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Do you own a dog that suddenly lost interest in eating its food? You give them nutritious and tasty food, and they lick and sniff at it. Is it time to give them the next meal, and you find their feeding bowl is full of the last meal? You might have a picky dog.
In addition to that, a picky dog and sudden appetite changes might indicate a serious health problem that must be addressed immediately. This is especially the case for older dogs, puppies, and dogs with a known underlying condition.
So, even before discussing the tips to getting your fussy dog to eat, here are some reasons why your dog is becoming picky:
Digestive issues and food intolerance
On most occasions, dogs develop food sensitivities to meals they love. And if you have recently switched their regular food to a newer brand, you might just have caused their reaction. To know the food your dog is reacting to, you will need to carry out a food elimination diet.
Apart from allergies, your dog might have other gastrointestinal problems like colitis (a condition that can range from parasites), IBS, IBD, and pancreatitis.
Stress and environmental changes
Your dog might become fussy or stop eating due to stress. As a dog owner, it becomes hard for you to think of your dog’s environment, the changes, and how they can affect your furry friend. However, it is important to note that your dog’s eating habit is the first factor that gets affected by stress and environmental changes.
Mouth pain or poor dental cleanness
Your dog might stop eating if they are experiencing gum, tooth, or other mouth-related pain. The issue can result from an accident or something serious related to poor dental cleanness and illness that will need an immediate checkup.
Best Food for a Fussy Dog
When it comes to their taste preferences, every dog is different. Always pick dog food that will help you solve their pickiness, for instance, pork, oily fish, and duck. And more importantly, buy your dog’s food from a reputable pet food supplier.
Getting Your Fussy Dog to Eat
Many people think that dogs can eat anything that comes their way. Unfortunately, your dog can become fussy about its food. This can be challenging, but knowing the causes can help you. The other good news is there are ways to get your pet to eat its food. Here are some:
Mix foods
Is your pet fussy because you introduced a new meal but they still love his old meal? Combining the two can just do the trick. Try masking the new food with the old one to have your dog eat it. This is the best way to transition your dog to a new food every time.
Add food toppers
Your fussy furry friend might need an incentive to eat. So, consider adding food toppers that will add some flavor to their food and at the same time make them feel loved. Food toppers give you various options to incentivize your fussy dog to eat. You can add vegetables, fruits, or even yogurt to ensure the food is healthy and delightful.
Try wet food
Is your dog fussy about dry foods? Try introducing wet food. You can achieve this by mixing their dry food with chicken broth or trying a fully balanced wet dog food. Wet food is highly edible and an excellent choice for a fussy eater.
Feed less
Most dog owners tend to overfeed their dogs without knowing. So, it is vital to remember that your dog is likely to have more appetite during the next meal when you feed them less than the recommended ratio.
Bottom line
Your dog can become fussy or stop eating due to stress, poor dental cleanness, environmental changes, or digestive problems. On the other hand, fussiness might indicate a serious problem that needs immediate treatment. So, if your dog seems unwell, don’t mistake them for being fussy. Negation to eat and extreme fatigue might be a sign of a serious problem.
