How to Get Your Dog to Eat Dry Food: Tips & Tricks

Introduction

Getting your pup to enjoy eating dry food can be a challenge. If your dog won’t eat their kibble, it can leave you feeling frustrated and concerned about their health. Fortunately, there are several strategies you can use to make mealtime more enjoyable for your pup. In this article, we’ll explore how to get your dog to eat dry food with tips and tricks from pet experts.

Make Mealtime Fun

If your dog isn’t eating their dry food, it could be because mealtimes aren’t fun or engaging enough. Dr. Sarah Wooten, DVM and veterinary advisor at Camp Bow Wow, explains that “Providing variety and making meals fun is key to getting a picky pup to try something new.” To make mealtime more engaging, she recommends using puzzle feeders. These devices make your pup work for their food, giving them an outlet to express their natural instinct to hunt and scavenge.

You can also try interactive toys like the Kong Wobbler. This toy dispenses treats when your pup pushes or bats it around. It encourages your pup to play and helps keep them from getting bored during mealtime. Other tools you can use to make mealtime more enjoyable include slow feeders and lick mats. These products slow down the eating process, which can help prevent your pup from getting sick after eating too quickly.

Introduce New Flavors

Another way to get your pup to enjoy their dry food is to offer a variety of flavors. According to Dr. Wooten, “Dogs love the taste of variety. Try introducing different types and flavors of dry food to find out which your pup prefers.” You can also add in small bits of cooked meats or vegetables to their kibble to make it more appealing. Just be sure to check with your vet before adding any new foods to your pup’s diet.

Mix with Wet Food

Mixing wet food with dry food can make it more appetizing for your pup. The wet food adds moisture and flavor to the dry kibble, making it more palatable. You can also add a little bit of water or broth to the kibble to soften it up and make it more enticing for your pup.

Use Treats as Rewards

Using treats as rewards for eating their dry food can also be a great way to encourage your pup to eat. Dr. Wooten suggests “giving your pup small pieces of treats when they eat their dry food. This will help create a positive association between the food and the reward.” You can also use other forms of positive reinforcement like verbal praise and petting to show your pup that you’re pleased with their behavior.

Change Texture

If your pup still isn’t interested in their dry food, you can try changing the texture. Some dogs don’t like the crunchy texture of kibble, so softening it up can make it more appealing. Adding some water or broth to the kibble can help make it softer and more palatable for your pup.

Conclusion

Getting your pup to eat dry food can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be impossible. Making mealtime fun with puzzle feeders and interactive toys can help keep your pup engaged. Offering a variety of flavors and mixing wet food with dry food can also make it more appetizing. Using treats as rewards and changing the texture of the kibble can also be effective strategies. With these tips, you can help your pup learn to enjoy their dry food.