What to Feed a Fussy Dog?

As dog owners, we only want what’s best for our pooches to give them the best life possible, allowing them to be healthy, active and happy. The main way to do this is through what they eat, because this gives them the vital nutrients they need to fuel their bodies. But what happens when your dog suddenly doesn’t want to eat what you’ve got them? It can be worrying when you have a fussy dog with food, as they aren’t getting the nutrients for a happy, healthy lifestyle. This can leave you frantically searching for what to feed fussy dogs to ensure that you give them what they need.

Here at Pero, we understand this urge to provide your furry friend with the best of the best and the need to get them eating once more. We know that being fussy is a thing with dogs, and it can be frustrating! Many people don’t believe in a fussy dog and assume that dogs just eat anything they can sink their teeth into, but this is further from the truth. A dog could turn their nose up at what’s in their bowls because they may not like the flavour, brand, smell or even they prefer what you eat. This is why we are here to help you figure out just what to feed a fussy dog in this blog. Explore ideas to get them eating again and find the tastiest food for your dog to start licking their lips again in our range.

What is the Best Dog Food for a Fussy Eater?

When your dog becomes fussy with their food, it can leave you scratching your head wondering why they won’t eat- especially if it’s a sudden change. It can be a difficult task to try and get your furry friend to eat something, never mind finding something with the right nutrients in it to provide them with the energy they need. Due to this, you may wonder what the best dog food for a fussy eater is, trying to find a solution that works instantly.

However, unfortunately, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to dog food for fussy eaters. It all depends on what your dog’s needs are, as different dogs have different requirements from their food. Certain breeds require different nutrients from the food to provide them with a healthy life and a balanced diet. On top of this, dogs as individuals have their own needs and can have specific health issues that require a tailored diet, such as sensitive stomachs. It can be difficult to find out exactly what your dogs needs are and if the food you currently give them are meeting those needs. Your pooch could be a fussy eater because the food isn’t fulfilling their requirements. It is best to discuss your furry friend’s dietary needs with your local veterinarian to figure out what type of food and ingredients are best for them.

Another reason you could have a fussy dog is all down to their tastes and preferences. Dogs can prefer certain foods and ingredients just like us, so they may be turning their nose up because the food you’re giving isn’t what they want. They might not like the taste of certain foods or their texture, or smell. If this is the case, then it may be best to switch to something more palatable that is made as a fussy dog food. You could try different brands and ingredients to find what your canine companion truly loves.

You can also find that your dog is fussy due to overfeeding them in between meals with treats, they may not be food-oriented, they could have dental issues and even have allergies or anxiety that’s stopping them from eating. Whatever the case may be for your dog, finding the best dog food for a fussy eater is all about trial and error. You need to try out different foods, tastes and textures, as well as get creative with giving them food to get them eating once more. It is more of a journey than an instant fix, but once you find what works, your dog will be barking for more and living their best life with the nutrients they need.

What Can You Do for a Fussy Eater Dog?

Because there are so many different reasons that can make a fussy eater dog, it is ideal to take your pooch to the vet to get checked out. Doing this helps you determine what is causing them to be fussy and find out if there are any health issues that are affecting them. You can also rule out any serious implications that require immediate attention. Your vet will check for things like allergies, illnesses and if any medications are affecting your furry friend’s eating habits. They can help guide you with foods and techniques to help them eat properly and give you peace of mind to know that your dog isn’t suffering.

If the vet can’t find any health problems or any apparent reason for their change of appetite, then it could be due to other reasons, like their preferences. This is when you can try various methods and food types to see what will get them drooling and wanting more.

How to Encourage a Fussy Dog to Eat?

There are many ways to encourage your fussy dog to eat properly once more, either before or after seeing the vet. These ways can be used as a trial and error because one method may not fix your dog's fussiness.

• Make a solid meal routine & stick to it: Feed your dog at the same time and in the same area every day to provide them with healthy eating habits. Choose a quiet space with no distractions and don’t leave the bowl out all day.
• Create appetising meals: Your dog may not like the appearance, texture and taste of their food, so you can get creative to make their food different. Try different tasty toppings or mix a bit of wet food with dry.
• Feed less treats: Try not to indulge your pooch in tasty treats between meals to help them eat properly. Only give treats to them as a reward or when training.
• Have interactive meals: Get your furry friend’s brain working while making meals fun. Use interactive feeding toys or slow feeders to create playtime while eating. Slow bowls and lick mats are also good for raw and mixed foods.
• Switch the brand and type of food: If your dog is struggling to eat or digest their current food, you can try switching the brand or type of food to a fussy dog food that works for them.

What to Feed Fussy Dogs

When it comes to what to feed fussy dogs, there isn’t one answer. Not only will you need to try different methods of feeding to get your dog interested in eating properly again, but you will also need to experiment with types of food. This isn’t focusing on the brand, but it’s all about focusing on the dog food types. There are around five common types of dog food you can try to find out which one your dog can’t get enough of, as well as others that are unique. These are:

• Dry dog food: The most common and popular type due to its affordability and great shelf life. These come in easy-to-chew bite-size shapes or larger chunks for those who love to chomp. They come with nutrients that are needed and have a wide range of choices and flavours. However, not all of them may have quality ingredients in them, so it’s best to check the label.
• Wet dog food: This is an extremely palatable dog food for a fussy dog as it has a high aroma, and many dogs prefer the taste. It has a long shelf life unopened, but once opened, it needs to be consumed in a few days. It is also more expensive and may not give your dog the proper protein they need. It also has a higher fat and water content, which can reduce the amount of nutrients.
• Raw dog food: This uses fresh, unprocessed ingredients that include raw meat, organs and uncooked bones. You can make your own or buy it refrigerated, dehydrated or freeze-dried. This food mimics your pooch’s evolutionary and biological roots. It’s not good for dogs with immune system issues and it can contain more fat.
• Organic dog food: A sustainable and healthy option. This food uses sustainably sourced ingredients, no artificial additives and minimal processing. It reflects the organic food standards that are seen in our own food. It is more expensive, but it's a way to reduce exposure to pesticides, antibiotics and other potential toxins.
• Home-cooked dog food: Giving your dog home-cooked meals is when you prepare the food for them, like you do for your family. You can be creative with this and use many different flavours for your pooch to love their food. As you’re in charge of making the meals, you know what is in your dog’s food, too, so you can give them what they need.

As well as these common types of food to help you find the best dog food for fussy eaters, there are also options that are more unique and tailored to specific needs. You can find hypoallergenic dog food for those with allergies and sensitive stomachs, and grain-free dog food for dogs with sensitivities and immune issues. There’s also protein dog food for very active dogs and food designed for working dogs to provide them with the energy they need every day. You can even find fussy dog food that is designed with fussy eaters in mind!

What to Feed a Fussy Dog in the UK

Pero is here to help you find what to feed a fussy dog in the UK. We have a varied range of dog food that can help your fussy eater gain the nutrients they need for a happy and healthy life. You can find different flavours with unique and traditional proteins to entice your dog to eat their meals. They are highly palatable for a fussy dog, and they won’t be able to get enough of our dog food. Trust us, they’ll be barking for more!

We offer gluten-free and grain-free options to meet your dog’s needs and help boost their health, as well as specially designed food for sensitive stomachs and active and working dogs. On top of this, we have created fussy dog food that is made for your fussy eater, which is even more palatable and filled with all the good stuff they need to get back to eating properly. Whatever you’re looking for, Pero can help by providing nutritious, all-natural and completely balanced meals to give your pooch the best life possible!