Having a routine and a distraction-free safe space can make an anxious dog more comfortable eating. Some dogs may benefit from having a dedicated place to eat away from distraction (and other dogs). Repeat step three at the next scheduled feeding time, sticking to the schedule you’ve established. Don’t give your dog treats, table scraps or food in between feedings - and make sure everyone in the household sticks to this! Even the occasional human food treat can reinforce picky eating and encourage begging behavior.ĥ. After 15 to 20 minutes, take away any leftover food this sets a pattern for your dog to follow.Ĥ. When it’s mealtime, put out your dog’s food. Divide the daily amount of food your dog gets into the number of meals you’ve selected.ģ. This could mean a morning meal and evening meal, or breakfast, lunch and dinner just avoid going more than 12 hours between feedings. Develop a feeding schedule you can adhere to each day. Portion-controlled feeding can be a good choice for finicky eaters, giant and large breeds, and dogs that are overweight or have special needs.ġ. Feeding at the same time and place every day establishes a comfortable eating pattern. To help correct picky eating behavior, create a consistent feeding routine. More often than not, dogs are trained to be picky eaters - and training can often remedy the issue.
FINICKY DOG EATER HOW TO
How to Help Get Your Picky Dog to Eat Develop a Feeding Schedule If your dog has always been finicky about food, it may be in their genes! While some dog breeds are known for their ravenous appetites, others are naturally more lean or finicky with food.īreeds that may be more prone to picky eating include Boston terriers, dachshunds, greyhounds, poodles and French bulldogs. Just as a dog’s breed can inform their temperament and exercise requirements, breed disposition can also play a role in your dog’s appetite. Has there been a drastic change to your dog’s routine? Is there a new person or pet in the home, or have some family members been absent? Have you recently moved? Dogs are creatures of habit and even small changes to their normal routine can lead to picky eating. If your pet suddenly becomes a picky eater, it could be due to stress or anxiety. Sometimes a finicky eater simply doesn’t like the flavor or texture of their food. That said, dogs can have food preferences. Most dogs are happy eating the same food every day, as long as it’s nutritionally balanced. While humans enjoy a variety of tastes and textures in meals, switching up a dog’s food isn’t really necessary. On the other end of the spectrum, too much variety in a dog’s diet can lead to picky eating.
It could simply be time to open a fresh bag of kibble or order new wet dog food. Check to see if the food has spoiled, has an odd smell or looks different. If your pet eats the same dog food every day and suddenly stops eating, it could mean something about their food has changed. Plus, coaxing your dog to eat with treats may even train them to hold off on eating their normal food so they’re offered “the good stuff.” Just as ice cream or chips before dinner may ruin your appetite, treats and table scraps can spoil dinner for your pup. In fact, too many treats can affect your pet's normal intake of dog food. When you feed your dog a balanced, highly nutritious diet, nothing else is needed. Do they get the occasional dog treat? Is someone sneaking them extra table scraps? If your pet isn’t showing signs of illness, take a close look at what your dog eats each day.
Senior dogs might need their food bowl elevated for easier reach your vet can suggest ways to make eating more comfortable for your older pup. If your dog is older, they may just need some accommodations to make mealtime easier. They can help determine if your dog’s picky eating is behavioral or a signal of something else. Any time you have concerns about your dog’s health, consult your veterinarian. If your dog experiences a sudden change in appetite, stops eating altogether or has other symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea, it could be a sign of an underlying health problem or illness. But if you notice that your dog doesn't seem to be eating as usual, there are a few factors to consider.įive Reasons Dogs Are Picky Eaters Health Concerns or Illness
Is your dog a finicky eater, or could it be something else? If your dog has always been picky about their food but maintains a healthy weight and has a shiny coat and normal stool, it’s likely not cause for concern.
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