Dog1 was a rescue pup and very underweight when he came to us. He has never been too bothered about food, I've tried three different types of dried over the last year and he is now on James Welbeloved. I usually add some warm water or make gravy to make it more meaty and he prefers it like this. However he really isn't that interested and never eats the recommended daily amount. He is a sight hound so naturally slim but I'm not happy with how boney he is. Its also having an influence on Dog2. When he first arrived (also rescue and underweight) he was so food obsessed that Dog1 became more interested in eating but now that Dog2 has been with us for a few months Dog1 has gone back to barely eating and now Dog2 is doing the same.
What should I do? I don't think they're I'll as Dog1 has always been like this.
If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.
The doghouse
Dog just isn't bothered about food but I think he needs to eat more, what should I do?
JaneMostyn · 11/09/2012 19:08
A couple of thoughts. Sighthounds/greyhounds are notorious for having teeth problems - please make sure all teeth have been recently checked out by vet, so that hard food is not too difficult for them.
If underweight - how underweight are we talking? Below racing weight? Hip bones v prominent? Many greys/sighthounds are naturally v skinny and if you are not used to their appearance can look underweight, particularly if you are used to fatter, chunkier breeds. Apologies if you are used to sighthounds, but this is something which often worries owners new to them.
Is worming up to date?
Weight is part of the overall picture of condition - I'd want to be looking at muscle tone/development and coat quality too. I work on the principle that it takes six months to get a sighthound from initial hat rack with kennel coat to something I'm proud of.
As part of that, I'd be feeding slightly less kibble and increasing the amount/variety of other items. I'd include things like regular weekly servings of tinned mackerel in oil, liver, raw or scrambled eggs, tuna etc. I'd also consider gaining weight by splitting meals down even further and offering three smaller meals, but rich in calories. Offer plenty of cheese, diced chicken breast, and if they like them, give them raw chicken wings. Pigs ears to munch as a treat.
To gain weight, I'd also consider using something like "satin balls" or similar as a supplement/meal replacement to help put on some weight. Lots of recipes out there - the one I use is to start with a tin of evaporated milk, and pour this over some porridge oats to soak in. Then add raw minced turkey or chicken, a pack of full fat cream cheese, raw egg, dollop of black treacle or maple syrup, raw wheatgerm, mix thoroughly and form into little balls or patties - you can give these as a supplement or even as a sub for some meals.
Also, do come over to the Sighthound thread - you'd be very, very welcome and lots of ideas there from other pointy owners. 
Thank you everyone especially Scuttlebutter for a lovely post. Dog1 is greyhound/whippet as far as we know but he's more greyhound than anything. I know lots of greyhounds/Lurchers and my boy is very skinny by comparison, yes we can see ribs but also nobbly spine which I'm not happy with. He loves cheese and the bland food he has been on when he's been poorly now I think of it which was rice and scrambled eggs.
I've taken note of all your suggestions, didn't snigger at satin balls 
and will give them all a go. We had to stop pigs ears as he used to get them stuck in the roof of his mouth (he's lovely but a bit dopey). I don't know why I haven't thought of varying their diet a bit more thank you so much.
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