How to Address a Dog’s Picky Eating Habits: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you at your wits' end dealing with your dog's picky eating habits? Perhaps you've witnessed your furry friend licking up bird droppings but insists on a high variety of cuisine for regular meals. While the occasional poop-licking might not raise concerns, persistent pickiness in a dog’s diet can be challenging to manage. In this article, we'll explore the reasons behind picky eating in dogs and provide actionable solutions to help you address this issue.

Why is My Dog Picky About His Food?

Dogs can be picky about their food, and while it might seem counterintuitive, sometimes they are training their owners. This behavior can be a result of being spoiled, used to a variety of flavors, or simply having high expectations. However, it’s essential to consider the reasons behind this pickiness to ensure your dog’s health and well-being.

Switching Up the Diet for Happy Tummies

A diverse diet is crucial for maintaining a dog's energy levels and overall health. High-quality, nutritionally balanced diets can help diversify your dog's meals. Brands like Orijen and Acana offer a variety of proteins along with fresh produce, making mealtime more appealing. Offering a mix of flavors every few weeks can prevent your dog from getting bored and keep their interest in their food.

Disclaimer: I am not a veterinarian, and my advice is based on personal experience. Before making any changes to your dog's diet, always consult a professional. If you decide to introduce new flavors or brands, ensure they meet the AAFCO nutrient standards for a complete and balanced diet.

A Training Plan for a Happier Dog

When your dog persistently turns its nose up at its meals, it might be time to approach the issue as a training opportunity. Here’s a step-by-step plan to help your dog redevelop its enthusiasm for mealtime:

Select a Moderately Priced, Balanced Food: Choose a dry dog food that adheres to the AAFCO nutrient profiles. Look for the “AAFCO Statement” on the bag, which confirms that your dog’s upcoming meals will be complete and balanced. Determine Daily Rations: Use the feeding chart on the bag to ascertain your dog’s appropriate daily servings of dry food. Divide Feeding into Two Parts: Split the daily amount into two portions—place one portion in the dog’s bowl and place the other in a sealed ziplock bag for the evening meal. Establish a Routine: Feed your dog at the same times every day, mornings and evenings. Practice Good Table Manners: Have your dog “sit,” place the food, and step back. Return after 20 minutes and if there’s leftover, store it for the next meal. No Interference: During these intervals, do not provide treats, not even human food. Stick to the scheduled feeding, and keep the kitchen free from tempting treats. Repeat for Five Days: This step-by-step process should gradually help your dog feel more positive about mealtime.

Post-Training: Maintaining a Balanced Diet

After this period, if your dog has recovered its enthusiasm for mealtime, you can gradually reintroduce treats, but be mindful of their impact on your dog’s overall caloric intake. Remember, certain treats are high in calories, so adjust your dog’s kibble accordingly.

Training Tip: If you are planning to use treats for training sessions, pick a dog food brand your dog really enjoys and use that for all meals and training treats. Plan your daily meals and training sessions based on the contents of the zipbag.

Finally, stay vigilant with your dog's weight and adjust treats or kibble as necessary. Monitoring your dog's body condition with a scorecard can help you maintain a healthy balance. Revisit this training plan as needed if your dog shows signs of wanting to train you again.

Encouraging Water Intake on Hikes and Beyond

Water consumption is crucial for dogs, especially during hikes. Mixing a small amount of plain canned meat broth with water can encourage your dog to drink more. Always bring enough water and a collapsible bowl for yourself and your pet. Take water breaks together, and remember that smaller dogs can get dehydrated faster. Don’t forget that dogs instinctively know when water is available and will not let themselves dehydrate.

In cooler weather, enlist the help of ear protection, as cold temperatures can make your dog selective about drinking. Dialed into their needs, you can keep your furry friend hydrated and happy.

Train with Love, Train with Patience.