Dealing with a dog thatโs a fussy eater can be troubling. Fortunately, sticking to a few feeding practices can help dog parents easily manage the diet and nutritional needs of their fussy eaters.
Are you a pet parent who is having to deal with a fussy eater? To be more specific, are you a dog parent whose dog is super stubborn when it comes to eating? Well, rest assured, you’re not the only dog mom or dad who is struggling with this issue.
Like humans, dogs too tend to develop preferences and aversions to certain foods and food types. That, in turn, can turn your furry friends into fussy eaters which can lead to further problems related to their diet and nutrition.
Expert advice from Dr. Bryce Zietz, DVM suggests that some dogs tend to get bored with their current diet. Many dogs also end up developing an aversion to the taste, appearance, or texture of the usual food they consume.
Therefore, it's vital to understand that a dog's refusal to eat isn't necessarily a sign of serious illness.
Having said all that, addressing a fussy eater will require patience, experimentation, and sometimes a bit of creativity from your end. To help dog parents such as yourself, we’ll share a few feeding tips so that you can deal with your fussy eater.
Evaluate and Ensure a Complete and Balanced Diet
One of the very first steps in dealing with a fussy eater is to evaluate your dog’s dietary needs. Ensure that its meals are balanced and contain all the essential nutrients required for a healthy lifestyle.
Some dogs may be picky because their food lacks certain flavors or textures that appeal to them. Testing different types of puppy food and adult dog food, including wet and dry dog food, can help determine what your dog prefers. If you have a senior dog, evaluate its feeding needs too, since a senior dog tends to have a sensitive stomach.
Any dog food you pick needs to have a proper balance of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. For an adult dog, try the Purina Pro Plan Shredded Blend Chicken and Rice Dry Food for Adult Dogs.
This dry dog food contains hard kibble combined with shredded pieces of tender chicken for taste and a bit of added texture. It also contains natural prebiotic fiber that’s been sourced from wheat bran, which helps promote digestive health.
If your pooch is a fan of wet food, give it the Diamond Naturals Lamb Dinner All Life Stages Canned Dog Food. The real lamb protein in this wet dog food helps provide essential nutrients to support your dog’s active lifestyle.
On top of all this, this dog food is also enhanced with superfoods like pumpkin, quinoa, and cranberries.
However, if you’re unsure of what to feed your canine buddy, consult with your vet. They can help identify any deficiencies in your dog's current diet.
Experiment with Different Food Options
There are numerous dog food options available on the market, ranging from dry dog food to canned food and everything in between. If your dog is turning its nose up at its current diet, it might be time to explore different types of foods.
Dry dog food, or kibble, is convenient and helps keep your dog's teeth clean, but some dogs prefer the taste and texture of wet dog food. Mixing wet and dry dog food can offer a more appealing meal for fussy eaters.
Also, there are specialized dog foods designed for picky eaters that come in various flavors and textures.
Incorporate Dog Treats Wisely
Dog treats can be an excellent tool for encouraging your fussy eater to enjoy its meals. However, it's important to use treats wisely to ensure they complement your complete and balanced diet rather than replace it.
High-quality dog treats made from natural ingredients can be used to top its regular meals and add a burst of flavor.
The Loving Pets Natural Value Beef Sticks Dog Treats is a good example of such a dog treat. You can even cook them on an open grill to reduce fat and give them some delicious flavors.
You might try the Beggin Strips Original Bacon Dog Treats if your pooch loves bacon. Each of these strips guarantees a super-delicious and savory taste of bacon.
However, be careful not to overdo it, as too many treats can lead to nutritional imbalances and excessive calorie intake.
The Role of Canned Food
Canned food, also known as wet dog food, can be particularly enticing for fussy eaters due to its strong aroma and rich flavor.
This dog food typically contains higher moisture content, which can be beneficial for dogs that do not drink enough water. The texture of canned food is often more palatable for picky eaters.
Mixing a small amount of canned food with the best dry dog food you can find can make the meal more appealing. Ensure that the canned food you choose is of high quality and meets your dog's nutritional needs.
Gradual Transitions and Consistency
When introducing new dog food or making changes to your dog’s diet, it's crucial to do so gradually. Sudden changes can lead to gastrointestinal upset, which can make your dog even more reluctant to eat.
You should start by mixing a small amount of the new food with its current food. Slowly and gradually, increase the proportion of the new food over a week or two before fully stopping the addition of the old food.
According to Dr. Paul Manktelow, who is a vet and research specialist in fussy eating, consistency is key when dealing with a fussy eater. Always try feeding your canine companion at the same times each day to establish a routine.
Appeal to the Natural Preferences
Understanding your dog's preferences can help you choose the best dog food for it.
Flavors such as chicken, beef, and lamb are often popular, but some dogs might have unique tastes. Offering a variety of dog foods can help you discover which flavors and textures your dog prefers.
Try to avoid foods with artificial flavors and preservatives, as these can be less appealing and potentially harmful to your dog's health.
In conclusion, feeding a fussy eater requires a complex approach involving everything from understanding your dog’s preferences to ensuring a complete and balanced diet.
Incorporating high-quality wet food, dry food, and nutritious dog treats can make meals more appealing. Gradual transitions, consistent feeding schedules, and a calm eating environment are essential for encouraging your dog to eat.
By being attentive to your dog’s needs, you can find the best dog food options that will keep your fussy eater happy and healthy.
