GDV and Underweight feeding

[DobbyOzzy]

I just became a owner of a Red AKC Doberman. 2 days after he had to have emergency life saving surgery due to GDV. His stomach twisted into its self and caused his spleen to twist. The vet fixed his stomach and had to remove the spleen. He was a little under weight from when I got him but now his ribs show and back bone shows just from one week in recovery. My concerns are if I should start feeding him something different, something that will be easy on his stomach but enough to help him put on healthy weight. Currently he is back starting to eat his regular food Purina One, which is what his orginal owner was feeding him. He acts like he doesn't like it and is being very picky at eating it. I am affraid he will just continue to loose weight due to his extreme hyperness. Can anyone tell me what type of feed would be sutiable for his situation?

[Big Dogs]

I would double check with your vet but when we get dogs in our kennel that do not like to eat we will mix 2 table spoons of spaghetti sauce in with there dry food and mix it well they always seem to eat there food and it's not enough to throw off there diet. But I would still check with your vet to see if he thinks it's okay. Remember since he twisted his stomach he is going to be susceptible to that so feed small portions and no running around an hour before or after eating even if you have to crate him to prevent him from doing it.

[RKCM]

With surgery, I would think your vet would have can food available that will be easy on his stomach. Not sure that Purina One is what I would use. I hope someone on the list can help you if your vet doesn't have recommendations.

Back when I showed toys, I use to hand fed Chih baby weiners from the grocery store if they weren't eating. It's easy on their stomach but they need more than just that.

[Dobs4ever]

I am so very sorry to hear about your baby. That is terrible when you only had him a week. Poor baby did not get to adjust to one change before major complications. We are glad to hear he came thorugh the surgery OK> Your vet should have given you a recommended diet but if he did not then this is the program I would use. I would cook ground turkey meat in a little water, brown rice (cooked), You can add scrambled egg and plain yogurt (2 heaping Tbs.) and a Heaping Tbs of pumpkin (not the pie filling) I always give yogurt after antibiotics regardless. I would mix it half and half with his dog food. I would definitely change from purina one. You may visit my web site for info on what I recommend feeding and why.

I would feed this 50/50 for a week then 25/75 for a week and then you should be able to move him to dog food as long as he eats and is not having other problems.
This regimine will not upset his stomach but will encourage him to get is appetite back and to gain weight. Good luck