Every dog has its own personality – and its own problems. Perhaps one of the most difficult problems to solve is when your dog doesn’t eat his food, not because it’s expired or anything, just that he or she is extra picky.
Of course, we can’t just let our dogs starve despite how picky they may be. So what do we do with picky dogs? Here are a few things to consider, according to Jennifer Kvamme, DVM of PetMD.com.
Make sure your dog is healthy
Before coming to the conclusion that your dog is a picky eater, you have to make sure that he or she is in good general health. If, however, your dog has always been a good eater but suddenly eats less or stops eating, you might want to take him to the veterinarian.
Dog Preferences and Bad Habits
If your dog is healthy, then bad eating habits might be the cause. This is something he/she might have acquired from his/her owners – that is, you. Your dog might develop a picky appetite if you keep feeding extra dog treats during the day that are tastier and more interesting than his regular dog food. If your household members like giving your dog extra treats or are slipping table scraps, it can lead to serious issues, including obesity.
Thus, it is important to make some changes and stop reinforcing bad behaviour. Stop feeding extra treats to your dog and stick to a daily scheduled feeding routine. Put down only a proper amount of food at a regular time each day and wait.
If your dog refuses to eat the food, you can try again the next day. A dog can go on a day or two with eating, as long as he/she is in good health and not a very young pup or diabetic. This will help encourage his appetite for his regular dog food.
Dog Food Choices and Feeding Methods
Always check the food you are feeding your dog to make sure it is not expired. This may be a reason why your dog has lost its appetite for his/her food. Make sure you give your dog a nutritious and well-balanced diet.