Picky Eating in Dogs
Most dogs LOVE food. They’ll finish their bowls as soon as they’re set down, sometimes still acting hungry afterward. Some dogs, however, aren’t quite as food motivated. They may sniff their bowl only to turn their nose up at it, or they may eat a few bites but leave the rest. Fortunately, there are ways to encourage healthier eating habits to ensure that your pet feels their best every day.
What Causes Picky Eating?
Dogs can reject their food for many reasons. Some dogs have a preference for a particular brand, while others may not like dry food very much. Noticing their eating habits can help to rule out an individual cause.
If your dog has suddenly become a picky eater, it’s important to make sure that they are in good health. Some medical reasons that can cause a sudden loss of appetite include:
- Dental disease
- Food allergies
- Infection
- Parasites
- Arthritis
- A blockage somewhere in the GI tract due to them swallowing something that they shouldn’t have
Healthy dogs won’t choose to starve themselves, so if your dog seems to have a very sudden change in appetite, you should always contact your vet first and foremost. Keep an eye out for an unkempt or dull coat, a sudden change in energy level, and a noticeable difference in how they interact with their environment. In combination with a sudden loss of appetite, these things can be signs of underlying health issues.
How to Curb Picky Eating?
Once your vet has determined that your dog has no health issues, there are a few ways you can begin to increase their appetite.
Create and Stick to a Feeding Schedule
Routine is the most important thing for dogs. Since they can’t communicate with us, dogs rely on routine to know what to expect. Feeding them a set amount at a designated time of day helps create food security, which reduces mealtime anxiety. Their bodies will learn to expect food regularly, which will lead to them being more hungry when food is offered.
Don’t Leave Food Out
For many dogs, having constantly accessible food can actually cause them to eat less. This is because they don’t see food as a valuable resource, just as something that is always available. Start by offering your dog their set amount of food at their designated time. If they don’t eat it within 20 minutes, pick the bowl up and place it out of their reach.
Wait Until Their Next Meal
If your dog didn’t eat one of their meals, it’s important to not feed them again until their next scheduled mealtime. ‘Giving in’ and feeding them earlier can cause them to continue to not eat when food is in front of them. Waiting to feed them can increase their hunger at the next meal, as well as help them to better understand the intervals that food is offered in.
Try a Puzzle Toy
For some dogs, mealtimes aren’t stimulating enough. If they would rather continue playing than eat their food, you could try to feed them in a fun, exciting way. Adding their food to a puzzle toy or slow feeder can create a fun challenge that will engage them. If the dog food isn’t enough of a reward, you can try adding a few small treats in the mix to entice your dog into eating it.
What to Avoid
When dealing with picky eaters, there’s a few things that you’ll want to avoid or their eating habits may worsen.
Giving Table Scraps
If your dog isn’t eating, it’s tempting to give them ‘people food’ to supplement their lack of calories. However, this can cause their dog food to seem less appealing, and they’ll want to wait to see if you offer something better.
Giving Too Many Treats
Treats on their own aren’t a bad thing. Most people use them as training tools or to reinforce positive behavior. A small amount of treats each day is okay, but giving too many can lead to them being less hungry at their next meal. If you’re training your dog, you can try feeding them pieces of kibble instead of treats. That way, they work for their food, but they’re still getting a full meal.
Changing Their Food Suddenly
It can be tempting to switch up your dog’s food to one that they may find more appealing, but it’s important to introduce the new food slowly. A new food can upset their stomach, as well as possibly reveal some unknown food allergies. Start by mixing a small amount of the new food into their current food and increase the amount by small amounts every day. If they get an upset stomach from a new type of food, they’re likely to be even less interested in eating it.
Dealing with a picky dog can be frustrating, but understanding their behaviors is key. Identifying the root of the problem and finding an adequate solution are the most important components to strengthening your pet’s relationship with food. Take it slow and keep an eye on how they’re feeling during every step of the process.
