What to do with a Picky Eating Dog
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Dr. Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in companion animal practice. In 1987 she graduated from the University of Glasgow, with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She works at Blythwood Vets and the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA). Pippa is an advocate of Fear-Free Practice, an animal addict, and a veterinary writer. She is also w...
Veterinarian
UPDATED: Dec 12, 2023
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We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about pet insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything pet insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by pet insurance experts.
UPDATED: Dec 12, 2023
Pet Insurance U receives compensation from the third parties included on this site. This includes payment for clicks from our site to insurance providers’ sites and quote requests generated. Our rankings and reviews are not affected by payments from the insurance companies. The compensation we receive allows the site to be free and regularly updated. Our goal is to review every pet insurance provider, but not all companies are listed on the site.
And many of the companies we review do not pay us anything. We simply rate, compare and review their plan because we feel it will be valuable to you. Our reviews are guaranteed to be unbiased, professional and advertising compensation does not influence rankings.
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Finicky dogs that won’t eat are frustrating for everyone: owners, trainers, and veterinarians. It just seems downright un-doglike not to eat anything and everything, but all dogs are different and some are picky when it comes to eating food.
Breed and age play a part. Some toy breeds and older dogs are notorious for picking and choosing foods, taking longer to finish meals, or going for long periods of time without eating anything. Dogs are typically considered to be picky eaters if they won’t eat at least once a day most days.
Related: 10 Things You Must Know Before You Buy Pet Insurance
Make Sure Your Dog Is Healthy
Some dogs become picky eaters because they don’t feel well or have some underlying health conditions. If your dog suddenly goes off food and refuses to eat for more than a couple of meals, a visit to a veterinarian familiar with your pet is a good idea. This is especially true if you have a puppy or a small breed dog that has fewer reserves.
If your dog has always been a picky eater, this is less likely to be a concern. If despite being a finicky eater, your dog maintains a healthy weight, acts bright and alert, and has a nice shiny coat, you may just have a dog that eats to live, rather than lives to eat.
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Don’t Feed Them From The Table
Dogs that think there might be something better coming if they avoid eating their dog food are more likely to be picky about what they eat. Don’t feed your dog from the table and remember that dogs have different nutritional needs than people, so a diet consisting solely or primarily of human foods is not appropriately balanced for your pet. The occasional human food treat should never be seen coming directly from your plate and should be offered in the dog’s bowl.
Schedule
Decide how often and when you are going to feed your dog and then stick to that schedule. Offer food only at those designated times for 15 to 30 minutes at a time and then remove the food. Many picky eaters respond best to more frequent, smaller meals as opposed to large infrequent meals or free choice feeding.
Many dogs eat best when their daily activities include plenty of exercise, but try not to feed immediately after a walk or run as this could put them at increased risk for bloat. Some dogs eat better at night, others in the morning. Experiment and find the right timing for you and your pet and then keep it consistent.
Offer a Good-Quality Dog Food
Offer your dog a high-quality dog food that is balanced and doesn’t list corn as the first ingredient. If your dog has been eating the same food well for a long time and then suddenly stops, but the veterinarian doesn’t see any health issues, make sure the food has not been recalled, spoiled or expired.
If you are switching to a new food, make sure to transition slowly, mixing the new food with the old food. A small amount of wet food can make it more difficult for dogs to separate out the bits they want from those they don’t. If you are encouraging your dog to eat more dry food, consider mixing that food with a small amount of warm water.
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Reserve Treats for Training
Try to avoid giving treats “just because” or when you are sitting at the table or relaxing on the couch. Consider making treats using the dog’s regular food. Give a treat only when the dog has performed a requested behavior and always remember that some forms of rewards and treats are not food, but affection. Give lots of pats, scratches behind the ear, etc.
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Environmental Modification
Most dogs prefer eating in a quiet location away from loud children or other animals. Others are more likely to eat well in the company of others. Some enjoy being petted, while others would prefer a quiet, safe place to eat alone far from distractions and potential competition from other pets.
A key ingredient for helping a picky eater is adjusting the immediate surroundings to their individual needs to create a comfortable eating environment. Make feeding time a positive experience and offer praise when your dog eats, but only provide your full attention after the meal is gone.
When Eating is Mission Critical
Most dogs can afford to miss a meal or two without any major complications, but if you have a dog that is older, ill or otherwise in critical need of some nutrients, here are a few tips just for you. Please also consult your veterinarian. There are prescription appetite stimulants that may help.
- Try mixing some canned food or baby food with their regular diet.
- Consider adding some bland human foods such as rice, boiled chicken without the skin, or cottage cheese to their regular food.
- Add moisture and warm the food to body temperature to increase aromas.
- Some dogs respond well to spices such as oregano, basil or parsley.
- Offer a small smorgasbord of yummy foods and watch which ones they prefer.
- Many dogs really enjoy canned cat food and it can be used in the short term, but protein levels are too high for long-term use.
- Try offering small amounts of food by hand and then transitioning them to their bowl.
- Try feeding dogs in a place they love: outdoors, in the bed, or on your lap.
These short-term solutions are only for those critically in need of calories. Providing a dog a balanced diet, whether commercially available or homemade, is essential to ensure longevity and high quality of life. If getting your dog to consume a balanced diet is an ongoing struggle, consider contacting a veterinary nutritionist for additional tips and solutions customized to your unique pet.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some tips for dealing with picky eating dogs?
he article provides several tips, including ensuring the dog’s health, avoiding feeding from the table, establishing a feeding schedule, offering high-quality dog food, and using treats for training. Environmental modifications and seeking veterinary advice for critical cases are also discussed.
Why is environmental modification important for picky eaters?
Adjusting the surroundings to a dog’s individual needs creates a comfortable eating environment. This positive experience encourages the dog to eat, and offering praise afterward reinforces good behavior, addressing picky eating habits.
How can users find safe alternative foods for dogs, and why is it important?
The article suggests looking into pet insurance for pets and provides a list of articles on safe alternative foods for dogs. It emphasizes the importance of considering pet insurance and exploring safe food options for a pet’s well-being.
Can a dog’s feeding preferences change over time?
Yes, a dog’s taste and preferences can evolve. Factors like age, health, and changes in the household may influence a dog’s eating habits. It’s essential to adapt to their evolving needs and preferences.
Are there specific dog breeds more prone to picky eating?
While individual preferences vary, some toy breeds and older dogs are often associated with picky eating habits. It’s important to understand your dog’s specific needs and tendencies, regardless of their breed.
What role does mealtime consistency play in managing picky eating?
Consistency in mealtime schedules and routines is crucial. Dogs thrive on predictability, and a regular feeding schedule can help establish a healthy eating routine, making it easier to address picky eating behaviors.
Can anxiety or stress contribute to a dog’s picky eating habits?
Yes, stress or anxiety can impact a dog’s appetite. Changes in the environment, new family members, or other stressors may affect their eating habits. Creating a calm feeding environment and addressing underlying stressors can help improve eating behavior.
How can I monitor my picky eater’s overall health?
Regular veterinary check-ups are essential for monitoring your dog’s health. If your dog’s picky eating is accompanied by other concerning signs, such as weight loss or lethargy, consult with a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues.
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap pet insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Dr. Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in companion animal practice. In 1987 she graduated from the University of Glasgow, with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She works at Blythwood Vets and the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA). Pippa is an advocate of Fear-Free Practice, an animal addict, and a veterinary writer. She is also w...
Veterinarian
We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about pet insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything pet insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by pet insurance experts.