Struggling with a picky eater? Find the best dog food for fussy eaters and learn tips to encourage your dog to eat.
Why Are Some Dogs Picky Eaters?
This is a question we frequently get asked. When owners are at their wits end trying to get their dog to eat. For some dogs, this is a learnt behaviour which can be frustrating and upsetting for owners. However, sudden ‘picky’ eating or prolonged refusal to eat, may be related to an underlying health problem like bad teeth or digestive upset. It is always best to talk to your vet if your dog goes off their meals. They will be able to carry out a health check to rule out any illness.
Best Dog Food for Fussy Eaters: Top Choices
When we think about sharing a home with our dogs, it’s easy to start thinking of them like another member of our family. We certainly love them as much! But we mustn’t forget that even the smallest and fluffiest of breeds have an instinctive love of meat. Which is why Carnilove is formulated with respect for the natural origins of dogs. Each recipe corresponds to natural prey and ensures the intake of essential amino acids.
Dry vs. Wet Food for Picky Dogs
Which one is best? The answer is it is down to the personal preference of either the owner or the dog! All Carnilove foods are balanced and complete and will provide the nutrition your dog needs. The choice of whether to feed wet, dry or a combination of both is up to you. However, it is important to be consistent so choose a method of feeding that meets both your needs long-term.
How to Encourage a Picky Dog to Eat
Keep in mind that every dog is unique and what works for one dog may not work for another. Here are some tips that may help make meal times easier:
1. Choose a food with quality meat ingredients
Meat should be the main ingredient in your dog’s food. Remember, they may be cute, but they are carnivores that have a natural instinct to eat meat! Carnilove True Fresh is made with only fresh meat – no meat meal, all True Fresh Dog recipes have 60% fresh meat or fish resulting in extraordinary taste and great digestibility.
2.Taste
Taste is important. Consider trying alternative or novel animal proteins. Carnilove has a variety of complete recipes to choose from and includes wild-origin meats from novel sources such as Reindeer, Duck & Pheasant, Lamb & Wild Boar.
3. Kibble size or texture
These may play a role in your dog’s appetite. Smaller dogs may be more enthusiastic about mealtimes when fed a small bite kibble or senior dogs without teeth may do best on a wet food. Carnilove dry food may be served dry or moistened with lukewarm water.
4. Variety
Variety can reduce the likelihood of dogs becoming bored of having the same food every day. If you are feeding a complete dry food, you can consider using a tasty topper like Carnilove pouches, with 85% meat and organs in every flavour. Mixed thoroughly with the kibble to ensure your dog doesn’t start to favour one over the other. This can provide the variety they need without the stress of switching to an alternative diet.
5.Gentle encouragement
Gentle encouragement and providing a safe quiet place for your dog to eat their meals. This should be away from children, other pets and high-traffic areas. Some may prefer to eat alone without you watching over them. While others prefer calm, gentle praise while eating. It is important to take the time to learn what works well for them and this will help you build a lasting bond.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Feeding Fussy Dogs
1. Review feeding portions
This may seem obvious, but it is certainly worthwhile checking if you are feeding in line with the manufacturers feeding recommendations. If you are over feeding, this may be the reason why your dog isn’t finishing their meals.
2. Give it time
When your dog doesn’t eagerly accept their meal it can sometimes be easy or convenient to quickly opt for offering them an alternative food. Unfortunately, this may lead to more ‘fussy’ behaviour. It is better instead to focus on how you can encourage them to eat the food that has already been presented and feel better about mealtimes.
3. Follow a routine
Dogs thrive on routine! For most adult dogs Carnilove recommends feeding two meals a day. However, some smaller breeds may find it easier to manage three smaller meals. Either way, try to stick to set mealtimes, for example if you are feeding two meals these may be fed 8-12 hours apart. Following the manufacturers feeding guide, divide the food equally into the required number of meals. Present the food bowl at the allocated time and allow your dog 15-20 minutes to eat their food before removing the bowl. Any left-over food will need to be safely stored away and presented again at the next allocated mealtime. It is important that all household members remain consistent with the chosen routine for the best chance of success. Establishing a routine for mealtimes helps support their overall wellbeing.
4. Avoid snacking
It’s a good idea removing all other treats that includes human tit-bits. This will help them get used to a regular feeding routine and build their appetites for the next meal.
5. Feeding bowls
Bowls aren’t just about style. Some dogs may prefer a ceramic or plastic bowl over a metal bowl. Collars and tags can clang against metal bowls which may create a negative association with approaching the bowl. This is especially problematic with sound sensitive dogs. The size and depth of the bowl should also be factored into your choice based on size and breed of the dog.
Often patience and consistency are the most effective. If you are in any doubt or your dogs’ eating habits are out of character, it is recommended that you seek your vet’s advice.
Always make sure your dog has access to plenty of fresh water.