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8 Pickiest Dog Breeds Who Demand Only The Best Food

By: Ejay Camposano
A college graduate with a degree in Electrical Engineering, Ejay has a diverse background that combines technical expertise with a passion for pets and is now one of the content writers at IHD. Read more
| October 3, 2024

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Regarding feeding, some dogs are easygoing, but others have highly refined tastes and are much pickier about their meals. These finicky eaters often turn up their noses at regular kibble, preferring gourmet food or specific ingredients to meet their high standards. For pet owners, finding the right meals that satisfy these discerning pups can take creativity, patience, and plenty of trial and error. Finding the perfect food for these breeds may be challenging, but keeping them happy and healthy is worth it.

Shih Tzu

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Shih Tzus are known for their luxurious coats, and their food preferences seem to match their elegant appearance. This breed often prefers food with more moisture and will quickly reject anything they deem too dry or boring. Shih Tzus may also develop preferences for certain proteins or flavors, making it challenging to keep them happy at mealtime. Their picky tendencies can also stem from sensitive stomachs, so finding high-quality, easily digestible food is essential for keeping this little royalty satisfied and healthy.

Afghan Hound

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With their aristocratic appearance and independent nature, Afghan Hounds are notorious for being finicky eaters. Their selective appetites are often a reflection of their overall personality, as these dogs like to make their own decisions—especially when it comes to food. They may refuse to eat if they don’t like the texture, taste, or smell of what’s in their bowl. Owners of Afghan Hounds often find themselves experimenting with different flavors and high-quality ingredients to satisfy this breed’s refined tastes.

Poodle

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Poodles, particularly the toy and miniature varieties, are known for their intelligence and sophistication, which extends to their eating habits. Poodles are prone to pickiness, especially when accustomed to high-quality or home-cooked meals. They often demand variety and can quickly grow bored with the same food day after day. Poodles also have sensitive stomachs, which means they may require specific ingredients or formulations to avoid digestive upset. Owners of these dogs frequently resort to premium brands or even home-prepared meals to satisfy their pup’s palate.

Maltese

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Maltese dogs are small in size but have big opinions when it comes to their food. This breed is often choosy about the flavor and texture of their meals, and they can quickly become bored with the same dish daily. Maltese are also prone to dental issues, so their picky eating habits can sometimes be related to discomfort. Offering a variety of high-quality, easy-to-chew food options and frequent rotation of flavors is often the key to keeping these picky eaters happy and healthy.

Yorkshire Terrier

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Yorkshire Terriers, or Yorkies, are small dogs with big personalities and certainly don’t hold back regarding their food preferences. Known for being selective eaters, Yorkies often turn their noses up at food that doesn’t meet their standards. This breed may favor home-cooked meals over commercial dog food or develop a preference for specific flavors and textures. High-quality, grain-free, or protein-rich diets are often necessary to keep Yorkies interested in their meals while maintaining their overall health.

Chihuahua

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Chihuahuas may be tiny, but their food preferences can be surprisingly demanding. This breed is known for being one of the pickiest eaters, often refusing food if it doesn’t meet their taste requirements. Chihuahuas are also prone to dental issues, making chewing harder foods uncomfortable and adding another layer of complexity to their picky eating habits. To satisfy a Chihuahua’s refined palate, high-quality, small-bite kibble or wet food that’s easy to eat is often the best option, along with frequent rotation of flavors to keep them interested.

French Bulldog

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French Bulldogs are known for their quirky personalities, which often extend to their eating habits. This breed can be picky about food, especially if they’ve grown accustomed to receiving table scraps or special treats. French Bulldogs are also prone to allergies and digestive issues, so finding the right food that suits their sensitive stomachs can be challenging. A balanced, high-quality diet with ingredients that cater to their needs is essential for keeping a French Bulldog happy at mealtime.

Lhasa Apso

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Lhasa Apsos are small but mighty, with strong opinions on many things—especially food. Known for being particular about what they eat, Lhasa Apsos may reject food that doesn’t have the right flavor or texture. They often prefer freshly prepared meals or high-quality wet food over standard kibble. Owners of Lhasa Apsos sometimes find themselves cooking meals from scratch or trying premium dog food brands to meet their dogs’ high culinary standards. With their picky appetites, it is important to ensure their diet is well-balanced and suited to their nutritional needs.

The Four-Legged Foodies Who Won’t Settle for Less

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These picky pups won’t settle for average kibble—they expect only the best! From the refined palate of the Afghan Hound to the tiny yet discerning taste of the Chihuahua, these dogs know exactly what they like and won’t compromise. If your dog falls into this category, be prepared for creative culinary experiments. Mealtime with these pups is more than just feeding; it’s a gourmet adventure that will keep you on your toes as you strive to satisfy their high standards!