If you have a picky eater, you know the struggle all too well. It can be difficult to get them to eat anything, let alone the food that's good for them. If this sounds like your situation, don't despair - there are some things you can do to help manage your picky eater. Here are 10 tips for dealing with picky eaters, from someone who's been there.
Start with a clean slate - get rid of all the food your dog doesn't like and start fresh
Getting rid of all the food your dog doesn't like can be the head start to a whole new success! Breaking away from their old diet and beginning anew can seem overwhelming, but it's an opportunity to invest in their health. Purging your pantry of unwanted leftovers and unhealthy snacks could create a massive shift for your pup, making room for you to try out healthy options that have just the right mix of nutrients and vitamins. By starting with a clean slate, you'll be taking the first step toward finding meals that are both tasty and beneficial for your furry companion.
Be consistent - don't give in to begging or whining, no matter how cute it is
Being consistent with your pup is key when it comes to managing picky eaters. No matter how cute their begging and whining may be, it's important to stay firm in your stance and not give in to their desperation for the food they dislike. Doing so will only reinforce the behaviour and make them more likely to beg for food in the future.
Introduce new foods slowly - add a little bit at a time to get them used to the taste and smell
Introducing new foods to your dog can be a daunting prospect; after all, you don't want them to reject it and end up wasting money on dog food that your pup refuses to eat. The best way to avoid this is by introducing the different dog food flavours slowly, adding a small amount of the new dog food into their older favourite meal to get them used to the taste and smell. This method ensures that dog owners won't have to worry about their beloved pet rejecting meals they've spent hours picking out.
Make mealtimes fun - use their favourite toy as a way to entice them to eat
If your dog is having trouble eating, why not encourage them to finish their food by using their favourite toy? It's an easier way than simply forcing your dog to eat, and instead will make mealtimes something to look forward to. You could try changing the location of the meal and lay out the dog's favourite toy beside its bowl! This can help create some excitement over mealtimes, allowing them to enjoy their food while playing with a beloved toy. If worse comes to worst, you can also offer a little bit as a reward for when they finish what's in their bowl. Making mealtimes fun can be hard work but it'll certainly be worth it!
Try different textures and flavours - they may not like one type of food but might be open to trying something else
When it comes to dog nutrition, one size does not fit all. Just because a dog doesn't seem interested in one type of food or texture, it doesn't mean you should give up. There are so many dog food options available that you might be surprised at how different flavours and textures can draw out their inner foodie! Experimenting with different dog food varieties and substituting ingredients to find the perfect culinary combination for your dog might seem like a daunting task, but the key is to stick with it and never give up hope! Try different dog foods, flavours and textures so your pup will never get bored by the same old meals!
Be patient - it may take some time for them to adjust to new foods, so don't give up!
Consistency is key when dog owners are trying to get their furry friends accustomed to eating new foods. It can be a struggle, and it may take a few weeks for dogs to modify their habits, so dog owners should remain patient and not give up too quickly! After all, the results might be worth it in terms of improved health and happiness for your dog in the long run. Keep encouraging them with tasty treats and never lose sight of the ultimate goal – healthy eating habits for your four-legged friend.
As pet parents, it is important to remember that there can be a lot of trial and error when transitioning your pup to a healthy diet. It may take some time and patience, but by following the steps mentioned above consistently, you will be able to make sure your dog is getting all the nutrition they need to stay happy and healthy. Start with a clean slate, remain consistent in refusing tempting begging behaviours, and introduce new foods slowly. Throw some fun into their mealtime with their favourite toys and try different textures, flavours, and treats as much as possible. Above all else - be patient! We know it can be frustrating at times but never give up on your beloved dog. Their health always comes first!