Is your dog struggling to choke down its food? Whether your dog is just picky or actually sick, it’s still important for them to get the nutrients they need.
We’ve got the top tips on how to get a dog to eat so you can get your dog in top shape today.
1. Switch Your Dog’s Food
Your dog’s food might just not be appealing to them. Try switching it out for a different brand. Or, change it out for food with a different base.
For example, if your dog is refusing to eat fish-based dog food, try switching over to chicken or plant-based dog food.
If it’s not the taste that’s the problem, there are some other things you can try. You can try warming up your dog’s food, which will boost its taste and smell. You can also try adding some broth to your dog’s food, which may also help encourage your dog to eat its food.
Adding a topper to your dog’s food can also help encourage them to eat. After all, no one likes bland, unseasoned food, right?
If you’re only giving your dog dry food now, you may want to add some wet food to their diet as well.
2. Give Them Supplements
Different types of supplements may stimulate your dog’s appetite. Cbg oil for dogs, for example, can help your dog feel better and eat more. You can also ask your veterinarian to prescribe an appetite stimulant for your dog.
Remember, before giving your dog any sort of supplement, that you should always get the go-ahead from your veterinarian first.
3. Improve The Ambiance
Your dog may just feel some anxiety around eating. You can try moving your dog’s food to a quieter location, where they may feel less pressure about eating. If your dog has separation anxiety, it may be important for you to be in the room with them while they eat their meals.
If your dog is feeling nervous, especially if they are new to your home, there are some other approaches you can try. Feeding your dog by hand may also encourage your dog to eat its food.
Your dog also just might be bored with the eating process. Try making mealtime fun by playing a game with your dog’s food during mealtime. Pretend to eat the food with them, so they’ll think it’s a fun competition.
Your dog may also just be feeling generally uncomfortable. Make sure that they have a comfortable place to lay while they eat. Make sure that the bowl is at a comfortable height for them to eat at.
4. Reward Them
Treats are a great way to get your dog to eat. It’s easier to catch flies with honey than with vinegar, after all. Give your dog a treat along with its meal, so they will have positive associations with eating.
You can also try giving your dog small amounts of human or baby food. Make sure it’s a type of food that isn’t hazardous for dogs to consume. Chicken and white rice can be a good option that is healthy for your dog.
Shredded chicken, in particular, is a healthy choice because of the texture.
And, it may sound surprising, but pumpkin can be a very healthy food for your dog to eat. That’s because it contains a bunch of different vitamins and is also high in fiber.
5. Hydration Matters
If your dog is dehydrated, it could be part of the reason they seem to be uninterested in eating.
Make sure your dog is getting plenty of water, including during mealtimes. If it doesn’t seem like your dog is drinking enough water, there are some more actions you can take.
Giving your dog an ice cube to lick, or adding ice cubes to their water bowl, can encourage them to drink more water.
6. Consistency Is Key
Just like with humans, it’s important to keep a routine for your dog’s meals. Make sure that you’re feeding your dog at the same time of day, every day.
That way, they’ll know when to expect their meal every day and they’ll be ready and waiting to eat.
You should also make sure that you’re using the same bowl, and feeding the same amount of food every day and for every meal. And, try to keep your dog’s bowl in the same location every single day.
However, it can sometimes be a good idea to switch out WHAT your dog eats if the rest of the factors in your dog’s meal stay consistent.
7. Know When To Get More Help
At a certain point, there may be more to the picture than a picky dog. If your dog hasn’t eaten in 48 hours, it’s time to take your dog to the vet. If your dog is consistently throwing up, it’s time to take your dog to the vet.
If you see sudden, major changes in your dog’s personality or temperament, they may be having some sort of health issue. If your dog seems to be in pain at any point, it’s time to take our dog in.
These are just some of the ways to can tell if there’s more going on than just a dog who doesn’t like their dinner one night. Ultimately, you know your pet best.
Now You Know How To Get a Dog To Eat
Clearly, there are a lot of ways to answer the question, “how to get a dog to eat”. But if you think there might be more going on than having a picky dog, make sure you contact your veterinarian today.
Are you interested in reading more about dogs and other, related topics? Make sure you read some of our other articles today.
