Getting Your Dog to Eat Their Food: Tips, Tricks and Strategies

Introduction

Dogs are our faithful companions, so it’s important that we take care of them and ensure they are eating enough. Unfortunately, some dogs can be picky eaters and may struggle to get enough nutrition from their food. This article explores various strategies for getting your pup to eat their food, and will help you find ways to make mealtime enjoyable for both you and your pup.

Use a Variety of Treats

Treats can be a great way to entice your pup to eat their food. Make sure to offer a variety of treats, such as meat-based treats, cheese, fruits, and vegetables. These can all be used as rewards while your pup is eating, or as a topping on their food. According to a study published in the journal Applied Animal Behaviour Science, treats can be an effective way to reinforce positive behaviors in dogs, and can help motivate them to eat their food.¹

Make Meal Time Fun

Mealtime doesn’t have to be a chore! Playing interactive games with your pup during mealtime can help make it more enjoyable for them. Try hiding their food bowl around the house and having them search for it, or playing fetch with their bowl. You could also hide treats in their food bowl and let them sniff them out. These activities can help keep your pup engaged and excited about mealtime.

Change Up The Dishes

Using the same bowl or dish every day can become boring for your pup, so it’s important to switch things up. Try using different bowls or dishes each day, such as glass, ceramic, silicone, or stainless steel. Different textures and colors can make mealtime more interesting for your pup, and may even encourage them to eat more.

Feed Smaller Meals More Often

One strategy for getting your pup to eat their food is to feed them smaller meals more often. This can help them feel less overwhelmed when presented with a large amount of food all at once. Additionally, breaking up meals into smaller portions can help you monitor how much your pup is eating, and can make it easier for them to digest their food.

Add Wet Food To Dry

Adding wet food to dry kibble can add flavor and interest to a pup’s diet. Wet food can also provide additional moisture, which is important for keeping your pup hydrated. When adding wet food to dry kibble, make sure to do so in small amounts to avoid overwhelming your pup with too much food.

Slow Down Feeding Time

It’s important to give your pup enough time to eat their food without feeling rushed. Allowing them to take their time while eating can help them relax and enjoy the meal. Try setting a timer for 10 minutes and letting your pup take their time while eating. If your pup still hasn’t finished after 10 minutes, you can remove the bowl and offer it again later.

Try Different Foods

Experimenting with different types of foods can help you find one that your pup enjoys. There are many types of dog food available, such as grain-free, organic, and raw. You can also try adding different ingredients to your pup’s food, such as cooked eggs, salmon, or pumpkin. Finding the right food for your pup can make mealtime much more enjoyable.

Conclusion

Getting your pup to eat their food can sometimes be a challenge, but there are plenty of strategies you can use to make it easier. Offering a variety of treats, making mealtime fun, switching up the dishes, feeding smaller meals more often, adding wet food to dry, slowing down feeding time, and trying different foods can all help get your pup to enjoy their meals.