How to Make a Picky Dog Eat: Variety, Rewards & Flavoring

Introduction

Dogs are usually enthusiastic about mealtime. But for some owners, mealtimes can be a real challenge. If your pup is a picky eater, it can be hard to get them to try new foods or even finish their meals. Fortunately, there are strategies you can use to encourage your pup to become more adventurous with their food.

Offer a Variety of Foods

If you’re only giving your pup the same type of food every day, they may eventually become bored. Providing a variety of different types of food will help keep your pup interested in mealtime. Offer kibble, wet food, canned food, frozen food, and homemade food. Additionally, try to offer different flavors and textures. This will help keep your pup engaged and give them a chance to explore different tastes and smells.

Another way to make mealtime fun for your pup is by using puzzle toys and interactive feeders. These toys can add an extra layer of enrichment to your pup’s meals. They can also slow down eating, helping to prevent bloating and other digestive issues.

Use Treats as Rewards

Treats can be a great way to encourage your pup to eat. You can pair your pup’s regular food with small bites of something special, like freeze-dried liver treats or pieces of cooked chicken. This will make the meal more exciting and motivate your pup to eat more eagerly. Just make sure that you don’t overdo it with treats; they should only make up 10 percent of your pup’s daily caloric intake.

Change Up the Presentation

Some pups may not be interested in their food if it’s served in the same bowl every time. Try mixing things up by serving your pup’s meal in different ways. For example, you can try putting their food in a Kong toy or on a flat surface like a plate or cookie sheet. You can also try freezing their kibble or wet food in ice cube trays or silicone molds.

Another way to make your pup’s meal more exciting is by adding flavor. You can do this by adding low-sodium broth or small amounts of grated cheese to their food. This will give the food a more appetizing smell and taste, which can help entice your pup to eat.

Get Creative with Flavoring

In addition to adding low-sodium broth or grated cheese, you can also get creative with other flavorings. Try adding a bit of plain, unsweetened yogurt or cottage cheese to your pup’s meal. You can also mix in bits of cooked vegetables like carrots and green beans. Just remember to keep the portions small and avoid adding too much salt or sugar.

Conclusion

Making a picky dog eat doesn’t have to be a challenge. By offering a variety of different types of food, using treats as rewards, changing up the presentation, and getting creative with flavoring, you can help make mealtime more enjoyable for your pup. With patience and consistency, you can help your pup develop a healthy appetite and become a more adventurous eater.