While some dogs will love to eat anything and everything you place in front of them, some would refuse to eat even the delicacies served to them, either because they don’t like it or because they are simply bored of it. Owners of such pups often have to constantly experiment with new types of dog food to find the right one. Get our top tips on feeding your fussy eater…
Feeding a balanced, nutritious meal to our furry friends is an essential exercise in care and appreciation for all the love and cuddles they share and all the pillows they’ve torn to shreds over the years. So, of course, getting things right is a top priority.
We offer some tips and lip-smacking recipes to fill the fussy stomachs with oodles of essential vitamins and nutrients. So, you owners of choosy howlers scroll down and read on!
You might always wonder if you are going wrong somewhere in feeding your fussy eater and no matter what u have tried you are failing. Let’s explore some potential reasons for this fussiness.
When analysing why your dog isn’t a champion eater, the first thing to figure out is whether this is a new problem, or something they’ve always done.
This step is important: if it’s a recent problem, we think it’s best to consult your veterinarian and rule out any potential health issues. Otherwise, fussiness may just be a part of who your fur baby is or they might just be doing this to get some extra attention and pampering.
Here’s a few common reasons why your good boy or girl may be a bit picky:
● Dietary sensitivity or digestive allergy.
● Anxiety that causes loss of appetite.
● Not a foodie and prefers to eat only when very hungry.
● Overfeeding or excessive treats.
● Poor-quality food.
● Holding out for human food instead.
● Personal favourites for certain tastes, textures, or smells.
All balanced dog food that tastes so good even the pickiest eater will love it.
When It comes to food we think of our fussy customers as the finest critics as they take in the whole picture – for them, taste, texture, portions and ingredients are all essential elements for a fine meal. And while they can’t communicate these things to us, We at The Good Boy have got this down to a fine art.
Here’s just a few ways we’ve designed our meals for maximum palatability.
- The perfect ratio of protein, fat, and carbs to engage the senses, tastebuds and stomach alike.
- Fresh Ingredients slow cooked. This locks in moisture, increases palatability and Retains texture.
- We customise perfectly portioned meals and designed recipes suitable for dogs at different life stages.
- Single protein meals that allow you to avoid ingredients your dog may be sensitive to.
- 8 different recipes for adult dogs and 3 different recipes for puppies providing maximum variety. They will never get bored of our meals.
TOP TIPS FOR OUR FUSSY DOGS.
- Serve them Warm Meals:Warm food has an enticing aroma while cold food has all the aroma locked in. Try warming your pup’s meals to just above room temperature and watch them float over to the dinner bowl .
- Rule Out Any Medical Issue: If your dog is generally uninterested in their food, or has recently lost interest in eating, there could be a medical issue that needs to be addressed. Because there are so many health-related reasons for a loss of appetite, from dental health to stress to serious illness, it’s important to have a vet check your dog before trying any of the following solutions. With a clean bill of health, you can start experimenting with other tricks for getting your fussy eater dog to eat their meals.
- Be Patient : Dogs are known for their eclectic taste in food. If you have a fussy dog, it is important to be patient when trying to figure out what they like to eat. Dogs have a keen sense of smell, so the aroma of the food is often more important to them than the taste. Certain kinds of food may also trigger memories of positive experiences, such as being fed table scraps by their owner. As you experiment with different foods, pay close attention to your dog’s body language and vocalisations. These can give you clues as to whether they are enjoying the food or not. Dogs can often take their time when eating, and if you try to hurry them along, they may become even more fussy. It’s important to give your dog the time they need to eat, and not to force them. With a little patience and trial, you should be able to find a food that your fussy dog will enjoy.
- Introduce New Food Slowly: Take it slow. Just like humans dogs also take time to get accustomed to a new diet. Some dogs transition quickly and have no issues at all. Some may need longer to adapt to the changes in their meal, the new texture, taste, aroma and the ingredients used. Some dogs may also take up to 7-10 days to adapt to new food, so begin with small portions and increase over time. Refer to The Good Boy transition guide.
- Structure Mealtimes and establish a routine:Having your dog on a predictable eating schedule can be just the thing to stimulate their appetite. Fix up a timeline , be it smaller meals throughout the day or just 2 meals at 12 hour interval, this will stimulate an interest and will keep them waiting. Keeping it predictable is the key here.. Give your fur baby a time window – we recommend 15-20 minutes – where they can eat as much or as little as they want. Anything they don’t eat, discard. Minimising food waste is important, so it’s best to serve small portions throughout and add more when your dog has finished them.
- Add some exercise to their routine: Daily exercise is a brilliant way to boost your dog’s metabolism, improve their immune system, and regulate digestion. And, whether they’re swimming, learning agility training, or running alongside you, they’ll get mental stimulation to keep them happy and emotionally regulated, too! Just like you might experience an increase in hunger after signing up for a new gym, your dog may be more enthusiastic about meals with more exercise.
- Don’t Serve Food from your Plate: We know how hard it is to ignore your begging pup – they’ve got this stuff down to a fine art. But feeding them food from your plate may lead to your dog developing a preference and refusing their meals altogether. When you feed your dog mouth-watering human food, you’re not just quashing their appetite, but you may also be putting them at risk for stomach upset and unhealthy weight gain.
- Limit The Treats : You must avoid feeding them treats before meals. You can Introduce a routine, a time at which they get to eat treats or make them as training rewards. This way, your dog won’t be full at mealtime, nor will they be holding out for their favourite snack.
- Avoid Changing their Food too often: Consistency is key, as frequent food changes may cause tummy upsets and other digestive Issues.
- A Quiet and Peaceful dining experience : Give them a comfortable environment to enjoy their food. If your dogs eating area is filled with distractions and noise, they might see mealtimes as a somewhat stressful experience.
We know a fussy dog can be challenging at times, but with the right information and our delicious food, mealtimes can become much more than a waiting game. Do a check with your vet if there is any concern over adequate nutrition. With patience and consistency, you can help them develop healthier eating habits and enjoy every mealtime with The Good Boy.
