Understanding and Overcoming Fussy Eating in Dogs

Fussy eating is a common issue that I often see discussed in our community groups and on social media. It’s also something I’ve personally experienced with my dog, Darcy. While not every dog is the same, there’s a popular saying: “Picky eaters are not born; they are made.” I find this statement to be 100% true… 95% of the time. This article draws from firsthand experience and thorough research to help you transform your picky eater into a strong, confident eater like my Darcy!

Where Our Journey Began

When I started feeding Darcy raw food at 12 weeks old, she loved it and ate everything without hesitation. However, around eight months, she suddenly refused her meal. She gave me a look that said, “What is this? I am NOT eating that!” She sniffed the food briefly and walked away. This was the same raw food she had been happily eating for months, including a variety of at least 10 different proteins. I was puzzled—was she sick? Had she grown tired of it? Had I added too much of one ingredient? - I was on a mission to change mealtimes forever.

In this guide, I’ll share the tried and tested strategies that helped transform Darcy into a strong eater, through trial and error, and by understanding the nuances of feeding a fussy dog you too, can create a stronger eater who will eat almost anything you put in front of them!

Quick Step-by-Step Guide for Feeding a Fussy Dog

1. Don’t Worry About Imbalance in the Short Term: It’s common for dogs, especially puppies, to go through phases of fussy eating. Don’t stress over nutritional imbalances during this period. Be patient; transformation takes time!

2. Establish a Routine and Stick to It: Consistency is key. Feed your dog at the same times each day and avoid changing foods frequently. This prevents your dog from learning that refusing food leads to better options. Follow the mealtime routine outlined later in this article.

3. Be Patient and Firm: Watching your dog not eat can be emotionally challenging, but it’s important to stay patient. If your dog senses that refusing food will result in getting something different, they’ll continue to hold out.

4. Understand the Benefits of Fasting: Fasting can be beneficial for dogs. While puppies shouldn’t fast for long periods, older dogs can benefit from fasting one or two days a week or eating once every 24 hours.

5. Ignore Manipulative Behavior: Dogs can be very clever about getting what they want. For example, Darcy would sit by the cupboard where I kept shelf-stable foods, signaling that she wanted something different. Don’t give in to these tactics—stick to your routine.

6. Create a Positive Feeding Environment: Make mealtimes less stressful. Use a bowl or plate that your dog is comfortable with, as some dogs dislike bowls that restrict their peripheral vision. Ensure the feeding area is quiet and free of distractions. If you have multiple dogs, consider feeding your fussy eater separately.

7. Experiment with Food Temperature and Texture: Some dogs prefer their food at room temperature or slightly warmed. Try taking meals out 40 minutes before feeding or gently flash-frying food for a minute or two to enhance its smell, which can entice picky eaters. Alternatively, add warm bone broth or a freeze-dried topper to enhance flavor and aroma.

8. Be Strategic Around Feeding Times: Feed your dog while you’re cooking your own meal. The enticing smells from your cooking can sometimes encourage them to eat their own food.

9. Avoid Frequent Food Changes: Fussy eaters are often made, not born. Stick to one trusted brand and avoid frequently switching foods, as this can reinforce picky eating habits and lead to more stress for both you and your dog.

10. Consider Outside Influences: Several external factors can affect a dog’s appetite, such as health issues (teething, gastrointestinal upset), weather, and hormonal changes. All these can influence your dog’s eating behavior.

Important Things to Remember

• Dogs don’t have the same taste buds as humans: Their sense of smell and food texture are key to enticing them to eat. Raw food often lacks a strong odour, so enhancing the scent can help.

• External Factors Matter: Never underestimate the impact of external factors. We’ll explore these in more detail later in this article!

• Rule Out Medical Issues: Always eliminate potential medical conditions that could be affecting your dog’s appetite. If your dog shows any signs of illness or distress, consult your veterinarian immediately.

The Mealtime Routine

When dealing with a fussy eater, it’s important to remember that your dog is likely hungry but may choose to refuse what you’re offering. Your behaviour—both physical and mental—can significantly influence your dog’s actions. To avoid reinforcing picky eating, establish and stick to a consistent mealtime routine. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you manage your dog’s eating habits:

Step 1: Bowl Down, Bowl Up

Place your dog’s food bowl down for a maximum of 10-15 minutes. If your dog sniffs the food, licks it, or walks away without eating, don’t be discouraged. Once the time is up, remove the bowl and put it away until the next mealtime. This approach teaches your dog that food is only available during specific times.

• Temperature Matters: Some dogs prefer their food at room temperature. Take the food out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before serving. If the food remains untouched, store it away until the next meal.

• No Snacks In Between: Avoid giving any treats or snacks between meals. Consistency is crucial; giving in can lead to more stressful and costly mealtimes.

Step 2: The Next Meal

At the next mealtime, place the bowl down again. If your dog still refuses to eat, try adding a small, enticing topper to make the food more appealing. Some suggestions include:

• Chicken, bone broth, grated freeze-dried meat, eggs, sardines, or high-value treats.

• For raw diets, consider flash-frying the food to enhance its aroma—just ensure it’s safe for your dog (no bones if you’re cooking through).

After putting the bowl down, walk away and, if possible, leave the room. It’s important to avoid stressing your dog, as they can pick up on your emotions. Even if your dog starts eating, don’t engage—let them eat in peace.

• Stay Calm and Positive: While it’s natural to worry when your dog isn’t eating, maintaining a calm and positive demeanour will help keep the mealtime environment stress-free.

If your dog still hasn’t eaten after 15 minutes, remove the bowl until the next mealtime. It’s also important to remove any other food options (kibble, canned food, etc.) from the feeding area. If your dog has been given alternative foods when being fussy, they may expect the same again. Prevent this by keeping all food out of sight and out of the feeding area entirely.

Step 3: Feed with Confidence

Sometimes, your dog may genuinely dislike a specific food, but this is rare. If you suspect this, try offering a healthy alternative. For instance, Darcy refused raw food for nearly three months, so I temporarily switched to a cooked fresh food diet. I continued to offer raw food periodically, and she eventually returned to eating raw food again without issue.

• Enhance the Food’s Appeal: Try adding a topper like freeze-dried meat chunks, eggs, or sprats. Flash-frying raw food can also enhance its smell, making it more enticing. If your dog still refuses, try flicking small bites of food onto the floor, mimicking the behavior of feeding them from your plate.

Understanding Self-Regulation

Remember that it’s natural for some dogs to self-regulate their eating habits. It’s not uncommon for dogs to fast occasionally or eat larger meals less frequently. If your dog has normal energy levels and is drinking water, there’s usually no cause for concern. Many healthy dogs, especially those on raw diets, may choose to skip meals or eat less often. My own dogs choose to fast themselves 1-2 times a week, even though they intermittently fast daily by eating only one meal every 24 hours. You can learn more about fasting here.

Important Note: Food should not be withheld from puppies, pregnant dogs, or sick dogs for more than 24 hours.

Recognising External Influences

Several external factors can influence a dog’s appetite, causing them to eat less or become more selective about their food. Here are some common influences:

1. Environmental Changes: Moving to a new home, rearranging furniture, or changes in household dynamics (like new pets or people) can cause stress and anxiety, leading to reduced appetite.

2. Weather and Temperature: Hot weather can reduce a dog’s desire to eat, while colder temperatures may increase appetite due to increased energy demands for maintaining body warmth.

3. Routine Changes: Alterations in daily routines, such as feeding times, exercise patterns, or the owner’s schedule, can impact a dog’s eating habits.

4. Social Stressors: The presence of other pets, especially if competing for food, can cause stress and anxiety, reducing appetite.

5. Emotional Stress: Changes such as a new baby, loss in the household, or owner’s emotional state can affect a dog’s appetite.

6. Health Issues and Medications: Certain medications or health conditions can suppress appetite.

7. Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations during heat cycles or hormonal imbalances in older dogs can affect appetite.

Understanding these influences and managing them can help maintain a healthy and balanced diet for your dog.

Choosing the Right Bowl for Your Dog

When a dog refuses to eat, we often overlook how we present the food. Over time, I found that Darcy preferred eating from a flat surface, such as a bamboo toddler plate, rather than a traditional bowl. This setup mimics natural feeding behaviours, reduces anxiety, and can help prevent digestive issues like bloating.

Dr. Carol Smeja encountered a similar challenge with her 6 kg dog, who frequently belched loudly after gulping down food from its bowl. One evening, while feeding her dog scraps from a cutting board, she noticed a remarkable change: her dog ate more slowly and thoughtfully, taking time to sniff and savor each piece of food. This observation was eye-opening for Dr. Smeja.

Intrigued by this behavior, Dr. Smeja delved into research on how wild animals, such as wolves and mountain lions, consume their meals. She discovered that many commercial pet food bowls are made from potentially harmful materials, often recycled, which could contribute to various health issues. Rising cancer rates in pets have been linked not only to the quality of their food but also to the way it is presented, along with other environmental factors.

The Research Behind Feeding Dogs from Bowls vs. Flat Surfaces

When a dog eats from a traditional food bowl, it often has to stand in a rigid posture, sticking its head into a confined space that restricts its peripheral vision. This inability to see their surroundings can lead to anxiety. Additionally, dogs tend to swallow large amounts of air along with their food because, in a standard bowl, the food is usually heaped high. As food and air travel down the dog’s throat, they can combine and cause gas, regurgitation, belching, and, in many cases, bloating.

Dogs and cats are instinctively driven animals, and as pet owners, we often impose our own methods of living upon them. Unlike their wild counterparts, pets have little control over the quality of their food or how they consume it. This lack of control can lead to stress and digestive issues.

Dr. Smeja compares eating from a small, enclosed bowl to consuming “fast food.” She notes that “dogs see the world through their nose.” When their noses are forced against a pile of food in a bowl, it can result in negative behavioral responses, particularly for dogs who are slow eaters. In contrast, a flat surface allows dogs to eat in a way that mimics their natural behavior in the wild, providing them with a more instinctive and relaxed feeding experience similar to scavenging a carcass.

So what should you use to feed your dog?

A flat surface is often best for fussy eaters alternatively, a glass bowl can be beneficial due to its transparent sides.

As above, I prefer to use The Bamboo Plate as bamboo is free from BPA and other harmful chemicals, is lightweight, stain-resistant, and naturally antimicrobial, reducing bacterial growth risk. It’s also eco-friendly and sustainable, making it a safe choice for feeding pets.

Other Options: If a bamboo plate isn’t available, consider alternatives like a flat chopping board or slate. Avoid plastic bowls due to potential chemical leaching and bacterial growth. For more insights on choosing the right bowl, check out our article linked here.

If you’d like to look for a flat-surfaced product to feed your dog - I would highly recommend a bamboo plate like this or even a chopping board/ slate. Dr Smeja has created a product called “The Mine Pet Platter” but this is not yet available in the U.K. Of course, you could feed using a lickimat (UK option) or USA option here but some dogs don’t like the experience of having to lick the textured surface.

Conclusion:

Transforming Mealtime with Patience and Consistency

Having a fussy eater can be challenging—I’ve been there myself. But with consistency, patience, and a structured routine, it’s possible to transform even the pickiest eater into a confident and healthy eater. The key is to stay calm, remain consistent, and not let frustration drive you to constantly switch foods or give in to demands.

By following these steps and adjusting as needed, you can make mealtimes easier and more enjoyable for both you and your dog. Here’s to helping your furry friend become a strong eater, just like Darcy