Tips for Supporting Dogs with Selective Appetites

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Dogs are often portrayed as voracious eaters, willing to devour anything in their path, even if it wasn’t intended for them.

However, not all dogs fit this stereotype. Some can be quite choosy with their meals, even going days without eating.

While concerning to pet owners, there are numerous reasons behind a dog’s sudden picky eating habits. These behaviors can be modified through training or may require medical attention.

Understanding the root cause of your dog’s selective eating habits is crucial.

Below, we explore some common reasons for picky eating in dogs and provide a training regimen for picky eaters crafted by Dr. Justin Shmalberg DVM, a Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionist at the highly-rated fresh dog food company, Nom Nom.

Reasons Behind Selective Eating Habits in Dogs

Some dogs exhibit picky eating behaviors for various reasons. This behavior may stem from a combination of factors such as genetics, past experiences, changes in routine, or health issues. In some cases, dogs may simply have preferences for certain tastes, textures, or smells. It is essential to understand your dog’s individual needs and preferences to address their picky eating habits effectively.

Dissatisfaction with Meal Choices

Getting feedback on food from a creature that typically gobbles up whatever it finds outdoors can be challenging, but sometimes the issue lies with the actual meal itself.

Dogs have much keener senses than humans, so even if a dish smells acceptable to you, it could be off-putting to your furry friend’s sensitive nose, potentially due to hidden mold.

On the other hand, your dog might simply not enjoy certain flavors. Some dogs may dislike high-fiber fare, while others may not appreciate the taste of palatants, a flavor enhancer sometimes applied to kibble.

Excessive Feeding Dilemma

Understanding the temptation to indulge your dog is real, but overdoing it could lead to a shift in their eating habits.

For example, if you’re overly liberal with high-calorie treats during training sessions, your furry friend may lose interest in regular meals.

Similarly, transitioning dogs to wet, raw, or fresh food options may make them less inclined to return to traditional kibble due to its dry nature and lack of appeal.

Dealing with Canine Stress

It may seem surprising to think that dogs can experience stress, given their laid-back lifestyle of napping and affection. Yet, dogs are quite sensitive creatures, and any sudden alterations in their surroundings, such as new family members or a change of residence, can trigger anxiety in them. A decrease in appetite is a common sign of this emotional strain.

An ongoing issue

As dogs age, they tend to become less active and need fewer calories to stay at a healthy weight. Most pet food labels suggest a reduced serving size for older dogs.

Additionally, senior dogs are more susceptible to various health issues that can impact their appetite. Conditions like canine dementia can also contribute to changes in their eating habits.

Potential Medical Concerns

It is essential to observe whether your dog is displaying a selective rejection of specific foods or completely avoiding meals and treats altogether. The latter behavior could indicate an underlying medical condition affecting your dog’s health.

Signs to watch for include foul breath, loose teeth, or the presence of mineral deposits on the teeth known as calculus, which could indicate dental problems causing discomfort during eating. In such cases, dogs may refuse food due to pain.

If oral health seems normal, other possible issues such as gastrointestinal problems, organ dysfunction, or inflammation-induced pain should be considered. If your dog abstains from eating for more than three consecutive days, consult your vet to investigate potential medical concerns.

How to Encourage a Picky Dog to Eat

By observing your dog’s behavior and seeking advice from a veterinarian, you can determine the root cause of their picky eating habits.

If it’s determined to be a behavioral issue rather than a medical concern, there is hope—implementing a structured approach can help your dog establish a healthy eating routine.

Dr. Shmalberg has developed a training regimen that pet owners can implement to encourage their dogs to eat meals regularly.

While it may require dedication and repeated efforts to ensure your dog grasps the concept, the payoff is a smoother mealtime experience in the long run.

Dividing the day into morning feeding, evening feeding, and afternoon can help establish a consistent schedule for your pet.

Morning Feeding Routine

It is important for pet owners to establish a consistent breakfast time by setting an alarm daily. Once the alarm goes off, they should place the bowl of Best Dog Foodz in a quiet area, away from distractions, and call their dog over.

Instead of allowing the dog to eat immediately, they should make them wait for a couple of seconds before giving the signal to start. While the dog eats, the owner should observe their behavior from a distance.

If the dog finishes the meal, that’s great news.

However, if the dog refuses to eat, showing signs like barking or walking away from the bowl, the owner should walk away and ignore the dog for ten minutes. This tough love approach can be beneficial.

If the dog still doesn’t eat after the ten-minute break, the owner should repeat the routine, inviting the dog over, making them wait, and giving permission to eat for an additional two minutes.

If the dog continues to reject the food, the owner should remove the bowl and store the food for later. Consider this particular meal skipped, but ensure the dog has access to enough water.

There is no need to worry about the dog going hungry for a short period. Dr. Shmalberg explains that dogs can tolerate fasting for a while without any issues, as long as they are in good health.

Evening Feeding Routine

Just like in the morning, pet owners should establish a regular schedule for Best Dog Foodz’s dinner time. Utilize a portion of the dog food as rewards during training sessions to teach commands like sit, lie down, or stay. Training sessions lasting fifteen to twenty minutes are sufficient.

Subsequently, engage in additional physical activities such as a thirty-minute walk, playing fetch, or running around with your furry friend.

By this time, your dog should be ready for their meal. It is crucial to maintain the same feeding routine as in the morning. If necessary, consider removing their bowl if they show disinterest in eating after being given the opportunity.

Midday

As mentioned earlier, dogs can go without food for an extended period. If you don’t notice any improvement after the initial two days, Dr. Shmalberg suggests incorporating pre-dinner training and exercise sessions in the middle of the afternoon.

The goal is to boost your dog’s metabolism and make them sufficiently hungry to eat their dinner. This strategy may take a few days to show results, and your dog may push back during this adjustment period. It’s crucial to consult your veterinarian before starting this potentially intense dietary regimen to ensure your pet’s health is not compromised.

Final Thoughts

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