Picky Eating Dogs and How to Understand Their Appetite

Picky eating dogs can be a challenge for many pet owners. Some dogs may turn up their noses at their favorite foods, while others may only eat at certain times of the day.

Research suggests that picky eating dogs may have a more sensitive sense of smell than other dogs. This can make mealtime a frustrating experience for owners.

Dogs are creatures of habit and may prefer to eat at the same time every day. In fact, studies have shown that dogs are most active and alert during the morning and early afternoon, which may influence their appetite.

For some dogs, mealtime anxiety can be a major contributor to picky eating.

Your dog's eating habits are likely tied to their environment, not just their breed. Dr. Klein explains that creating a consistent feeding routine can help avoid picky eating behavior.

Set a mealtime schedule and stick to it as much as possible. Leave food out for no longer than 15 to 20 minutes, and if your dog doesn't eat anything, take the bowls away. This will help your dog develop good eating habits and prevent them from getting spoiled.

If you notice your dog has a healthy weight, eats a complete and balanced diet, and has normal stool, then it's likely they don't have any problems with the food you're serving. However, if your dog is a picky eater, it may be due to stress, absent pet owners, or social and emotional upheaval in their daily routine.

Some dogs may be more prone to picky eating due to their genetics, such as Pugs and Labradors, which are known to have ravenous appetites. On the other hand, some breeds like Sighthounds may have typical appetites but gain little to no weight due to their fast metabolisms.

Here are some signs that your dog may be a picky eater:

If you suspect your dog is a picky eater, it's essential to consult with your veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

Some dogs are naturally more particular about their food than others. Hound breeds, like Beagles and Bloodhounds, have a keen sense of smell that can make them more selective about the aromas of their food.

Terriers, known for their energetic and feisty personalities, often prefer foods with bold flavors and textures. This means you may need to mix things up to keep them engaged at mealtime.

Dogs with smaller mouths and delicate teeth, such as Chihuahuas and Yorkshire Terriers, may prefer soft or small kibbles that are easy to chew. This can be a good option if your toy breed is picky about their food.

Feeding your dog is a ritual that usually brings together a loving owner and a grateful, hungry pet. But when Fido doesn’t eat with much gusto, it can raise a red flag. It’s a good idea to know when it might be a sign of trouble and what you can do if it is.

Some dogs have ravenous appetites, while others are more finicky. Breeds like Pugs and Labradors are notorious for having big appetites, while Sighthounds have typical appetites but gain little to no weight.

If your dog doesn’t empty their food bowl within about 20 minutes, they might be considered a picky eater. And if they refuse to eat their own food but are happy to accept human table scraps, that’s also a sign of picky eating.

A new type of food can make a difference, especially if your dog has linked a problem with a certain food to an upset stomach or worse. Gradual food introductions can help prevent digestive upset and reinforce positive associations with food.

To ensure your dog is eating well, check their stool and weight regularly. If they have a healthy weight, eat a complete and balanced diet, and their stool looks normal, then they likely don’t have any problems with the food you’re serving.

Here are some breed-specific preferences to keep in mind:

Remember, too many treats can spoil your dog’s appetite at mealtime. It’s fine to reward your dog for good behavior, but try not to overdo it to avoid sending the wrong message.

If your dog is taking longer than 20 minutes to finish their food, it could be a sign of picky eating. Some breeds, like Pugs and Labradors, are known to have ravenous appetites, while others, like Sighthounds, have typical appetites but fast metabolisms that prevent weight gain.

Dogs that refuse to eat their own food but gobble up human table scraps may also be considered picky eaters. This behavior can be a red flag, and it's essential to rule out any underlying medical conditions that might be causing this erratic appetite.

If your dog is eating a complete and balanced diet, has a healthy weight, and their stool looks normal, it's likely that they don't have any issues with the food you're serving.

Dogs have a heightened sense of smell, which can influence their eating preferences. Strong odors or certain textures can make them hesitant to try new foods.

Even minor differences in aroma or texture can affect their willingness to consume a particular food. This means that a subtle change in your dog's meal can make all the difference.

Some dogs may be put off by a strong-smelling food, while others may enjoy the aroma. Experimenting with different types of food can help you determine what your dog prefers.

It's essential to consider the sensory experience of eating from a dog's perspective. This means thinking about how your dog perceives the world around them, including the smells and textures they encounter.

Anxiety can be a significant issue for dogs, causing them to lose their appetite. Just like people, dogs don't eat as much if they're anxious.

Dogs can get anxious due to loneliness, boredom, or changes in their environment. For example, a dog may become anxious during a storm or due to separation anxiety when left home alone during the work day.

Anxiety can be triggered by things like fireworks or a change in the pet's environment during mealtime. This can lead to a decrease in appetite, making it essential to identify and address the underlying causes.

If you suspect anxiety is causing your dog's lack of appetite, spending more time with them can help. This can be as simple as taking a walk or playing with your dog to distract them from their anxiety.

If your dog's appetite changes suddenly or lasts longer than 12 to 24 hours, it's a good idea to consult with your veterinarian. Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial to rule out any potential health concerns that might be affecting a dog's appetite.

Puppies under six months old, dogs experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea, and dogs with diabetes are more prone to health issues related to appetite changes. These cases require immediate attention from a veterinarian.

If your dog seems to want to eat but doesn't, or will only eat soft food, especially if they're a senior dog, it's a red flag that warrants a vet visit. Any missed meal or decrease in appetite should be an alert to the owner to notify a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Here are some exceptions to the general rule of consulting a veterinarian if your dog's appetite change lasts longer than 12 to 24 hours:

If your dog isn't finishing their meals, it's not necessarily because they're a picky eater. In fact, some dogs just don't see food as the ultimate reward, and they might be more motivated by attention or praise.

Some dogs might be interested in treats, though, and that's where you can mix things up. Try adding treats to their dinner or using a sauce to make mealtime more appealing. Companies even make special sauces just for this purpose.

If your dog is taking a long time to finish their meal, it's worth paying attention to. According to Dr. Klein, dogs that don't empty their food bowls within 20 minutes might be considered picky eaters. But it's also possible that they're just not hungry or are experiencing some underlying issue.

Here are some signs that your dog might be a picky eater: