Finding a Dog Food for Picky Eaters
Every dog owner wants their furry friend to eagerly run to (and finish) their bowl at mealtime. If that’s not the case for your dog, you’re likely on the hunt for a food to encourage a healthier appetite.
What Is a Picky Eater?
Before you search for a dog food for picky eaters, it’s important to understand whether you have a picky dog on your hands, or whether your dog’s lack of appetite might be a sign of a potential health issue.
Some dogs may self-regulate their food intake, refusing food or decreasing the amount they eat to prevent overeating and digestive discomfort. Others might simply be less hungry because of the number of treats and scraps they receive between meals.
If you offer your dog a wide variety of different foods, it might lead them to refuse one type of food after a few days, in hopes that a new and enticing meal might be offered instead.
Dr. Jerry Klein, Chief Veterinary Officer of the American Kennel Club (AKC) defines a picky eater in this way: Dogs that don’t empty their food bowls within a certain amount of time, usually about 20 minutes, are more likely to be considered “picky eaters.”
According to Dr. Klein, another sign of picky eating is if your dog turns up their nose at its own dinner but will happily accept a tidbit from your dinner plate.
Exceptions to this are a significant decrease in normal appetite that lasts longer than 12 to 24 hours, or occurs in conjunction with any of the following:
- Gastrointestinal symptoms
- In puppies less than 6 months old
- Diabetes
- A dog (especially a senior dog) that seems to want food but doesn’t eat, or will only eat soft food
If any of these conditions apply, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Tricks to Get a Picky Dog to Eat
If your dog is tending to be picky at mealtime, here are several things to try:
- Keep treats to a minimum – Treats should only account for 10% of your dog’s daily calories. Otherwise, they may lose interest in their food.
- Explore new textures – Your dog may prefer a softer food or a different kibble size. Try softening their dry kibble by adding a little water. With Just Right dog food you can create a blend personalized for your dog, and change kibble size and texture as needed, to keep meals interesting.
- Make meals fun – Try a puzzle feeder to get your dog engaged in their meal.
What’s the Best Dog Food for Picky Eaters?
If your dog is a picky eater, the best dog food is a complete-and-balanced food they will eat, and enjoy!
Instead of searching for one, you can create a Just Right blend personalized just for your dog. The process starts with a 5-minute quiz. We then take the information you provide and customize a blend that combines your dog’s preferred ingredients, ideal kibble size, and unique feeding plan.
Your dog’s personalized Just Right blend is then shipped directly to you. And because it’s made just for your dog, we guarantee they’ll be satisfied!
