Mealtimes can be a challenging ordeal when your dog turns into a fussy eater. This not only means your beloved pet might not be receiving a balanced diet crucial for their development, but it also raises concerns about potential weight fluctuations that could lead to serious health issues. The key to managing a picky eater is to promptly identify and address the underlying cause.
“When a dog exhibits a picky appetite, the first step is to ensure there isn’t an underlying medical condition,” advises Dr. Carly Fox, a senior veterinarian at NYC’s Schwarzman Animal Medical Center. “It’s crucial to have your pet examined by a veterinarian immediately. Routine bloodwork and a thorough physical exam are necessary to rule out any systemic health problems that might be affecting their appetite.” Once any medical issues are cleared, the focus can shift to establishing healthy eating habits. Dr. Fox recommends a gradual transition to new diets over three to five days to allow your dog to adjust to new tastes and textures.
Understanding Your Dog’s Picky Eating Habits
“Picky eating in dogs can often stem from behavioral issues,” explains Dr. Fox. “Your dog might simply crave variety, or perhaps a change from wet to dry food, or vice versa, is needed.” If you decide to introduce a new diet, Dr. Fox emphasizes a gradual transition over three to five days, giving your dog ample time to acclimate to new flavors and textures. Enhancing the palatability of dry kibble by adding moist toppers is another strategy. “For dogs with sensitive stomachs, like my own, I suggest a prescription diet from reputable commercial food brands such as Hill’s Science, which can help regulate their gastrointestinal tract,” Dr. Fox adds. “Plus, he finds it quite delicious, which is always a bonus.”
Strategies for Feeding a Picky Dog
A common concern for pet parents dealing with picky eaters is the tendency to overfeed to compensate for their dog’s selective eating. If this resonates with you, exercise extreme caution before offering extra treats or overfilling their food bowl. “Obesity is a significant issue in our pet population and can reduce a dog’s lifespan by up to two years,” warns Dr. Fox. “It also increases their risk of developing other serious health conditions such as cancer, arthritis, diabetes, urinary stones, and various other complications.”
Dr. Fox advocates for establishing a strict feeding schedule to maintain your dog’s healthy weight, supplemented by regular weight check-ups. Adhering to the feeding guidelines on your dog’s food packaging, which recommend specific amounts based on age and weight, is also essential. “Dogs cannot access food on their own, so it is the pet owner’s responsibility to ensure they are fed healthily,” she emphasizes.
Healthy Treat Options for Your Dog
When selecting treats, prioritize low-calorie options. If you opt for homemade treats, consider vegetables like carrots, snap peas, cauliflower, and broccoli. When purchasing treats from pet stores like Chewy or Amazon, look for low-calorie or dehydrated options made with minimal ingredients. “An excessive number of treats can also contribute to fussy eating habits,” cautions Dr. Fox. “Therefore, careful selection is paramount.”
The Role of CBD in Your Dog’s Diet
Given the growing trend of incorporating CBD into various pet products, from pet treats to food options, it might be tempting to offer it to your dog, especially with its purported benefits for pets with joint issues or other health conditions. However, Dr. Fox advises against the use of CBD for pets at this time. “While anecdotally promising, and it will likely have a role in veterinary medicine in the future, CBD is currently completely unregulated,” she states.
Human Food: A Strict No-Go for Dogs
Regarding table scraps, Dr. Fox is unequivocal: “it’s a complete no-no.” Substituting commercial dog food with human food from your refrigerator can lead to gastrointestinal distress and even accidental toxicity. “While offering a small piece of chicken alongside your dog’s regular commercial food is acceptable, it should be considered a treat and is not highly recommended,” she cautions.
Do you have a picky eater at home? Share your favorite pet food brands and meal solutions in the comments below!
Recommended Nutrition for Picky Dogs
For pet owners seeking high-quality, palatable options for their discerning dogs, several meal delivery services stand out. These services offer customized meal plans designed to meet specific nutritional needs and often prove irresistible even to the most selective eaters.
Ollie
Ollie provides freshly prepared, human-grade dog food that is virtually irresistible to picky eaters. The process begins with a detailed quiz about your dog’s breed and age, leading to a recommended plan tailored to their nutritional requirements. You have the flexibility to adjust protein choices and the proportion of Ollie in your pet’s diet, ranging from 25% to 100%. Pricing varies, with plans costing between $2.50 to $4 per day for small dogs and $7 to $12 for larger breeds. New customers can benefit from a 50% discount on their first two-week starter box, with a money-back guarantee if it doesn’t meet your satisfaction. Meals are delivered frozen in vacuum-sealed packaging with dry ice and can be stored for up to six months. Available meal options include beef, chicken, turkey, and lamb, complemented by nutritious ingredients like kale, spinach, sweet potatoes, and peas.
The Farmer’s Dog
The Farmer’s Dog specializes in meal kits packed with appealing animal protein. The service initiates with an in-depth questionnaire regarding your dog’s eating habits and preferences, followed by customized recipe options. You can choose from recipes featuring proteins such as turkey, beef, and pork, all enriched with fish oil and a proprietary nutrient blend. Meals are prepared fresh and delivered within days in eco-friendly packaging. Trial plans start at approximately $2 per day and can extend up to $12 per day, depending on the dog’s age, size, and breed, with complimentary shipping included. Currently, you can receive 20 percent off your trial order.
