Dealing With A Picky Dog

Dealing With A Picky Dog

Tips To Get Your Picky Dog To Eat

We love our dogs, and they are a part of our family, so when they suddenly become picky or stop eating altogether, it can be very disconcerting. As dogs are notoriously eager eaters, it can be alarming when your normally always hungry pet suddenly turns into a picky eater.  

So how does one determine whether their dog is a picky eater? A sudden decline in appetite can be an indication of illness – so if your dog has not eaten in 24 hours or is losing weight , consult your veterinarian immediately.

However, if your pet is still active, at an ideal weight and is otherwise healthy, but is still picky about food, there could be some other reasons. In this article, we will define why your dog may be a picky eater, as well as give some suggestions on how to help with the introduction of meal toppers and other helpful ideas.

Reasons Why You Might Suddenly Have A Picky Dog

1) Food sensitivity

Certain foods may upset your pooch’s digestive system, or they may have allergies to ingredients in foods. Sometimes simply switching to a grain free or raw diet may solve your pet’s food issues.

2) Already full

Your pup may not be eating as much at mealtimes as they might simply be full. Are you giving your dog a lot of dog treats during the day? Or perhaps someone is sneaking them table scraps during meals? These could be simple reasons as to why your pet is now suddenly picky at his designated meal times. His belly is already full!

3) Change In Routine

Even the simplest change in routine may upset your furry friend. For instance, if you change their feeding or walking time, it may affect their eating habits. This might just be a temporary issue, and they may adjust in time. In order to avoid issues, it is best to change your pet’s feeding times, etc gradually to make them feel more secure.

4) Behavioural Issue

Your dog might have underlying behavioural problem that could be causing a decline or change in the appetite. They might be feeling threatened by another pet that may be stealing their food, or they might just prefer to eat alone. If you have more than one pet, it might be a good idea to feed them separately, at separate times or in different rooms. If your pet is feeling anxious, nervous or depressed, it may affect their eating habits.

5) Aging

As your dog ages, their eating habits may change. This could be due to the aging process in general or could be related to other issues. For example, your pet may have dental issues which affect his feeding. A simple trip to the vet could easily remedy the solution. Also, it is a good idea to warm up your senior dog’s food to help make its smell more appealing.

6) Change In Environment

If you have recently moved or added a new member to the family such as a spouse or child, or even another pet, you may notice that you now have a picky pooch on your hands. You could also have left on vacation leaving someone else to tend to your dog, these factors could contribute to a change in your dog’s eating habits.

Your dog may suddenly stop eating normally due to the above reasons such as recent vacations, minor tummy problems and temporary changes in mood behaviour. While easily remedied over time, you should monitor your dog closely and ensure that other signs that may indicate a serious issue such as change in attitude, sleep habits, weight loss or gain, vomiting, diarrhoea are not the main cause for your picky eater. Seek veterinary care if you notice any medical issues.

Tips On How To Get Your Picky Dog To Eat Again

Of course, if you think there is reason to be concerned, you should definitely take your dog to the vet or at the very least call your local vet and ask for advice on whether the trip down is necessary.

But there are some other ways to get your picky dog to start eating again. These include anything from switching up their usual food to another brand to something as simple as adding meal toppers. Here are some suggestions on how to help your picky canine friend:

1) Add meal toppers to their regular food

Meal toppers are a great addition to your pets regular food. If you notice your pet is still willing to eat his usual food, but less than normal, you can simply mix in meal toppers to spice up their taste buds.

Meal toppers are also referred to as dog food sauce or gravy and are high in vitamins, superfoods and probiotics to help boost your dog’s appetite. Following are some of the most popular meal toppers for dogs. Follow the directions provided on the product packaging as well as the recommended feeding amounts based on your dog’s breed, weight and age restrictions. If you are still uncertain of what types of toppers or amounts to feed, you could ask or Email your pet food supplier for advice or check with  your vet.

Here are some popular choices for meal toppers we carry here at Kohepets!

Canned Food: Kakato Canned Food

New here at Kohepets and recommended by vets and pet owners alike in Hong Kong, this food is now available online and comes in may varieties for both cats and dogs. Kakato has no additives or artificial flavouring and only contains the finest human grade ingredients.

Freeze Dried Foods: Stella & Chewy’s Meal Mixers

Even the pickiest pooch will indulge in Stella & Chewy’s Meal Mixers! Packed with vitamins and superfoods such as blueberries and strawberries, these freeze dried foods are full of flavour! Always a popular choice among customers here at Kohepets along with their delicious freeze-dried raw food selections.

Dehydrated raw food – Grandma Lucy’s

Another popular product here at Kohepets, Grandma Lucy’s premium dehydrated raw dog food is made by freeze drying USDA meats and other high quality ingredients such as seafood, veggies and fruits. These tasty meals will entice your finicky pup’s taste buds and leave them satisfied with each and every bite!

2) Examine Your Pet

Your dog may not be eating because he is not feeling well. You should examine your pet and observe his behaviour to see if it may be a medical issue that’s affecting his appetite. Look at his teeth and feel his belly to see if it’s bloated or feels hard. Call your vet immediately if you notice any irregularities. As well, vomiting, constipation and diarrhoea may be indicators that your dog is not feeling well.

3) Stop giving your pet treats and table scraps

This might be difficult as you might be tempted to show your dog you love him by spoiling him with treats and table food. However, this would affect his/her appetite so stay strong and resist the urge to give your dog too many between meals treats, even if they are crying and begging!

4) Put your dog on set feeding schedule and stick to it

Dogs thrive on routine so you should set a strict feeding schedule for your pooch and stick to it. If he/she doesn’t eat his food in ten to fifteen minutes, take it away and then try again in about ten more minutes. Adjust your schedule to fit their eating habits and stick to it. Your pet might not be on the same schedule as you.

5) Have a set place for your dog to eat

Your dog might not like to eat when others are around. Find a quiet and “safe” place for your dog to eat his meals in peace!

We hope these tips will help you with your picky dog! Again, if your dog is ill or has not eaten in 24 hours, seek immediate veterinary assistance! We want your dog to have a long, healthy and happy life! See you . in the next article!