Switched from Moist and Meaty to Purina Pro Plan
My grandparents have a history of making severely overweight pups. After their last one had to be put down due to avoidable hip complications from the excess weight, I have been tryna save our other pup from a similar fate.
He had been on lower quality food brands and most recently Purina Moist and Meaty. After some research, I convinced them to switch to Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Chicken and Rice Joint Health and have him on a strict calorie deficit while increasing exercise activities. So far it's been working! He has lost 9 lbs (he is a 5 yo, large standard goldendoodle) over the past couple of months and has thoroughly enjoyed all of our outings!
The reason I am making this post is while initially he did not seem to mind the new food and ate it more or less reluctantly, now it seems he is on a hunger strike. He refuses breakfast and dinner until he grows hungry enough to clean his bowl during the night. We have sometimes needed to add small portions of shredded chicken or a slice of salami finely chopped to entice him, but now hell even ignore that. He seems only interested in begging at the dinner table despite us not giving into his endeavors.
Due to him not really seeming to enjoy it I was wondering if we should switch to something he would prefer more. Since he was practically raised on moist and meaty, I think the hard kibble vs soft is the major reason why he is not enjoying it. I know hard kibble is better for his dental but if he continues to refuse his food I am not sure it really matters. Anyway, I am not sure what to do, Pro Plan is kind of expensive for him not to eat it and I am at a loss for how to get him to enjoy his food. Should I switch again and try a different kibble?
* Vet says his teeth look good, no issues there. Human food has largely been entirely cut off. Treats are minimal and mostly for training. Seems to be in good health and will accept other food and water.