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The 7 Pickiest Dog Breeds Who Demand Only The Best Food

By: Arlene Divina
Arlene Divina, one of the content writers at IHD, loves going on adventures with her adorable fur baby. She now creates informative content for pet parents. Read more
| September 26, 2024
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Some dogs will eat anything, but others are much more selective about their meals. Certain breeds are known for being picky eaters, whether due to sensitive stomachs, particular preferences, or refined taste buds. Owners of these dogs often have to experiment with different foods to satisfy their finicky companions, making mealtime a bit more challenging. These breeds can be notoriously difficult to please when it comes to food, requiring extra care to find the perfect balance of flavor and nutrition to keep them happy and healthy.

Shih Tzu

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Shih Tzus are known for their luxurious coats and their royal demeanor, and that attitude can extend to their eating habits as well. These small dogs often strongly prefer specific types of food, making them quite picky when it comes to mealtime. Their sensitive stomachs and tendency towards food allergies can make feeding them challenging, as they may turn their nose up at anything that doesn’t meet their high standards. Owners of Shih Tzus often offer a variety of foods to see what their dog will accept, with many gravitating towards high-quality, well-balanced meals.

Yorkshire Terrier

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Yorkshire Terriers may be small in size, but they have big personalities, including their food preferences. Known for being a bit fussy, Yorkies can quickly develop strong likes and dislikes regarding their meals. Their small size means they need a calorie-dense diet, but finding the right food they will actually eat can be challenging. Many Yorkies prefer fresh, home-cooked meals or specially formulated premium dog foods. Their pickiness may stem from their delicate digestive systems, and owners often must be mindful of offering a diet that satisfies their taste buds and nutritional needs.

Greyhound

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Greyhounds are elegant, athletic dogs known for their speed, but they often take a more leisurely approach when it comes to eating. Many Greyhounds are known for being selective about their food, and it can take some trial and error to find something that appeals to them. These dogs have lean bodies and require a diet supporting their energy needs, but they may be disinterested in certain kibble or low-quality dog food. Greyhounds often prefer foods with a higher protein content and may lean towards fresh, meat-based meals over processed options. Their pickiness can be linked to their sensitive stomachs and unique dietary needs.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

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Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are affectionate and gentle dogs but can be quite particular regarding their food. Known for having sensitive stomachs, many Cavaliers can be prone to digestive issues if their diet isn’t carefully monitored. This makes them a breed that often prefers specific types of food, especially high-quality, grain-free, or limited-ingredient diets. Cavaliers may turn their noses up at cheaper commercial dog food, instead preferring fresh, homemade meals or specially formulated premium dog foods. Their pickiness is often a result of their sensitive digestive systems and desires for flavours they find appealing.

Afghan Hound

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Afghan Hounds are known for their beauty and grace, and they also tend to carry that elegance into their eating habits. Many Afghan Hounds are notoriously picky eaters, preferring high-quality, flavorful meals over standard dog food. These dogs have lean bodies and fast metabolisms, requiring a nutrient-rich diet to maintain their health. However, they can be stubborn about what they eat and may refuse to touch food that doesn’t meet their high standards. Afghan Hound owners often offer a variety of food options, including fresh, homemade meals, to satisfy their dog’s discerning palate.

French Bulldog

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French Bulldogs are small, sturdy dogs known for their playful personalities but can be surprisingly fussy regarding their food. Many French Bulldogs have sensitive stomachs and are prone to food allergies, making finding the right diet challenging. They may be picky about the texture, flavor, and even the temperature of their food, turning their noses up at anything that doesn’t meet their exact preferences. French Bulldogs often prefer high-quality, grain-free dog food or fresh meals with simple ingredients. Their pickiness can be attributed to their sensitive digestion and need for a diet supporting their unique health needs.

Poodle

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Poodles, known for their intelligence and elegance, are another breed that can be very particular about their meals. Whether it’s the Standard, Miniature, or Toy variety, Poodles are known for having specific tastes and may become finicky if their meals are not up to their standards. They often prefer a varied diet that includes high-quality, fresh ingredients, and they may lose interest in too repetitive or bland food. Poodles are also prone to food allergies, making it essential for owners to find the right balance of nutrients without triggering digestive issues. Their discerning taste can make them one of the pickiest eaters in the canine world.

Gourmet Pups with Refined Tastes

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These breeds, known for their picky eating habits, show that not all dogs are eager to eat whatever is in front of them. Their selective appetites require special care, as owners must carefully balance nutrition and flavor. While it can take extra effort to meet their high food standards, these dogs’ love and loyalty make it all worthwhile. Though their refined tastes may demand more attention and creativity in the kitchen, the reward is a happy, healthy companion with a distinctive personality.