4 Tips to Try With Fussy Eating Dogs
If you're a dog owner, you know how frustrating it can be if your furry friend is a picky eater.
Mealtime can be a challenge, and finding the right food that your dog actually enjoys can feel like a daunting task.
The good news is that there are food options available that can help entice your pup's taste buds and make mealtime a more enjoyable experience for both of you.
Key Takeaways
- Wet food can be a more enticing option for fussy eaters
- Home-cooked meals give you full control over ingredients and cater to your dog's specific preferences
- Introducing novel protein sources can help prevent boredom and entice your dog to eat
- Tasty toppers like bone broth or cooked meat can enhance flavour and interest in meals
- Establishing a regular feeding schedule and maintaining consistency can help reduce pickiness
Understanding Fussy Eating Dog Behaviour
If you're struggling with a fussy eater at home, don't worry, you're not alone. Many dogs can be picky eaters, and mealtime challenges are not uncommon.
Understanding why your dog is fussy can help you find solutions that work for both you and your furry friend.
Why Are Some Dogs Fussy Eaters?
There are several reasons why dogs can be fussy eaters. One common explanation is that dogs can develop preferences or aversions to certain foods. This can be due to past experiences or a lack of exposure to different types of food.
In other cases, fussy eating behaviour can be related to health issues. If your dog is experiencing dental pain or gastrointestinal problems, they may be reluctant to eat their regular food. It's always a good idea to consult with your vet to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
Tips for Dealing with Fussy Eaters
Dealing with a fussy eating dog can be challenging, but there are things you can do to help. Here are some tips to get you started:
- Stick to a regular feeding schedule and avoid free-feeding. This can help stimulate your dog's appetite and establish a healthy routine.
- Introduce new foods gradually, and monitor your dog for any adverse reactions. If your dog shows signs of digestive upset, slow down the introduction process.
- Consider home-made fresh food meals if your dog has specific preferences or needs. Just make sure to ensure the meals are balanced and meet all of your dog's nutritional needs - you can see our raw feeding recipe books for balanced meals that meet AAFCO standards.
Remember, every dog is different, and what works for one pup may not work for another.
Be patient, and keep trying different approaches until you find a mealtime solution that works for you and your furry friend.
Nutritious home-made recipes
If you are looking for a solution to picky eating, you might want to try preparing home-made food for your furry friend. Preparing fresh food allows you to cater to your dog's specific preferences while having full control over the ingredients and quality of food that goes into their meals.
When making food for your pup, use fresh and wholesome ingredients, you can see our raw feeding recipe books for balanced meals that meet AAFCO standards.
Benefits of a fresh food diet
Feeding your furry friend with nutritious fresh food diet can bring significant benefits to his overall health and wellbeing. These include:
- Improved digestion
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Healthier skin and coat
- Improved energy levels and mood
With a little effort, you can create meals that cater to your dog's specific preferences and nutritional requirements.
A fresh food diet can transform your fussy eater into a healthy and happy pup.
Introduction of Novel Protein Sources
If you have a picky canine at home, you know how tough it can be to find a meal that appeals to them. One solution to consider is introducing novel protein sources to their diet.
Often, dogs can become bored with their food, leading to fussy eating behaviour. By offering unique meat options, you can encourage your dog to eat with excitement.
Consider options like:
| Novel Protein Sources | Description |
|---|---|
| Venison | A lean protein option with natural flavour. |
| Lamb | A protein-rich option that is often less common. |
| Fish | A great source of omega-3 fatty acids and a protein alternative for dogs with allergies or sensitivities to chicken or beef. |
Remember to introduce new proteins gradually to prevent any digestive upset and always consult with your vet about the best diet options for your furry friend. By adding novel protein sources to their diet, you may be able to find the unique meal options your picky canine has been searching for!
Incorporating Tasty Toppers
When you're dealing with a picky eater, dog food toppers and meal enhancers can be a game-changer. Adding tasty toppers to your dog's meal can help with their appetite and encourage them to finish their food. Here are some meal enhancers to try:
| Toppers | Description |
|---|---|
| Bone Broth | Bone broth is a flavourful and nutrient-dense addition to your dog's food. It provides minerals, electrolytes, and joint-loving collagen that can support their overall health. Try our bone broth recipe here |
| Freeze dried dog food | Healthy Active Pet make a human grade raw dog food that is freeze dried but as well as being a complete food you can use it as a topper to a raw food diet. It is jammed with nutrition and a winner with even the fussiest of dogs. |
| Freeze dried snacks | Healthy Active Pet make a number of freeze dried snacks such as salmon bellies, turkey breast and beef hearts and these make as a great topper to a raw food recipe - and make for a nice crunch to the meal too |
Slow Feeding Options
For fussy eaters, slow feeding options can help make mealtimes more engaging and reduce their pickiness.
Interactive Dog Bowls
Interactive dog bowls are a great slow feeding option for fussy eaters. These bowls are designed to make mealtime more challenging, encouraging dogs to eat at a slower pace.
Puzzle Feeders
Puzzle feeders are another excellent option for picky eaters. These feeders can provide mental and physical stimulation, making mealtimes more enjoyable for your dog. By using puzzle feeders, dogs must work to access their food, which can slow down their eating speed and reduce pickiness.
You can see our best selling slow feeding dog bowls here
Regular Feeding Schedule and Consistency
At our core, dogs thrive on routines, and mealtime consistency is key for dogs with picky eating habits. Establish set mealtimes and avoid free-feeding to ensure your pup stays on track with a regular feeding schedule.
By adhering to a consistent routine, you'll stimulate your fussy eater's appetite, making them more likely to eat at each mealtime.
It can be challenging to get your dog on a consistent feeding schedule, especially if you have a busy household with varying schedules.
However, by taking the steps to align mealtimes with a definite routine, your furry friend will be encouraged to eat regularly. Keep track of the times when your dog usually shows an interest in food and try to stick to those specific hours as closely as possible.
Along with routine, it's vital to ensure your dog always has access to fresh water. Make sure to change their water bowl regularly to keep it clean and fresh.
And if you have a sensitive dog, make sure you check out our sensitive dog recipe book here
