Why are some dogs picky eaters?

Struggling to find a food that your pooch loves? Has your dog lost interest in the food they usually eat? Did you notice sudden changes in their appetite? Here are some tips to make them finish their bowls and signs to look out for in case of underlying issues.

How to know if your dog is a picky eater?

The time it takes for your dog to finish their bowl is a good place to start. If the bowl is not empty after 20 minutes, then your pooch is most likely being picky. 

Is your dog more interested in human food leftovers, picking table scraps and crumbs than their own bowl of food? That is another sign of picky eating!

Just like humans, some dogs are picky with their food and selective when it comes to food flavours and textures.

Although it might make it harder for you to find the perfect dog food, there is nothing to worry about as long as they eat enough and don't have any symptoms of digestive issues!

How to make a picky eater finish their bowl?

Create a consistent feeding routine, at the same times every day, with their food at the same place.

Leave the food out for no longer than 20 minutes, then take it away. This will get your dog used to eating in this time window.

Avoid giving them any human food or treats until their next meal.

Finally the most important thing is to find a food they truly enjoy and is easy to digest. For instance, grains might make their stomach feel uncomfortable and switching to grain-free dog food might make them finish their bowl.

Or they might simply fancy a different flavour. If you've noticed that they're after your fish dish, why not try our best-selling fish recipe?

Your pooch might also have a very fine palate and appreciate more sophisticated flavours, such as Venison or Angus beef.

Can picky eating indicate an underlying issue?

If you notice sudden changes in your dog's appetite that last longer than a couple days, it is best to speak to your vet.

However, if your dog falls under one of the below categories, it is recommended to contact your vet as soon as possible without waiting more than a few hours:

• Puppies younger than 6 months
• Dogs of any age experiencing vomiting and or diarrhoea
• Dogs of any age with diabetes

Picky eating is more often than not, nothing to worry about and will be solved once your pooch has found they favourite food. But as always, if you have any concern, speak to your vet!