There are all sorts of methods for getting picky dogs to eat. Some may work for one dog but not another. It’s a little bit of trial and error. Talk to anyone who has a dog, and they’ll be more than happy to share what works. However, the four methods covered in this post are tried and true.
If your dog has gone longer than a few days without eating or is having any other concerning symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, abdominal pain, or weight loss, see your vet right away.
Related: 9 Best Dog Food Options for Picky Eaters
1. Put it down. Pick it up. Give your pup 30 minutes to eat. When time is up, take the food away. I know it sounds harsh, but your dog will learn to eat when the food gets put down. And don’t worry…they won’t starve. If you’re like me (I’m a softy), this seems way too extreme. It feels like abuse. But for a lot of people this method really works. Just like kids, dogs need to be trained, so when time is up…so is the food.
2. Your dinner time is not their dinner time. Never feed your canine companion from the table or while you’re preparing your meal. This confuses dogs. What’s worse, this is also a great way to help them decide they don’t like kibble. “Real meat is king! Give me chicken or give me death!” Okay, maybe a little dramatic, but dogs can develop a taste for people food, and getting them back to canine cuisine can be quite the challenge.
3. Timing is everything. Feed your dog at the same time each day. Whether you feed your dog three times or one time a day, consistency is king. Be sure to feed them at the same time every day. This is can also helpful with digestion and other health issues.
4. Top it off! No, I don’t mean overfeed the poor mutt. Add something special to entice your dog to eat. But be careful. Most dog foods have a fairly balanced selection of ingredients designed to keep your dog healthy, so you don’t want to add extra, empty calories. I found a great dog food topper that my dogs love.
Happy, Healthy All Natural Dog Food Toppers provide a boost of protein, probiotic, fresh fruits and veggies, and more! Choose from chicken or beef and provide your dog with a flavor and nutrition boost that will keep them excited about dinner again.
Share Your Secret Weapon to Get Your Dog to Eat
These are just a few ideas. I’m sure there are many more. If you’ve found a trick that works, share down below in the comments. After all, we’re really just one big canine community. Most important, just remember that like us, all dogs are different. You just have to find the right method to get your dog to woof it down.
Toledo, United States.
