Skip to content

Food questions

Basenji Talk
  • Hi,

    I just got a mix/mutt with a lot of Basenji in her, the vet tells me she is 2-3 years old. (Stray dog). About 18-20 pounds, not skinny.

    I am not sure what she ate in her previous family or on the streets, but she seems very particular in her food choices.

    She does not like her dog biscuits, she does not eat dry food. She will eat any human food given to her (dinners).. AS LONG as it contain MEAT.

    I have been able to hand feed a couple of banana bites and a couple of dry pellets, but in general she is not eating much. She does not look hungry and she will not be standing behind us in the kitchen while making food. But if you give her something she likes (cheese, sweets, meat) she will get it down in no time almost swallowing.

    Is she just very particular with her food choices or is this common behavior for stray dogs in need to get used to new food?

    Any suggestions

  • As they say, unless they are sick, they will eat when hungry. I would suggest that you feed her whatever dog food you decide on.. put it down, give her x amount of time to eat (10 to 15 minutes) if not eaten, take it away. Do not feed her anything else. Next feeding time, repeat the process.

    If she is hungry she will eat and she will learn that when the food is put down, need to eat it or it will disappear

  • I agree with Tanza - also, try mixing in a little beef broth with the dry - it works with mine.

  • Since she was a stray, she was used to eating people food and not dog food. She will eventually learn to eat dog food. You just have to have patience!

    Jennifer

  • Agree with all above - you also might like to try mixing a teaspoon of sardine/tuna with a little water and spreading it over the food. Good luck!

Suggested Topics

  • Collar questions

    Basenji Talk
    11
    0 Votes
    11 Posts
    7k Views
    MacPackM
    Mine are naked in the house, but they are older and not inclined to leave, even if a gate is left open. We wear Nick Russell Safety-choke, similar in theory to martingale in that it snugs up when the dog pulls. We walk in harnesses, it is safer for their old necks and spines.
  • Crating Question

    Basenji Talk
    13
    0 Votes
    13 Posts
    7k Views
    T
    it's such a blessing on the weekends!
  • Microchipping question..

    Basenji Talk
    20
    0 Votes
    20 Posts
    6k Views
    jonny b.J
    both our dogs took about 2 seconds from walking into the room with the needle to walking back out. jonny just looked at the vet, hansel yelped quickly and on our way we went. i cannot imagine putting them out for THAT. but neither one dislikes going either. they both look at it as an AMAZING chance to smell, jump, chase, visit, investigate,… well you get the idea. they love it there. SO MANY dog food bags to smell. lol
  • Question…

    Basenji Talk
    7
    0 Votes
    7 Posts
    4k Views
    bellabasenjiB
    Home is a dog's "territory" and sometimes they will protect it as such (especially against other dogs)… Possibly the breeder is concerned this would be an issue. Maybe she would consider meeting somewhere "neutral" with you and some of the dogs...
  • Socializing Question

    Basenji Talk
    18
    0 Votes
    18 Posts
    11k Views
    KipawaK
    Thanks Linda and Nemo - got it! Lots of great info there.
  • Questions?

    Basenji Talk
    4
    0 Votes
    4 Posts
    3k Views
    L
    On tv this morning they showed some dogs that were to be adopted at Petsmart from the Humane Society. One of them they said was a basenji/terrier mix. That dog was huge and he didn't look anything like a basenji to me. No batwing ears but the tail was curled.