Tips And Tricks For Getting A Picky Dog To Eat Their Food
Do you have a dog at home who has suddenly stopped eating their food? Luckily, youve come to the right place as this is a fairly common occurrence, and we have some useful advice to get your pet eating again.
Before we dive into the tricks, however, lets discuss the importance of making sure your dog is actually being picky and isnt suffering from a more serious health-related issue.
Research Raw Food Diets
A raw food diet tries to replicate food a dog would have eaten in the wild. It consists of some mixture of meat, bones, organ meat, raw eggs, some fruits, vegetables, and dairy.
Fans of raw diets believe its the healthiest option for their dogs and that it promotes shinier coats, cleaner teeth, more energy, and healthier skin. Naysayers point out the risks, which include exposure to harmful bacteria for both dogs and humans, an unbalanced diet, and the potential dangers of sharp pieces of bone injuring a dogs teeth and digestive tract.
In spite of its popularity, some research has come out against raw food diets. As early as 2012, the American Animal Hospital Association stated, Based on overwhelming scientific evidence, AAHA does not advocate or endorse feeding pets any raw or dehydrated non-sterilized foods, including treats that are of animal origin. The American Veterinary Medical Association discourages the feeding to cats and dogs of any animal-source protein that has not first been subjected to a process to eliminate pathogens, because of the risk of illness to cats and dogs, as well as humans.
Additionally, some frozen raw dog foods have been recalled due to the presence of pathogens like E. coli and salmonella. Owners feeding these diets should be careful to always stay aware of the most recent recall information for their brands.
Get Food Amounts Right And Exercise Regularly
If your pet is otherwise healthy, seems in high spirits, and has energy, try adjusting the amount of food that your dog eats in a day. Fully grown dogs, and older dogs need fewer calories than puppies at their peak of growing. Your dog might simply not need the food at the moment.
If your dog isnt being exposed to regular exercise, getting them active for at least an hour a day via walks or trips to the dog park can stimulate their appetites.
If youve recently moved into a smaller location that also doesnt provide the yard space that a dog used to have, he or she might also need less food because of their increase in naps and laying around waiting for their next walk.
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Some Veggies Can Be Good For Dogs Too
Nelson says string beans, sweet peas, and spinach are all great for dogs, while her own dog loves it when she washes carrots, thoroughly dries them, slices them “just a little thicker than a quarter,” she says, and freezes them. “My dog thinks they’re little popsicles, they’re so nice and crunchy,” she says. She adds that pumpkin is also a great choice.
Give Your Dog A Treat
If your dog hasnt been feeling well, you could try treating your dog with food they dont normally get. Human food like chicken or even baby food may be so irresistible that your dog will actually eat something. Try just a small amount of human food at first to see if they will eat. If not, try adding a bit more.
You should mix this in with their existing dry food to encourage them to eat their normal diet along with the treat. Just be sure not to overindulge your dog in these treats as it can negatively affect their health.
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Will Human Food Spoil Your Dogs Appetite
Its time that we let go of the idea of human food.Food is just food.
Its perfectly reasonable for your dog to prefer fresh food over bland, over-processed kibble.
And its really important that you add fresh, people foods to your dogs diet. Fresh fruits and veggies are packed with cancer-preventing antioxidants. Meat, eggs and fish are full of amino acids and nutrients that are destroyed when cooked and processed.
So, do not be afraid of giving your dog yummy, fresh human foods, for fear that she will become finicky.
If you never give your dog anything other than kibble, she may still find human food enticing, even more so because she is not allowed to have it.
Matilda and Cow mainly eat a raw, fresh diet, and they still enjoy eating kibble when I use it as training treats or when I dont have any fresh food thawed for them. They enjoy kibble even more now because it is a novelty.
Instead of trying to keep your dog from developing a palate for fresh food, just negotiate and add fresh, nutritious toppers to their meals.
It does not take a lot of extra time to boost your dogs meals. You can use an ice cube tray to freeze small portions of yogurt, eggs, fish, blended veggies, fruits, etc. Then, you can microwave a cube just until it is melted, then stir it into your dogs food. Or just serve them as mini ice pops.
Thats how easy it is to make sure your dog gets more flavor and variety in their food each day, and it only takes an extra minute of prep time.
What To Feed A Dog That Wont Eat Any More
Some dogs eat a wide range of food to begin with and then get more and more selective. Perhaps youre driving forty miles a week to get the only kibble your Labrador will eat? Or paying a small mortgage for fancy food in a pretty pouch?
The good news is, you dont have to. This isnt about what to feed him. Its about how.
The bad news is, your dog will make you feel like a bit of a heel whilst you go about teaching him not to be a fussy eater. He may also lose a bit of weight . Well look at that in a moment, but first a quick word about changing brands.
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Treating Environmental And Behavioral Loss Of Appetite In Dogs
When it comes to behavioral and environmental reasons your dog wont eat, the process can be a little more stressful and time-consuming. Sometimes, you may need to consult a pet behavior expert or a trainer.
Here are some general tips for getting your dog to eat regularly:
- Get your pet enough exercise and attention
- Invest some time and/or money in training
- Dont punish your dog for not eating, be patient and supportive
- Only give treats as a reward
- Avoid giving table scraps
The Importance Of Water
You may be so focused on food intake you forget about water entirely. But, water intake is arguably more important than food intake. If your dog refuses to eat, in the meantime, youll want to encourage water consumption to help keep them hydrated.
Dogs are naturally able to go longer without food but their tolerance for not drinking water is much less. At most a dog can go three days without water intake but can survive for five to seven days or more without food. Realistically, you dont want to test your dogs limits but do not force your dog to drink as this can cause aspiration pneumonia.
Its important to get your dog medical attention as soon as possible if they are not eating or drinking for 48 hours or more.
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We Arent The Only People That Have Converted To Making Homemade Dog Food And Are Loving The Results Check Out The Links Below For More Homemade Dog Food Recipes Your Pup Will Love
Easy Crockpot Dog Food from Damn Delicious || This simple homemade dog food recipe combines ground beef, brown rice, kidney beans, butternut squash, carrots, and peas in the slow cooker so you can set it and forget it!
Homemade Dog Food Recipe from College Housewife || Elizabeths sweet dog Rascal suffered from all sorts of health issues which led them to having him allergy tested. Turns out Rascal was allergic to all sorts of things even beef! So, Elizabeth developed a homemade dog food recipe that is just perfect for Rascals sensitive belly that is filled with ground turkey, sweet potatoes, carrots, and zucchini squash and macaroni noodles!
DIY Homemade Dog Food from Damn Delicious||Chungahs dog Butters battle with stomach issues led her to start making dog food at home. This recipe is easy to make and super good for your pups too! It combines a delicious blend of 50% protein, 25% veggies and 25% grains and is made of ingredients like ground chicken, brown rice, shredded zucchini, spinach, carrots, and peas.
My Dog Wont Eat Dog Food But Will Eat Treats
Another common problem is the dog that will eat treats, or human food, but simply wont eat dog food at all. The causes are the same as for the dog that wont eat kibble unless it is smothered in yogurt or cheese sauce. Your dog has learned to play you. The solution is to teach him that you wont play his game.
The problem, is that many people are scared their dog will starve themselves to death, or suffer terribly, if he doesnt get to eat every three hours. Lets take a look at that.
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What To Do When Your Dog Wont Eat Dog Food But Will Eat Human Food
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Any time your dogs appetite changes, there is a chance that it is due to an illness. So, its worth investigating the cause when your dog turns her nose up at her dog food.
A lack of appetite can come from a bacterial or viral infection. Parvovirus is a common, potentially deadly illness that results in reduced appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea, which may be bloody. Even vaccinated dogs can get parvo. Worms can also kill your dogs appetite. A fecal sample test from your vet is the best way to check your dog for an underlying illness that could be affecting her appetite.
When your dog is sick, she may refuse dog food, but may accept certain human foods like bland cereals or rice, or especially tempting foods like meat, eggs or fish. So, even if your dog is eating human food, she may have a reduced appetite because she is feeling sick. Always check with your vet if your dogs appetite changes.
Dont Lose Hope If Your Dog Is Not Eating
If your senior dog stops eating, it can be a real challenge to find out why and get them eating again.
My hope is that you have found this advice helpful, and some of the options listed will have your dog eating better.
There are so many emotions when it comes to trying to get an old dog to eat, stress, anxiety, fear, worryyes I have felt them all.
Dont lose hope though. The chances are, using of the tips, tricks, and techniques above, you will be able to get your dog eating again.
Have you figured out the reason for your dogs lack of interest in eating? What foods or tricks did you try that worked? Sharing helps others so please leave your comment below.
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How Do You Solve This Eating Habit
Why Is My Dog Refusing Dinner
It may be tempting to call the vet the second your pooch refuses dinner, but its perfectly natural and ordinary for some dogs to skip a meal or two on occasion. She may have simply filled up on a few too many treats that day, or she might be feeling a bit bored with her kibble.
If your dog goes more than 4872 hours without eating anything at all, you should at least call your vet to inform them of the situation. A healthy adult dog can go a few days without a meal if she absolutely has to, but if you have a puppy, adult dog with a known medical condition, or a senior dog call sooner.
Most dogs are foodies, so missed feeding times can be alarming. Waiting to see if things clear up on their own can be quite stressful for any pet parent. You can prevent a heap of worry, canine suffering, and unneeded veterinary expense if you can determine the appropriate response: waiting or taking immediate action.
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Digestive Upset Or Obstruction
Puppies are notorious for eating things they shouldnt, and unfortunately, many puppy owners intentionally give their dogs snacks and treats that they shouldnt. Some snacks and treats, whether stolen by your puppy or given freely by you, can cause digestive upset as well as obesity and begging later in life. They may even cause your puppy to reject the healthier and balanced dog foods they should be eating!
You can greatly decrease the chance of your pup sneaking their own treats by puppy-proofing your home and teaching them not to counter surf. And even if neither of you is doing anything naughty, some puppy foods can just be too rich for some dogs, and every puppy will handle certain foods differently.
If your pup is having diarrhea for more than 12 hours, they are at risk for dehydration. The risk for dehydration increases if your puppy is also vomiting.
It is time to seek medical attention if:
Your Dogs Got A Mild Stomachache
Your dog may stop eating because he feels queasy or ate something bad. If youre wondering why is my dog not eating, one way to tell its not something more serious is if your pup bounces back to his normal self pretty quickly, says Megan E. McClosky, DVM, lecturer in internal medicine at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. Even if you suspect a mere bellyache as the reason for your dog not eating, call the vet anyway. Dogs have pretty good appetites, so if they are picky eaters, especially when thats accompanied by chronic signs, like occasional vomiting or occasional diarrhea and soft stools, theres usually an underlying GI problem that requires more attention, McClosky explains, adding, That is more common than people realize. Your vet can rule out the source of the upset, from food allergies to inflammatory bowel disease. Get to the bottom of another concerning canine habit: Why do dogs eat dirt?
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Dog Feeders Grain Free Foods And Vitamins On Amazon
So, how does this relate to your dog? Well, we can probably assume that dementia isnt the issue if your senior dog is off his food although dogs can suffer from dementia. More on that later in another blog, though. You are controlling the food, so its not like your dog is starving himself because he has forgotten to eat.
You might be surprised to know, though, that many of the reasons that senior humans fail to eat enough are exactly the same reasons that your senior dog is not eating. So, lets talk about that.
Let Pawp Answer Any Questions You Might Have About Your Dog
As a pet owner, there are few things that are quite as distressing as when your dog is not acting like their usual self. Itâs completely understandable if you want answers and want them right away. Thatâs why Pawp is available to answer your questions about your pet at any time. Thereâs never a wait, it costs less than a traditional appointment, and no appointment is necessary â because Pawp is all online. Get all of your answers regarding your dogâs lack of appetite and beyond when you sign up with Pawp.
DOG NOT EATING SOURCES:
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Best Practices To Get A Dog To Eat
We want to make sure that you will never have a dog not eating on your hands this can be deeply concerning. To ensure your dog eats regularly, we recommend to do the following:
- Exercise regularly with your dog and monitor your dogs activity levels
- Give your dog plenty of attention and affection
- Invest in training for your dog
- Be patient and supportive, rather than angry, towards your dog when they wont eat
- Feed your dog at regular meal times
- Feed a consistent, balanced and healthy diet
- Only give your dog treats as a reward
- Keep the food and water bowls clean
- Put your dog on the optimal diet for them, as recommended by your vet