down for one reason or another. (And by the way, large and small breed dogs do not need separate formulas.. The only time I see this as possibly necessary is with a large breed growing puppy, but I'm sure this bit of info will be ignored and shot down as well.)
I screamed because I'm tired of getting acused of not listening. I do listen. I do read, and I do care. Yeah, they're eating, but I don't want to feed them kibble in the first place. It sucks, it's not healthy for them, and my mom's not going to buy any higher quality kibble. As I already said I listen to every single piece of advice.

[Husky_mom]

But Roxy and Lily eat different formulas of food.. Lily has to have smaller bites than Roxy, and I prefer to feed her small breed formulas. Roxy, large or medium breed formulas.

you can get Lilys formula in small bites and Roxy wouldnt mind at all that way you can buy a biog bag for cheaper instead of a small bag of small bites and a medium bag medium bites, so its a big bag small bites and you save a lot!!

just tell your mom Roxy wont mind the smaller bites and she´ll get better food adn Lily wont get anything changed, except the size of the bag :D

[CagneyDog]

You don't need betta's, You don't need a nintendo, a photoshop program, a hamster. YOU need to be responsible. You're dog is living on a chain eating food that is basically the equivalent to dirt and you are treating yourself to four betta's, a photoshop program, a new canon camera! Look, as Kay said, when you get older you will hope have the maturity to relize what you are doing right now is wrong.


I screamed because I'm tired of getting acused of not listening. I do listen. I do read, and I do care. Yeah, they're eating, but I don't want to feed them kibble in the first place. It sucks, it's not healthy for them, and my mom's not going to buy any higher quality kibble. As I already said I listen to every single piece of advice.

Reading advice and ACTING on it or two very different things.

[Roxyluvsme13]

You don't need betta's, You don't need a nintendo, a photoshop program, a hamster. YOU need to be responsible. You're dog is living on a chain eating food that is basically the equivalent to dirt and you are treating yourself to four betta's, a photoshop program, a new canon camera! Look, as Kay said, when you get older you will hope have the maturity to relize what you are doing right now is wrong.
A) You dont know my situation. It's not wrong of me to want more bettas.
B) I never said I was getting a Nintendo anytime soon. I said in the FUTURE.
C) I never said I bought photoshop.
D) It's my birthday in 25 days. I want a new camera.
You don't even know me, you don't know my dogs, and for all you know I could be lying about what she eats and how many pets I have, and whatever. (I'm not but just making a point.) I don't see how it can be wrong when I have happy dogs, happy cat, and the rest of my pets are pretty damn happy, too.

[CagneyDog]

A) You dont know my situation. It's not wrong of me to want more bettas.

Yes it is, it is very wrong to want to impulsivly buy more betta's when A) You have some B) You're mother is unemployed and cannot afford them C) You have a dog living on a chain eating crap while meanwhile you are caring for fish.

I wish I didn't know your situation Bri. I literally do because it makes me sick to my stomach. I'm not assuming things, I'm taking what YOU have said and commenting on it. I don't know the whole situation, but I am only commenting on the parts I do know.

[Jadapit]

I think everyone "gets" it that your mom wont buy the quality kibble. What people have been trying to say is save YOUR money then YOU buy them the quality Kibble. I dont think it would take very long for you to save up for a bag of Nutro. My husband picked up a bag of the Nutro, Chicken and Rice he grabbed the small bites by mistake. My fur kids didnt care it was little bites, they ate it anyway. I bet Roxy wouldnt care if her bites were small either.

Nutro, is a lot better than the Kibble from the grocery store, a large bag of that will last both your dogs quite awhile.

In all honesty Bri, you might have to wait until you are a little older and have a job before you feed the raw all the time. From all the threads I have read on here people feed their dogs a lot more than chicken. As hard as it is sometimes we just have to wait to do things until we are older or have a job.

[Roxyluvsme13]

Yes it is, it is very wrong to want to impulsivly buy more betta's when A) You have some B) You're mother is unemployed and cannot afford them C) You have a dog living on a chain eating crap while meanwhile you are caring for fish.

I wish I didn't know your situation Bri. I literally do because it makes me sick to my stomach. I'm not assuming things, I'm taking what YOU have said and commenting on it. I don't know the whole situation, but I am only commenting on the parts I do know.
It's not very wrong to want to impulsively buy more bettas when you been giving all your money to your mother so she can keep us clothed and fed. Yeah I had some, your point is? We can afford them. We have food to last a month, and we're using diluted water. She's not on the chain half the time. She gets walked almost every day. She eats crap, it's not the best, but she eats. She's a picky eater.

You really dont know my situation at all. You know nothing about me except I have 10 pets, and alot of stuff about Roxy. You haven't met her, you haven't met Lily, and you haven't met the rest of my pets.


Jadapit, thank you for putting it alot more nicely.

[Kfamr]

I'm doing my best to bite my tongue as we've all repeated ourselves over and over again. However, I do have one thing to add.

Lily & Roxy can easily eat the same adult dog food. Before I started buying my own dogs' food (and now I barely buy anything for myself -gasp-), we fed Nutro Natural Choice Lamb & Rice Small Bites. The small bites are actually better as they reduce the chances of bloat.

I am curious as to why you think they need to be fed different formulas and where you go this information from?

[Roxyluvsme13]

Because if I get the smaller bites, Roxy inhales it. She has a much easier time eating bigger bites.

[CagneyDog]

I'm not sure how pointing out that I have not met your family matters? Do you even know why that matters?

So, what are you asking for? If you ask a question and snip back when we answer what did you post this thread for?

Anyways, best of luck Bri. This situation blows my mind.

[Kfamr]

Because if I get the smaller bites, Roxy inhales it. She has a much easier time eating bigger bites.


Then you need to train her not to - and YES it is possible. I also recall a thread about her not getting fed enough. When she gets used to getting the proper amount and being "full" she may not inhale it as much.

You could also invest in a food ball - it will disperse a small amount at a time so she can't inhale it and give her some entertainment. I had to feed Nala in a food ball for quite a while when we first got her and fed kibble. She finally realized she wasn't going to be starved like previously and eats just fine.

[Jadapit]

Because if I get the smaller bites, Roxy inhales it. She has a much easier time eating bigger bites.

Bri, believe me when I say this, Jada is a PIG she also inhales her food but she did fine on the little kibble. I bet you Roxy would too.

[K9soul]

Because if I get the smaller bites, Roxy inhales it. She has a much easier time eating bigger bites.

Tommy inhales his food too, and the Innova EVO I get is very small kibble so I started putting just enough water in his bowl with the food to make it a bit soup-like and that seemed to solve that problem.

[animal_rescue]

Soak the food in water then, she can't inhale soaked food. Also it's easier to digest and prevents bloating.

[Jadapit]

One more thing, then I will shut up..... You could even put a raw egg in with Roxy's small kibble if you are afraid she will choke. Just a thought.

[Vela]

A) You dont know my situation. It's not wrong of me to want more bettas.
B) I never said I was getting a Nintendo anytime soon. I said in the FUTURE.
C) I never said I bought photoshop.
D) It's my birthday in 25 days. I want a new camera.
You don't even know me, you don't know my dogs, and for all you know I could be lying about what she eats and how many pets I have, and whatever. (I'm not but just making a point.) I don't see how it can be wrong when I have happy dogs, happy cat, and the rest of my pets are pretty damn happy, too.

Actually you did say your mom got you photoshop...that's a hundred dollars right there. Money still spent when it was needed. I hear a lot of you want you want, as in you want a new camera. Your mom is out of work, you have supposedly been giving all of your money to your mom to clothe and feed you guys, why are you asking for a camera? Make a grown up decision Bri and tell your mom you'll get the camera next year, or wait on your present until she is working. That is a very expensive item and food for your mom and yourself and your pets is more important. That would be the responsible thing to do, honestly. You can take it as you will but if you truly gave a crap about the troubles your mom is having, and the troubles in feeding yourselves and the pets, then you would do well for yourself and could be proud of yourself for not being selfish and telling your mom you understand and could just wait and get the camera later. You can get angry with me if you want, but it's a hard fact of life that sometimes we can't always have what we want because it's our birthday or christmas, or we just want it, and have to sometimes just wait. It will happen a lot more in life so it's just some advice, not meant rudely, and take it as you will. I hope the situation is better soon, but it won't change the good advice you have been given here. Good luck.

[BC_MoM]

Wait.. your Mom is going to be buying you a $500 camera (when she's unemployed and has no money to get the dogs heartworm preventative and other shots except for rabies) and you can't buy better food?

[animal_rescue]

Oh and another thing Maggie eats the same kind of kibble as the little ones and she does fine on small bites.

Also you might want to take a cookie sheet and put the kibble on there spread out so it takes longer to eat.

[Tollers-n-Dobes]

I know you're quite a bit younger than me, but even when I was your age I never, ever bought things for myself....Tango's needs always came before my needs and still do. I buy absolutely everything for her, I even pay for her vet bills as she is solely my responsibility. Of course, I probably have more money than you, but that's not the point. Instead of 'rewarding' yourself with new bettas (when you already have some), your dogs' needs should come first. You do not know that she won't eat a better quality food until you try it. Pet sotres DO take food back, even once its openened as long as you haven't used much of it. It never, ever hurts to try things. I understand that you don't have a lot of money and your mom doesn't either, but your dogs needs are important. There isn't really any reason that Lily needs to have a small breed food, nor is there any reason that Roxy needs to have a large breed food. Yes, in some ways they're beneficial, but a food for the both of them is obviously easier and cheaper. Tia eats regular sized kibble without a problem, Lily should be able to aswell. In a good quality food, the kibble really isn't all that big. And, as others have said, Roxy could jsut as easily it the small bites. I don't really know what else to say without repeating what everyone else has said already. Good luck, and I hope you'll understand that your dogs' needs should come before your wants (you don't need anymore bettas, and technicaaly, you're not saving them because other people will buy them).

[BC_MoM]

Molly used to inhale too.

We either

1) Fed her meals to her kibble by kibble or
2) Every 3 seconds, we would cover her food with our hands and told her "sit", waited 3 seconds, and let her go back to her bowl, and then repeat.

Now she eats slower than Mickey, and I thought he was the slowest.

[caseysmom]

Since Lily is getting close to a year old maybe you can get a huge bag of kibble they can both eat. Innova has very small bites, I just bought a HUGE bag for both dogs...It was 30 something, no doubt it will last my dogs 2 or 3 months. I am mad now about why I bought such a big bag because it will probably go stale before they eat it.

[Roxyluvsme13]

I was suspecting my mom to have a new job by my birthday, and it's not like I'm on her every 5 seconds saying I want a new camera, I want a new camera :rolleyes:. I currently don't know of any place around here that sells half the foods mentioned on here. We have a Petsmart, but that's about it. Unless our natural pet food store would have it..?

[Vela]

Petsmart carries the Nutro, and some other high qualty foods. They are the more expensive foods, but they last longer than the cheaper foods. If you can buy one kind of food they can both eat it will help your financial situation a bit. Roxy can eat the small kibble fine, especialy ifyou wet it down with a little water first.

[caseysmom]

Please don't take this the wrong way but your Mom paid 400+ for both Lily and tink and she buys crap dog food for Roxy. That part annoys the heck out of me..sorry just being honest.

[Roxyluvsme13]

Okay thanks.
I just want to apologize to everyone for being b**chy and not listening, too.
My mom has an interview next Wednesday, and she applied for another job today, so maybe she'll get one of those..

[caseysmom]

I think trying to find a kibble they can both eat will be cheaper for you for sure. I hope your mom gets another job real soon.

[buttercup132]

This is just what I think,
you dont need more bettas , why would indanger more animals lives when you cant even afford to feed your dogs good food..maybe if you didnt have so many animals youd be aable to save that money for better food..
Maybe instead of getting a new camera (wich you cant even use seeing as your USB plug is broken) you can get better food for the dogs. I know its not much of a birthday present for you but my dogs being well taken care of when I have little money would be my version of a good birthday present that could last me years.

[Flatcoatluver]

I just wanted to add, we would cook little hamburgers on the grill for the dogs as a extra treat. T.j loves it but is to afraid to eat it because one time he barfed it up.
Also I must say this, your bettas arn't even in a good size tank, you can't afford water conditioner for them. I must admit I feel very bad for Roxy being on the chain and being fed bad food, I know you don't want to Bri, but atleast listen to peoples ideas.

[lute]

This is just what I think,
you dont need more bettas , why would indanger more animals lives when you cant even afford to feed your dogs good food..maybe if you didnt have so many animals youd be aable to save that money for better food..
Maybe instead of getting a new camera (wich you cant even use seeing as your USB plug is broken) you can get better food for the dogs. I know its not much of a birthday present for you but my dogs being well taken care of when I have little money would be my version of a good birthday present that could last me years.
i agree 100%
sorry girlie, but everyone has their limits.

[Roxyluvsme13]

If you people had actually read :rolleyes:, I'm doing what I can at the moment.. and as soon as I can I'm going to switch their food.

[Kfamr]

If you people had actually read :rolleyes:, I'm doing what I can at the moment.. and as soon as I can I'm going to switch their food.


There is absolutely no reason for you to roll your eyes at anyone. No one has said anything for you to do so since your previous "apology" post.

I do hope you do what's best for your dogs in the near feature. I was very proud of you when I saw you were changing their food, taking better care of Roxy, etc.. but now you're back at square one it seems.

I think pretty much a majority of the members here feel the same.

[Roxyluvsme13]

I said I'm doing what I can right now, and I wish you people would just stay out of it now. I got the opinions I asked for and it's been settled.

I'm sorry everything's changed since a little while back. Everything's changed for me ever since the reason my mom's been out of work. My life has been so full of stress, I've given up wanting everything (hence the reason I got the bettas).. and yeah. Long story short, I'm trying..

[beeniesmom]

Okay thanks.
I just want to apologize to everyone for being b**chy and not listening, too.
My mom has an interview next Wednesday, and she applied for another job today, so maybe she'll get one of those..

I don't think you were being B&CHY, just VERY infantile and selfish.

When I was your age, YES 14, and actually younger, I used to babysit or make bracelets, ornaments with cheap beads, have yard sales with my junk and sell them. I'd bake cookies and sell them. I had one dog and it was given to us free.

When my dad was out of a job, with 4 KIDS and a wife to feed, me the oldest, I gave him my stereo, my headphones, my tapes, stuff to sell so we could EAT. I am very proud of what I did to contribute to my family when it was in trouble, not nag on how I wanted this or that.

YOU AREN'T A BABY. STOP ACTING LIKE ONE. GROW UP!

I really don't mean to attack you but this thread really got on my nerves apart from being pointless.

Another question: What on earth were you feeding them when they were eating raw? I thought feeding raw was more expensive than any kibble regardless of wheather they eat it or not or used to or whatever.

I hope your mom gets the job she wants/needs.

[Kfamr]

Very well said, Carmen..



Another question: What on earth were you feeding them when they were eating raw? I thought feeding raw was more expensive than any kibble regardless of wheather they eat it or not or used to or whatever.


I just wanted to reply to this..

Raw is actually cheaper if managed correctly. It can save lots of money.

As said, an overall healthy dog won't starve itself and dogs are often wierd when switching over. The best thing to do is if they don't eat it, pick it up and give it at the next meal. More than likely it'll be eaten at the next meal.

Also, Roxyluvsme, a tip..

If you don't want EVERYONES opinions, don't asking for them at all.
Karen should be able to close this thread if need be.

[animal_rescue]

Bri when you make public posts you pretty much make it everyone's business. Just keep in mind that everyone wants it better for you and they want to see your pets taken care of better.

[Roxyluvsme13]

I don't think you were being B&CHY, just VERY infantile and selfish.

When I was your age, YES 14, and actually younger, I used to babysit or make bracelets, ornaments with cheap beads, have yard sales with my junk and sell them. I'd bake cookies and sell them. I had one dog and it was given to us free.

When my dad was out of a job, with 4 KIDS and a wife to feed, me the oldest, I gave him my stereo, my headphones, my tapes, stuff to sell so we could EAT. I am very proud of what I did to contribute to my family when it was in trouble, not nag on how I wanted this or that.

YOU AREN'T A BABY. STOP ACTING LIKE ONE. GROW UP!

I really don't mean to attack you but this thread really got on my nerves apart from being pointless.

Another question: What on earth were you feeding them when they were eating raw? I thought feeding raw was more expensive than any kibble regardless of wheather they eat it or not or used to or whatever.

I hope your mom gets the job she wants/needs.

I've already offered to sell some of my stuff for my mom, so she won't have to sell her own rings, but she doesn't listen to me, and I also told her to take money out of MY savings account, but she wont :/. Okay, that probably sounds like I'm lying or something, but I'm not.

Question: Chicken leg quarters, thighs, etc.. I spent my own money on meat to last them a little over 2 weeks, (which we still haven't used..) and it was only $7.83. (I gave the change from the $10 to my mom)

[Roxyluvsme13]

As said, an overall healthy dog won't starve itself and dogs are often wierd when switching over. The best thing to do is if they don't eat it, pick it up and give it at the next meal. More than likely it'll be eaten at the next meal.

Also, Roxyluvsme, a tip..

If you don't want EVERYONES opinions, don't asking for them at all.
Karen should be able to close this thread if need be.
Okay, then why did nobody tell me that when I posted on the what did your dogs eat thread? I still have plenty of meat that would have fed Roxy AND Lily for another week, and my mom would have gladly bought more meat..

[lost_milo]

When I was your age, YES 14, and actually younger, I used to babysit or make bracelets, ornaments with cheap beads, have yard sales with my junk and sell them. I'd bake cookies and sell them. I had one dog and it was given to us free.

When my dad was out of a job, with 4 KIDS and a wife to feed, me the oldest, I gave him my stereo, my headphones, my tapes, stuff to sell so we could EAT. I am very proud of what I did to contribute to my family when it was in trouble, not nag on how I wanted this or that.


awww that's so sweet. You give your dad your stuff to sell just so your family can have food on your table. You are very caring :) This is one of the sweetest stories I 've heard in a while.

[Kfamr]

Okay, then why did nobody tell me that when I posted on the what did your dogs eat thread? I still have plenty of meat that would have fed Roxy AND Lily for another week, and my mom would have gladly bought more meat..


I can't answer that question for anyone else, but I don't believe I saw a specific post referring to that.

If you plan to finish off the meat that you have already purchased, and she still doesn't want to eat it, make sure you don't put it out too many times. Meat can spoil easily, but hopefully you knew that. ;)


I don't understand why your mother is willing to buy meat for them, but not a better quality kibble? Do you think coupons for Nutro would sway her thoughts some? That's what got my dad to first feed Nutro.

I mean, Nutro isn't great but it surely beats Kibbles N' Bits & Pro Plan.

[Roxyluvsme13]

I can't answer that question for anyone else, but I don't believe I saw a specific post referring to that.
It wasn't really specifically asking the question but..
Here (http://petoftheday.com/talk/showpost.php?p=1533108&postcount=273)
I'd love to put them back on Raw and I gladly would. Their teeth were beginning to look so much better.. Yeah, my mom keeps reminding me :p.
Edit: I'm sure she would like coupons, but I don't know how much it would affect her. It took me about 2 weeks to convince her over Raw.

[beeniesmom]

awww that's so sweet. You give your dad your stuff to sell just so your family can have food on your table. You are very caring :) This is one of the sweetest stories I 've heard in a while.

It was difficult to write in a public forum but I thought it may help Bri.
It was many years ago.
Just thinking about those times makes me sad.
Fortunately it was only a few years and then things got much better.

[lost_milo]

It was difficult to write in a public forum but I thought it may help Bri.
Just thinking about those times makes me sad.
Fortunately it was only a few years and then things got much better.
It made me sad just reading about it :(
I am very happy to hear that everything turned out well for you and your family.

[Kfamr]

It was difficult to write in a public forum but I thought it may help Bri.
Just thinking about those times makes me sad.
Fortunately it was only a few years and then things got much better.


I'm so sorry, Carmen.

I remember a few years back when we were really in a hole. The bare necessities were all we could afford and even took spills on that.

It was hard when peers mentioned how they got this brand new toy/game/bike etc for Christmas/Birthdays and I got socks and underwear. I wanted more pets, new cameras, etc. but couldn't have them. It was hard but I learned to deal with it and I think it made me a lot more aware financially today.

It's so wonderful to finally be able to bring in an income for my family for rent, food, etc. And to be able to finally get what I want (well... not everything!) is undescribable.




Edit: I'm sure she would like coupons, but I don't know how much it would affect her. It took me about 2 weeks to convince her over Raw.



http://www.nutroproducts.com/fbpnutroReg.asp

[Roxyluvsme13]

I already registered for the coupons earlier.. I don't remember registering and I don't remember them ever showing up though.

[beeniesmom]

Okay, that probably sounds like I'm lying or something, but I'm not.

No, it doesn't sound like a lie to me.
I really do hope things get better.

[buttercup132]

I dont really see either how getting a new animal you cant afford is a treat for yourself.


And I DO know about your problems..

[beeniesmom]

And I DO know about your problems..

So do I, or I wouldn't have permitted myself to even respond.

[Roxyluvsme13]

Alicia you may know my problems, but why does that matter...? I may not be on PT after tomorrow for a while just to let everyone know.. :(

[flamepony12]

I don't want to stir up any more trouble than there already is, but I'd just like to say something.

You can't afford better food for your animals, yet you still "rescue" bettas from pet stores, saying repeatedly that you can't even afford a decent sized tank for THEM. My advice would be to stop buying new animals and take care of the ones you have now.

Recieving a camera for your birthday (whether YOU buy it or not) may be a better gift to you, but think of your animals. If I were in that situation, I'd put the $500 aside to improve my dogs' lives, and I know that would be a present good enough for me.

I agree, large dogs can be fed smaller kibble if taught correctly. You can mix other little treats (such as egg, etc.) to get her started on it, or you can pause her every once in a while to keep her from "inhaling" it, as somone's mentioned already.

You also post this thread asking for help, and then said you wished for us to stay out of it. All I can say is that I hope things improve for you and you're able to spend your money on things more important than cameras, nintendos, and photoshop.

Remember, this post wasn't meant to bash you or anyone else, it was just an attempt to help.

Good Luck.

[slleipnir]

I only read the first 3 pages, so, forgive me if I missed something.

However, I am comfused. Raw isn't exactly cheap, from what I've been looking into. Why is it you can buy that, but not a better quality food? If she doesn't like raw, then there isn't much you can do about it. Don't feed it. However, she NEEDS to eat. If she likes kibble, great. Feed her kibble. You can buy half decent kibble for not that much. I believe Kay said a bag of Nutro is $25. I believe that food would last longer than $25 worth of raw? I don't feed my dogs raw, and they're healthy and happy.

As for betta. You said "there is nothing wrong with me wanting betta" You're right. There IS nothing wrong with wanting fish. However, you should look out for what you already have before spending your money on more pets. Think to yourself. "Do I really NEED fish? Sure, I want them, but do I NEED them?" The answer is no. You really don't NEED them. Instead of buying hamsters and fish "with your own money", buy dog food. You really have no right to complain about it when you don't seem to put the effort into solving the problem. As far as I can see, the problem can be easily fixed. Don't buy any more pets. Are you really doing it for them? "I need to rescue them". Or, are you doing it for yourself? I can say this, because I often said I wanted to save a pet, but in reality, I couldn't afford it, but I wanted it because *I* wanted it. Not because it needed saving. I've learned I can't have everything I want. I would LOVE another dog. But you know what? I don't have a big enough yard for them. I can't walk 3 dogs everyday. It isn't fair to the dog. I pay a lot for my cat food and dog food as is, another one would push me over my limit. Right now, I can afford good quality food for all my pets, plus, extra money for myself. However, pets are #1 on my list, so if I run out of money for myself, that's too bad.

As for your bday...yes, it would be hard to not get a present...if you need a camera, why not get a cheaper one, and spend the rest on your pets? That way, you both get something. You will feel good that you're helping your pets.

Please, just look at your situation. If you don't have the money WHY would you even THINK of getting more? I just can't imagen....I mean, heck, there are so many animals I want...I just have to wait till the time is right to get them. I've ALWAYS wanted a horse, but I refuse to board it. I'll have to wait till I get my own land. Could be many, many, many years.

Sorry, a lot of this doesn't make sense, I'm just ranting. Nothing personal. I mean nothing as a direct attack to you.

[flamepony12]

I only read the first 3 pages, so, forgive me if I missed something.

However, I am comfused. Raw isn't exactly cheap, from what I've been looking into. Why is it you can buy that, but not a better quality food? If she doesn't like raw, then there isn't much you can do about it. Don't feed it. However, she NEEDS to eat. If she likes kibble, great. Feed her kibble. You can buy half decent kibble for not that much. I believe Kay said a bag of Nutro is $25. I believe that food would last longer than $25 worth of raw? I don't feed my dogs raw, and they're healthy and happy.

As for betta. You said "there is nothing wrong with me wanting betta" You're right. There IS nothing wrong with wanting fish. However, you should look out for what you already have before spending your money on more pets. Think to yourself. "Do I really NEED fish? Sure, I want them, but do I NEED them?" The answer is no. You really don't NEED them. Instead of buying hamsters and fish "with your own money", buy dog food. You really have no right to complain about it when you don't seem to put the effort into solving the problem. As far as I can see, the problem can be easily fixed. Don't buy any more pets. Are you really doing it for them? "I need to rescue them". Or, are you doing it for yourself? I can say this, because I often said I wanted to save a pet, but in reality, I couldn't afford it, but I wanted it because *I* wanted it. Not because it needed saving. I've learned I can't have everything I want. I would LOVE another dog. But you know what? I don't have a big enough yard for them. I can't walk 3 dogs everyday. It isn't fair to the dog. I pay a lot for my cat food and dog food as is, another one would push me over my limit. Right now, I can afford good quality food for all my pets, plus, extra money for myself. However, pets are #1 on my list, so if I run out of money for myself, that's too bad.

As for your bday...yes, it would be hard to not get a present...if you need a camera, why not get a cheaper one, and spend the rest on your pets? That way, you both get something. You will feel good that you're helping your pets.

Please, just look at your situation. If you don't have the money WHY would you even THINK of getting more? I just can't imagen....I mean, heck, there are so many animals I want...I just have to wait till the time is right to get them. I've ALWAYS wanted a horse, but I refuse to board it. I'll have to wait till I get my own land. Could be many, many, many years.

Sorry, a lot of this doesn't make sense, I'm just ranting. Nothing personal. I mean nothing as a direct attack to you.

Very well put, Audrey.