Why Your Dog’s a Picky Eater (and What to Do About It)
In a species well known for ingesting everything in sight (bologna, macaroni, pepperoni), it might seem impossible to find a canine that’s a picky eater. But, lo and behold, it does happen! Your pet just might turn its nose up at the home-cooked meal you spent hours preparing (or, more accurately, the can of dog food you spent seconds opening). So, what then? What do you do when you pincher passes on the Purina or your Lhasa Apso ignores the Alpo?
First of all, don’t panic. While seeing a dog refuse to eat might seem like it’s up there with spotting Bigfoot in the Rocky Mountains, it’s actually not that rare. Smaller dogs, in general, tend to be pickier eaters than larger ones. Dogs from breeders tend to be as well. Rescued pets, on the other hand, have prior experience in the pound or on the streets and come with a
willingness to eat whatever they can…including that loaf of bread you left unguarded on the counter for approximately ten seconds.
Overall, there are certain reasons why a dog might invoke pickiness, including:
They’re anxious
Just like anxiety can squash your appetite, it can also disrupt your dog’s desire to devour. If their refusal to eat is marked by pacing, shaking, hiding, or other symptoms of unease, consider nerves as the cause.
There is something underlying going on
Dogs may refuse to eat when they feel ill. When this is short-lived, it can be chalked up to an upset stomach but if it continues, it could be something more serious. Dogs may also eat less as they reach old age.
They’re filled up on treats
Among the most common reasons for a dog’s bowing out on its bowl, treats and table scraps can sate your pup to the point that they have no need for dinner.
They’re bored with the meal
Your dog doesn’t need anywhere near the same variety as you do, but that’s not to say there is no need for any deviation. Your dog may simply be tired of their everyday food. In other words, they want what you’re having.
They’re traumatized
If a dog eats something that disagrees with them, they’re not keen on reliving that experience. Just as you won’t go back to a restaurant where you got food poisoning (at least not anytime soon), your dog will also shun meals when they come with a side of unpleasant memories.
Now that you know why pickiness happens, what can you do about it? Start by:
Limiting treats
The most important thing to try is to limit treats and table scraps. If your dog knows that Kibbles and Bits is their only option, they won’t hold out for a bite of your prime rib.
Trying new food
Switching up your brand of food may also help. If you’re worried about jumping into something new feet first, try mixing the old and the new and serving that for a while.
Feeding them on a schedule
Your pet likes routine and enjoys eating at the same time each day (this is why they remind you when you’re half a second late with their meal). So, if you’re not already on a routine, adopt one. This provides your pooch with consistency.
Feeding them in the same place
Your dog may need you to set the ambiance in order to feel like eating. You don’t need to light a candle or serenade them, but feed them in a place that’s theirs, such as a corner of the kitchen that has a few of their things.
Consulting your vet
If all else fails, take your pet to the vet and make sure there isn’t an illness you need to address.
Pickiness is fleeting and, in most dogs, the problem is easily resolved. Follow the above tips and odds are your dog will be back to eating you out of house and home in no time at all.
JJ Keeler lives in Colorado with a house full of pets. She owns three dogs, two cats, and a hamster she bought as a bribe to get her daughter to ride the school bus. She has a BA in English Literature from the University of Colorado and has worked as a professional writer for fifteen years. Her clothes are perpetually covered in pet hair.
