5 Ways to Arouse the Appetite of Picky Dogs

Do you see your pet turning its nose up and walking away from its usual food but still likes to eat human foods and treats? Your pet might be a picky eater. Most of the time, their picky eating habit develops when their pet parents feed them more table scraps and treats, which might have taught them to hold their tummy for something much better.

Whatever the cause for their lack of interest in eating can be extremely worrying for all fur parents. So let’s discuss some easy techniques to get them to eat food without problems again.

How to Get Picky Dogs to Eat Their Food

You may think every canine knows how to eat its food when you put its bowl down, but not all pets are the same. Some can be extremely fussy and will only waste time looking, licking, or smelling their food and still don’t eat. No matter what’s triggering them to lose their appetite, it’s the job of pet parents to teach them to consume the food they feed to their furry companions.

So if you’re an owner of a picky dog, the five techniques we’ve gathered below might be the solution you’re looking for.

1. Try switching to tastier food options

If your pet doesn’t eat the food you’re serving in their food bowl, it could be because they do not like it. Fussy dogs generally choose wet food or kibbles made of fresh meat with a delicious aroma.

2. Exercise them before mealtime

Physical activities and exercise can effectively stimulate hunger. Walk your pet or jog around the garden just before mealtime; you’ll see how energized they’ll be when you feed them. Do you observe your pet getting cranky and scratching its skin excessively? It could be an obvious indication of a parasite infestation. Take your pet to the veterinarian for routine care and parasite treatment, and ask for efficient products to improve your pet’s condition.

3. Avoid giving them treats and human foods

Your dog might not eat their food as they believe they’ll get their fill of table scraps and treats throughout the day. The next time your dog refuses to eat dinner, avoid giving them any human foods or treats to keep their minds off it. Once they taste real meat, they may lose interest in canine cuisine, so withdraw from giving them treats and human foods while you still can before it becomes a real headache.

4. Pick up what you put down

Many fur parents have different strategies when picking up their pet’s food. Some give their dogs thirty seconds to eat, while others wait about five minutes. No matter what timeframe you choose, picking up their food at scheduled intervals tells your dog to consume it while it’s hot. Otherwise, they’ll need to wait until their next meal.

If your picky dog is due for an examination in the following days, let your veterinarian know. Routine vet examinations can help determine whether your pet’s picky eating habit might be caused by a specific health condition. Consider getting pet wellness plans if you want discounts on each vet visit. You can check websites like knightdalevet.com to learn more about the benefits of getting a wellness plan for your dog.

If you’ve missed any of your pet’s kitten shots, you should also let your vet know so they can consider solutions that can make up for it. This is especially crucial to protect your pet from prevalent pet diseases.

5. Make them a quiet eating environment

Ensure your pet enjoys its food quietly without interruptions and other stimuli. Stress can interfere with a dog’s appetite or eagerness to eat, so try giving them a dedicated place to munch their food without interruptions.