10 Best Hacks To Get A Picky Dog To Eat

Having a picky eater on your hands can be a challenge for any dog owner. That’s why we’ve come up with 10 proven strategies to encourage your furry friend’s appetite to ensure they're getting the nutrition they need.

In this blog, we'll explore some helpful tips for dealing with fussy eaters.

• Quality Over Quantity: Invest in high-quality dog food that contains essential nutrients. Sometimes, picky eaters refuse food because it lacks the taste and nutrition they need.
• Regular Feeding Schedule: Establish a consistent feeding schedule. Pick a specific time and place for meals, and stick to it. Avoid free-feeding, as it can make it harder to monitor your pet's appetite.
• Variety is Key: Rotate different flavors and types of food. Sometimes, dogs become bored with their meals, leading to pickiness. Introducing variety can pique their interest.
• Warm Up the Food: Gently warm your besties’ food before serving. This can release the aroma, making it more appealing to your picky eater.
• Add Some Toppers: When choosing toppers, it is also important that it’s also healthy and safe for your dogs. Happy Staffy Co.’s 100% natural treats are proudly Aussie made and chemical-free!

Happy Tip: Be mindful of portion sizes to avoid overfeeding.

• Slow Transition: If you need to switch your pet to a new food, do so gradually over several days. This minimises digestive upset and helps them adjust to the new taste.
• Stay Calm and Patient: Avoid showing frustration or making mealtime a stressful event. Stay calm and patient, as stress can worsen picky eating habits.
• Food Puzzles and Interactive Feeders: Use food puzzles or interactive feeders to make mealtime more engaging. These can stimulate your pet mentally and physically, making them more interested in eating.
• Positive Reinforcement: Praise and reward your doggo when they eat their food. Positive reinforcement can create a positive association with mealtime. It can either be verbal; by praising them with kind words or giving them extra playtime or treats!
• Seek Professional Help: If your staffy’s picky eating persists and affects their health, consult a veterinary nutritionist or a professional animal behaviourist for personalised guidance.

Dealing with a picky eater can be a challenge, but with patience, persistence, and a few smart strategies, you can encourage your Staffy to enjoy their meals and maintain a healthy diet.

Remember that each dog is unique, so it may take some trial and error to find the approach that works for your bestie.