Dealing with a picky eater dog can be super frustrating. One minute they love their food, and the next, they act like you’re offering them the worst meal ever.
It’s easy to feel stuck when your dog keeps turning up their nose at what’s in their bowl, but don’t worry—there are things you can try to make mealtime better.
Here are some simple and down-to-earth tips to help with your picky eater.
1. Check In with Your Vet
First things first: make sure nothing health-related is going on. Sometimes dogs stop eating because something is bothering them physically, like a dental issue or an upset stomach.
If your dog’s eating habits have changed out of nowhere, it’s always a good idea to give your vet a call and rule out anything medical. Once you know they’re healthy, you can move forward with some of the other tricks.
2. Create a Routine
Dogs are creatures of habit, and having a regular mealtime schedule can really help. If you’re feeding them at random times or letting their food sit out all day, they might not feel the urgency to eat.
Try setting specific meal times and sticking to them. If your dog doesn’t eat within 20 minutes, take the food away and offer it again at the next mealtime. This helps your dog understand that they need to eat when the food is available. Over time, they’ll get the hang of it.
3. Cut Back on the Treats
We all love spoiling our dogs with treats, but too many can mess with their appetite for actual meals. If your dog knows they can get something tastier later on, they might hold out for it. Cut back on treats for a while and use them only as rewards during training or for good behavior. This way, your dog won’t be too full or too distracted by the idea of treats to focus on their main meals.
4. Switch Up Their Food
Let’s be real—just like us, dogs can get bored with the same food every day. If your dog has been eating the same kibble for months (or even years), they might simply be tired of it.
Consider trying a new brand or type of dog food. You could also mix in some wet food or add a bit of variety to make their meals more exciting. Just remember to make any transitions slowly to avoid upsetting their stomach—mix a little new food with the old and gradually increase the amount.
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5. Add Something Tasty
Sometimes a little extra flavor can go a long way. Try adding small amounts of plain cooked chicken, beef, or even some unsalted broth to your dog’s food. It doesn’t take much to make their meal more tempting. But keep the extras healthy, and don’t overdo it—you want them to still eat their regular food, not just pick out the “good stuff.”
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6. Say No to Table Scraps
It’s hard to resist those begging eyes when you’re at the dinner table, but feeding your dog human food can actually make picky eating worse. Once they know there’s tastier food out there, they might start holding out for it instead of eating their own meals.
Try to avoid giving them table scraps, and stick to feeding them their dog food. Over time, they’ll realize that’s what’s for dinner.
7. Make Mealtime Fun
Some dogs just need a little more excitement when it comes to eating. If your dog seems bored with mealtime, try using a puzzle feeder or slow feeder. These toys make your dog work a bit for their food, turning mealtime into a fun game. It’s also a great way to keep fast eaters from gobbling down their food too quickly, which is a nice bonus.
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8. Be Consistent
It’s easy to get frustrated and try all sorts of things to get your dog to eat, but consistency is key. If you keep switching foods or adding extras to get them interested, your dog might start expecting something new and exciting every time. Instead, pick a good quality food, stick with it, and be patient. Most dogs will eventually come around once they realize that’s what they’re getting.
9. Introduce New Foods Slowly
If you do decide to change your dog’s food, don’t rush it. A sudden switch can upset their stomach, which can make picky eating worse. Start by mixing a small amount of the new food with their current food, and gradually increase the amount over a week or so. This will help your dog adjust without any digestive issues.
10. Make Mealtime Calm
Sometimes, dogs refuse to eat because they’re too distracted or stressed out. If there’s a lot going on around them—like loud noises, other pets, or general chaos—they might not feel comfortable enough to eat. Try feeding your dog in a quiet, calm space where they can relax and focus on their food without distractions.
Wrapping It Up
Dealing with a picky eater isn’t always easy, but it’s definitely doable. The trick is to be patient and stay consistent. Make sure your dog is healthy, create a solid routine, cut back on treats, and maybe mix things up a little to keep meals interesting. Over time, your dog will start to get the idea, and mealtime will become less of a struggle. Hang in there—you’ve got this!
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