How to Get Your Finicky Dog to Eat

A finicky dog may like its food warmed up.

Some dogs are picky eaters and others get tired of the same old kibble. Don't get frustrated if you can't figure out what to feed your pet. Do your best to determine why your dog isn't eating, then adjust the diet to maintain its health and well-being.

Things You'll Need

• rice
• boiled chicken
• gourmet pet food and sauces
• tuna
• chicken broth

Instructions

1. If your dog has recently become finicky about food, lost weight or exhibited other physical changes, head to the vet for a checkup. Make sure a medical condition isn't behind its refusal to eat before you starting changing your dog's diet.

2. Determine whether family members are sabotaging your dog's meals by slipping it treats. A dog that is too full from between-meal snacks is less likely to empty its bowl at mealtime.

3. Switch to a different brand of dog food. Try new ingredients that may be more appealing to your dog, or change from dry kibble to moist canned food.

4. Mix an especially tasty ingredient into your dog's food. Add tuna, cheese or chicken.

5. Warm up the food. Microwave your dog's moist meal for a few seconds or add warm water to dry food. The smell may entice your dog to eat more.

6. Don't leave dog food around all day. Schedule a set time for your dog to eat; if the food doesn't get eaten in half an hour, put the food away for the next meal time.

Tips & Warnings

• Never give them a lot of dog treats when they won't eat. A few is ok, but a lot is not good them. They need real food with nutrients.

• Never give them just any table scrap either. Stick with scrambled eggs, boiled rice, boiled chicken, or chicken broth.

• You should always take your pet to the vet when their eating habits change all of a sudden. Your pet could be suffering from an illness.

References

• Pet Place: Finicky Dogs: How to Encourage Your Picky Dog to Eat
• WebMD: When Your Dog Is a Picky Eater