Feeding a picky dog can be a frustrating challenge for pet owners. Some dogs devour anything you put in front of them, while others turn their noses up at what’s in their bowl. This pickiness could be due to different factors, from boredom with their food to health conditions or habits formed by being given human food. Whatever the reason, it’s important to ensure your dog gets the nutrition they need. If you're dealing with a fussy eater, here are 10 practical tips that can help you turn things around.
1. Choose High-Quality Dog Food
One of the easiest ways to get your dog interested in food again is by offering them high-quality kibble. Dog food that uses premium ingredients is much more appealing to dogs because it tastes better and is healthier for them. When selecting kibble, look for products that list real meat as the main ingredient (like chicken, beef, or lamb) rather than meat by-products or fillers like corn or wheat. Grain-free options may also work better for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
For example, at PetEssentials.club, we offer high-quality dog food that’s packed with protein from natural sources. These include our Freshly Prepared range, which contains 50% meat, and our Gourmet range, which boasts 65% meat content, ensuring a more appetizing and nutritious meal for your dog.
2. Add Warm Water to Dry Kibble
If your dog has been refusing kibble, try adding a bit of warm water to it. The warm water helps to release the food's aromas, which can make it much more enticing for your dog. Just a few tablespoons of warm (not hot) water mixed into the kibble can enhance the flavor and texture, making it easier for your dog to enjoy their meal.
You can also add broth instead of water to make it even tastier. Just ensure the broth is low in sodium and free of any onions, garlic, or other seasonings that might harm your dog.
3. Mix in Wet Food or Toppers
Adding a bit of wet food or food toppers to your dog's kibble can help to increase its appeal. Wet food is often more flavorful and easier to eat, which is especially helpful for older dogs or those with dental issues. You don't need to replace kibble entirely with wet food, but mixing in a couple of spoonfuls can make a big difference. Wet food brands like Forthglade or pate-style dog food work well as mixers.
If you prefer a more natural option, consider adding small amounts of dog-safe ingredients like plain yogurt, sardines, or cooked vegetables. You could also sprinkle a bit of dry food topper over your dog's meal to enhance the flavor.
4. Try Fresh Ingredients
Incorporating fresh ingredients like boiled chicken, cooked veggies, or scrambled eggs into your dog's food can make mealtime more appealing. This is especially useful for dogs who have grown bored with their regular food. However, make sure any human food you add is dog-safe (no seasonings, garlic, onions, etc.).
If you're using something like fish, be sure it's fresh or canned in spring water rather than oil or brine. Always check that the ingredients are safe and healthy for your dog before adding them to their meal.
5. Practice Tough Love
It might be tempting to keep offering your dog different foods when they refuse to eat, but this can create a habit of them expecting something better every time. Practicing "tough love" by removing their food after 10-15 minutes and waiting until the next mealtime can help break this habit. If your dog is healthy and not overly active, missing one meal won’t harm them.
By sticking to a consistent feeding schedule and removing uneaten food, you’ll teach your dog that they need to eat what’s offered when it’s offered. Eventually, their hunger will kick in, and they’ll be more likely to eat what’s in their bowl.
6. Rotate Protein Sources
Just like us, dogs can get bored eating the same thing day after day. To keep your dog interested, try rotating the protein source in their food every once in a while. For example, if they’ve been eating chicken-flavored kibble, switch to lamb, beef, or fish. Most dog food brands offer different flavors or protein options within the same product line, so you can easily switch without upsetting your dog’s stomach.
Our selection at PetEssentials.club includes various protein sources to help maintain your dog’s interest while ensuring they’re getting a balanced and nutritious diet.
7. Hand-Feed or Scatter Kibble
Some dogs are more motivated to eat if feeding is turned into a game. Hand-feeding them small amounts can help reinforce a positive experience around mealtime. Alternatively, you can scatter the kibble on the floor or in the yard and let them “hunt” for it, triggering their natural scavenging instincts. You could also use a treat-dispensing toy or puzzle feeder, which not only makes mealtime more fun but also slows down fast eaters.
This interactive method can help reduce boredom while promoting mental stimulation and physical activity.
8. Feed Smaller Portions
If your dog consistently leaves food in their bowl, you might be feeding them too much. Try reducing the portion size slightly. Sometimes a smaller meal can make your dog more excited to eat. Check the feeding guidelines on the dog food package and adjust according to your dog’s weight and activity level.
At PetEssentials.club, we offer feeding guides to help you provide the right portion size based on your dog’s breed, size, and dietary needs.
9. Limit Treats Between Meals
It's easy to overfeed your dog with treats throughout the day, which can lead to them not being hungry at mealtimes. Try to limit treats to training sessions or special occasions, and make sure you're not giving too many. Treats should only make up 10% or less of your dog’s daily calorie intake.
By cutting back on treats, you’ll make your dog more eager to eat their regular meals.
10. Make Mealtimes Enjoyable
Lastly, try to create a positive environment around mealtimes. If your dog associates eating with stress or anxiety, they may be less likely to eat. Make feeding time something to look forward to by being enthusiastic when preparing their food and giving them plenty of encouragement. Keep the feeding area quiet and calm, and avoid distractions during mealtime.
By being patient and positive, you can help your dog develop healthier eating habits.