The Best Dog Food for Fussy Dogs

 

 

The responsibility of providing a healthy and nutritious diet for domesticated dogs falls in the hands of the owner. While we all want optimum health for dogs, what happens when you’ve done all the research, taken advice from fellow dog owners, vets and breeders, only to be met with a fussy dog? 

Your dog's reaction to a specific food will outweigh all the research you've done. The most crucial task is to get your dog to eat!

If you were to present two nutritious foods to your dog, there is no doubt that your dog will take preference to one dog food over the other. I once offered my dog a bowl of Frontier Pets Chicken Recipe and a plate of fresh caught raw fish, I couldn’t believe it when she opted for the Frontier Pets food. It made me question if the domestication process has altered food selection behaviour and why are some dogs fussier than others?

To understand this better, first let’s unpack the factors effecting eating habits in domestic dogs.

Understanding Your Dog's Eating Habits

Understanding the factors that influence your canine companion’s eating habits can help you provide a healthier and more enjoyable dining experience. Let’s dive into the science behind your dog’s appetite.

Palatability: Flavour preferences vary from species to species, but generally, your dog will prefer meat protein over vegetable, although that’s not to say they don’t need vegetables in their diet, because according to the BARF principle they do.

Many pet food manufacturers actually add palatability products to the food in production, so that your dog will like it at first lick. This ensures that your dog will continue to eat that product.

Domestication: The ‘fast-track’ of domestication of dogs by humans has altered the natural selection process of the species, creating breeds whose undesirable characteristics are supressed, while desirable traits are enhanced. These dogs are being ‘groomed’ to eat certain foods including those that are heavily processed and flavoured.

Energy Output & Lifestyle: The day-to-day existence of domesticated dogs compared to their wild counterparts differs considerably and with it so does their dietary needs and preferences. Wild dogs spend their day hunting and foraging, expelling lots of energy in the process. Domestic dogs lay around a lot and just don’t need as much feeding. So, they tend to walk away from food – often because they are simply just not hungry.

These all result in the fact that dogs are fussy because us humans have allowed them to be.

Before we look at techniques to get your fussy dog eating, make sure you first rule out any medical conditions that may be affecting your dog’s appetite. Here are a few:

• Recent Vaccination – a vaccination will keep your puppy alive but may cause loss of appetite as a side effect. It usually passes after a couple of hours, but don’t be alarmed if your puppy skips a meal or two after vaccination.
• Dental Disease – rotten teeth, cuts or infected gums will cause pain while eating for your dog. If you suspect a dental issue, it’s time for a visit to your local vet.
• Upset Stomach or blockage – puppies and dogs are notorious for eating everything in sight. If your dog has eaten something he shouldn’t have, he’s probably feeling some discomfort and won’t want to eat until it has passed
• Underlying medical condition – a tell-tale sign that your dog is unwell is their refusal to eat which could include kidney failure, cancer, liver disease or infection.  It’s common for older dogs diagnosed with illness to lose their appetite. If your dog refuses to eat for long periods of time, it’s worth a visit to your vet. 

Once you’ve ruled out any medical conditions and conclude that you just have a fussy dog, here is what you need to know.

 

Why is my dog so picky?

You dog may just not be hungry today

If they don’t eat what you give them, then take it away and re-feed the next day.  You can do this for up to two days. If they still refuse to eat, make sure they have no underlying medical issues. If they are okay but not eating, then try switching their meals around. We feed our dogs 5 days of Frontier Pet food per week and raw food the other two days. This includes:

• A mix of cooked pumpkin or sweet potato with a can of tuna or sardines.

• A mix of raw mincemeat with some chopped up fruit & veg and a raw egg.

Our holistic vet Dr. Kathy Cornack also recommended variety in both dogs and cats food unless your vets advised there is a medical reason to do otherwise.

It is definitely better to feed your pet a variety of foods, including meats and protein sources. There are several reasons why its better. Firstly offering your dog variety in their diet can help prevent boredom. Just like humans, dogs can get tired of eating the same thing day after day. Introducing different flavors and textures can make mealtime more exciting for them.

Additionally, BARF principles emphasizes the importance of variety in a dog's diet. This approach suggests that dogs, as natural omnivorous scavengers benefit from a diet that mimics their ancestral eating habits, which included a diverse range of edibles Thirdly, following BARF principles, eating variety achieves balance over time. The same principles apply for humans: we should eat as wide a range of foods as possible (ie variety within the major food groups) to ensure optimal health.

It is best to introduce a variety of foods early in life to acclimate their taste buds and their digestive systems. As sudden shifts in diet can lead to stomach upset in sensitive individuals, it's important to make changes in diet gradually if you are introducing a new food that your pet is not used to. Always consult with your vet for advice in your specific situation if your pet has digestive or other health issues.

- Dr. Kathy Cornack, Holistic Vet

Are you feeding them treats?

Stop feeding too many treats.Treats should only be given to dogs when they train or for good behaviors. This make them opt out to their regular meal time since they are not hungry. Also treats are often filled with synthetic flavours and MSG, once your dog has a flavour for treats, you’ll have a hard time getting him to switch to anything else.

Break up their food

Divide your dog's daily food intake into four equal portions and serve them every three hours. This can help regulate their appetite and prevent overeating. Additionally, consider serving their food warm or at room temperature, as some dogs find this more appealing.

Smaller, more frequent meals can stimulate digestion and improve nutrient absorption. This can be especially helpful for picky eaters, who may be more willing to eat smaller portions.

While this approach works well for many dogs, it may not be suitable for all. Some dogs may prefer larger, less frequent meals.

Mealtime is a choice

Make sure your dog knows that mealtime such as breakfast and dinner is the only food he will get that day and it’s his choice whether he wants to eat it or go hungry. We do this by limiting mealtime to 20-minute intervals and removing the bowl afterwards, regardless of whether or not he has eaten the food.

Positive Reinforcement

Every time your dog finishes his meal in full, offer positive reinforcement – pat him, call him a good boy, offer one small treat as a reward. Every time your dog doesn’t finish his meal, do not react, do not get upset, simply ignore him. Dogs want to please you and if this happens only after he finishes a complete meal, he’ll soon realise the way to get your love is by eating his meal.

Increase your dog’s energy output

If your dog is struggling with a lack of appetite, increasing their energy output can be a helpful strategy. Take them out on a regular walk in the morning and afternoon to get them to burn calories and stimulate appetite. You can also include a training session into these walks to get them to both mentally and physically tired. If you are an outdoor person, going hiking, swimming is a good way to increase their energy output and boost their appetite.

Consistency is Key

Consistency is paramount when training your dog. It's not just about teaching them new tricks; it's about building a strong bond and establishing clear boundaries. If you're inconsistent, your dog will become confused and may even start to test your limits.

• Set Clear Rules: Establish specific rules and stick to them. This will help your dog understand what is expected of them.
• Be Patient: Training takes time. Be patient and avoid getting frustrated. Celebrate small victories along the way.
• Avoid Punishment: Avoid punishment, as it can lead to fear and aggression. Focus on positive reinforcement instead.

Remember, consistency is the key to successful dog training. By being patient, positive, and consistent, you can build a strong and loving relationship with your furry friend.

 

What’s the best food for a fussy dog?

According to the BARF principle, it is best to opt for a diet that closely mimics the canine ancestral diet. Dogs need a diet that is predominantly meat based, rich in animal proteins and fats with fruits and vegetables and free from grains.

If you lack the time to prepare a fresh biologically appropriate meal for your dogs at home, try Frontier Pets dog food. It is the closest dry dog food on the market to mimic the natural canine diet. Frontier Pets offers dogs and cat premium quality food made with 100% free-range, organic fruits and vegetable and ethically sourced ingredients. Discover how other pet parents have tackled fussy eaters with our food. Check out Frontier Pets Reviews.

This general health advice comes from holistic veterinarian Dr. Kathy Cornack. For any specific health concerns about your pet, please consult your veterinarian. Individual animal needs may vary. This is general advice only.

References

Veterinarians.org - Why is My Dog Not Eating? The Top 6 Reasons! (veterinarians.org)

Raw Dog Food – Make it easy for you and your dog – Caring Beth Macdonald