We love our dogs and want to always provide them with the best. In our home, the best applies especially for food. Amongst our pack, I can safely say: My dog is a fussy eater! He is also our motivation for cooking dog food for picky eaters.
While I may be grinning, writing this blog. It certainly wasn’t a behaviour I would encourage. The consequences were food wastage and the worry about my dog’s weight loss.
Some of the characteristics of picky dogs:
- Not finishing full meals
- Always ready for treats
- Eats only what they deem fit for themselves, at that moment
- Slowly moving to eating whenever the refrigerator or cooker opens!
Looking for the best dog food for fussy eaters, may not ensure this behaviour is corrected. Like all things with dogs, fussy dogs need work.
We have tried, tested all of the following tips and dog food for picky eaters. And are we glad we stuck to the plan. Now he eats just fine. Except when the weather gets hot he may leave a little. Which is his way of informing us to reduce the portion size. We adjust the meals based on signs of weight loss.
As a pet parent, once you’ve chosen the food option that best suits your dog and you. You have to help your dog understand, no other food options exist. Here, we are covering feeding fussy dogs cooked meaty meals.
Before you do execute the below steps, do ensure your vet has ruled off any health concerns around this behaviour of leaving food behind.
Tips on feeding fussy dogs
There are a few things you can try to help reassure yourself, you’ve done everything in your power to make their meals appetising.
- Warm up their meals: This helps release the natural aromas and flavours in the food. Picky dogs usually smell their food first.
- Sometimes mixing some broth or coconut oil may do the trick.
- Elevate their food bowl with a stand or a small stool. Making it easier for them to access their bowl without the strain.
- Stop feeding off your plate or table
- Fix timings for meals & treats
Despite all of the above efforts, you still see inconsistencies in your dog’s eating habits?
Here’s an exercise which will help your dog and you enjoy their meal times.
We regularly hear from canine behaviourists, experienced pet owners and trainers, that dogs require routine & commitment.
The best way to encourage your picky eater to complete their meals, is to follow these simple steps:
- Put out your dog’s food at meal time and leave it for 15-20 minutes. If it hasn’t been eaten within the decided time, then take it away.
- At their next scheduled meal time, put their food out. And take it away after 15-20 minutes. Even if the food isn’t eaten.
- Maintain this strategy until your dog decides to eat. Do not give in!
This may take 2 weeks to a month, depending on how picky your dog is. But do not give in.
As a loving dog parent, you might think that this sounds harsh. However, you have to remember that your dog isn’t starving. They’ll definitely eat if they are hungry. This is basically a battle of wills. If you maintain this strategy you’ll have cracked the fussy dog code. Giving you the freedom to try new dog food for picky eaters. And training your dog with healthy eating patterns.