We’ve all heard dogs being referred to as a man’s best friend, and it couldn’t be more accurate. After all, dogs bring joy and companionship like none other; however, they aren’t without their challenges.
A common challenge among dog owners is knowing how to deal with a fussy eater; after all, when a dog is constantly refusing food, this sparks concern in owners.
Since this is such a common struggle, though, there are a number of strategies you can try to encourage your dog to eat regularly and healthily.
To that end, detailed below are just some of the top tips to help get your pooch eating as they should be.
Understand the Root Cause of the Fussiness
Before you can resolve the issue, you need to identify and understand the cause of your dog’s picky eating habits. Your dog could be refusing food for a number of reasons, including the following:
- Health issues – Dental problems, gastrointestinal issues, and other underlying health conditions can cause a dog to lose its appetite. When dogs become fussy out of nowhere, it’s a good idea to get in touch with a vet to rule out any medical problems.
- Boredom – Dogs aren’t too dissimilar from humans – they, too, can get bored with their food. So, if you’ve been feeding your dog the same food for an extended period of time, it might be time to switch things up for them.
- Behavioral factors – Anxiety, stress, or even the way you’re feeding your dog can affect how they respond to food. If your dog is stressed during mealtime or they associate eating with a negative experience, this might mean that they refuse to eat.
- Overfeeding treats – When a dog receives too many treats or table scraps, this may mean that they’re not hungry by the time mealtime rolls around.
Keep to a Consistent Feeding Schedule
Like humans, dogs are most content when they have a consistent routine. If your dog is fussy, you might want to steer away from free feeding, where the food is left out all day, as this can contribute to their fussiness.
Instead, fussy dogs should have set mealtimes, and if they don’t eat within 20-30 minutes, you should remove the bowl.
This works to reinforce the idea that food is only available at certain times, encouraging your dog to eat when it’s offered.
Opt for High-Quality Dog Food
The quality of your dog’s food will affect how willing they are to eat. Quality brands typically offer trial dog food packs, allowing you to give your pooch a taster before committing to a large bag.
This is a great option for dogs who are particular about the taste, texture, and smell of their food. In this instance, it’s important to opt for nutritionally balanced dog food that suits your dog’s preferences.
You might go for food with real meat as the first ingredient, as this will help you avoid artificial preservatives, colors, and fillers.
If your dog still doesn’t show interest, you might consider different types of food, like dry kibble, wet food, or a mix of both.
Some dogs prefer the taste and texture of wet food, while others enjoy the crunch of kibble. It’s a good idea to try out different brands and flavors, as this will help you find the right food for your dog.
Incorporate Variety and Flavor
Much like humans, dogs appreciate variety in their diet. As a result, you might add safe and dog-friendly toppings or mix-ins to your dog’s regular food. This is sure to make mealtime more exciting for them. You might consider the following:
- Bone broth – If your dog is craving enhanced flavor and aroma, then you might treat them to some low-sodium bone broth over their food. Not only is it tasty for your dog, but it’s also rich in nutrients that are beneficial to your dog’s health.
- Cooked vegetables – Carrots, green beans, and sweet potatoes are just some of the cooked vegetables that you might add to their food. Just make sure that you avoid vegetables that are toxic to dogs, such as onions and garlic.
- Plain yogurt – Your dog might enjoy a spoonful of plain, unsweetened yogurt. What’s more, yogurt contains probiotics that can aid in digestion.
- Canned pumpkin – You might mix a small amount of plain canned pumpkin into your dog’s food. It’s tasty for your dog, and it’s also high in fiber and can help with digestive issues.
Just be careful when it comes to introducing new foods into your dog’s diet – you need to do it gradually; otherwise, you run the risk of upsetting your dog’s stomach.
Use Puzzle Feeders or Interactive Toys
Dogs are sometimes picky eaters because they’re bored or not receiving the stimulation they need. That’s where puzzle feeders and interactive toys can come in to bring some fun and engagement into mealtime.
Tools like these require your dog to work for their food, which makes the process more enjoyable and mentally stimulating. There are multiple designs of puzzle feeders, including simple slow feeders and complex puzzles that challenge your dog’s problem-solving skills.
Not only can these feeders be effective when it comes to fussy eating, but they also provide mental enrichment, which is crucial for your dog’s overall well-being.
Limit Treats and Table Scraps
If your dog is filling up on treats or table scraps, this might mean that they’re not hungry when feeding time rolls around. If your dog is fussy, it’s crucial that you limit treats and avoid feeding your dog from the table to encourage them to eat their dog food.
You might use treats for training, but if that’s the case, you should use small, low-calorie treats or break large treats into smaller pieces to reduce the overall calorie intake.
You should also ensure that everyone in the household is on the same page when it comes to feeding the dog. As previously mentioned, consistency is key when it comes to preventing fussy eating habits.
