Fussy Eaters

🐶 Understanding Canine Food Preferences

Dogs can sometimes display selective eating habits, leading pet guardians to worry. While these changes can be concerning, they often have underlying reasons that may not immediately indicate illness or dislike of food. Understanding these factors helps address canine fussiness with patience and empathy.

🧐 Why Dogs May Avoid Eating

🔎 Health Issues

✔️ Pain from injury or illness can dampen appetite

✔️ Digestive problems, dental issues, or arthritis may cause food avoidance

✔️ If you're concerned, consult your vet for peace of mind

🦠 Parasitic Infections

✔️ Parasites can cause increased or decreased hunger

✔️ Regular wormcount, lungworm, and giardia tests (every 3-6 months) are recommended

✔️ If eating patterns change, consider testing again

♀️ Heat Cycles & Male Hormones

✔️ Females in heat may experience appetite fluctuations

✔️ A few weeks after heat, phantom pregnancies can also affect eating

✔️ Male dogs can sense females in heat, sometimes leading to pacing, whining, or reduced appetite

⚖️ Self-Regulation

✔️ Some dogs naturally adjust their food intake

✔️ If they are healthy and fit, occasional weight loss is normal

✔️ Dogs should never drop below a "4" on the body condition chart

✔️ Puppies under 18 months should not have drastic food reductions

🌡️ Weather Influences

✔️ Warmer temperatures can reduce appetite, particularly in northern breeds, German Shepherds & brachycephalic breeds

✔️ Humidity and atmospheric pressure can also impact eating habits

🍗 New Food Experiences

✔️ Dogs may hesitate with new proteins or textures

✔️ Gradual transitions can help:

➡️ Day 1: 1/3 new food, 2/3 old

➡️ Day 2: 2/3 new food, 1/3 old

➡️ Day 3: Fully switched (if needed, adjust at a slower pace)

🦷 Teething Discomfort

✔️ Even after the visible teething phase, lingering discomfort may cause food aversion

🏆 Holding Out for Better Food

✔️ Dogs may refuse meals, hoping for treats or table scraps

✔️ Tough love approach: If food isn’t eaten within 10 mins (summer) or 15 mins (winter), store it until the next meal

🍖 Too Many Treats?

✔️ Treats should not exceed 10% of daily food intake

✔️ If your dog is fussy, reduce treats and chews

🔊 Environmental Stressors

✔️ Loud noises, household stress, visitors, intense training, fireworks, boarding, day-care can all cause temporary eating changes

🧠 Mental Stimulation Needs

✔️ Some dogs find bowls boring and prefer to work for their food

✔️ Try:➡️ Enrichment feeders, slow feeders, scent work, puzzle games, training with food

🏡 How to Handle a Fussy Eater

✔️ Stay Calm – Dogs pick up on emotions, so staying relaxed helps

✔️ Vet Check – If signs of illness, weight loss, or lethargy appear, see a vet

✔️ Understand Their Behaviour – Could they be self-regulating, too hot, or sensing emotions?

✔️ Redefine Treats – Treats are a luxury, not a necessity

✔️ Record & Analyse – Keep a food diary tracking brand, protein, weather, and mealtime patterns

✔️ Adjust Food Temperature – Add warmed bone broth (baby bottle type temperature) in winter or serve cold in summer if your dog prefers it straight from the fridge.

✔️ Mealtime Management – Store uneaten food after 10-15 mins (lasts 3 days in the fridge)

✔️ Experiment with Feeding Tools – Try lick mats, plates, puzzle feeders, or boards

✔️ Use Food in Activities – Hide meatballs for treasure hunts

✔️ Add Meal Toppers – Try dog-friendly kefir or bone broth (River & Wren Every Day blend works well!)

✔️ Creative Approaches – Mimic eating the food yourself (some dogs find this intriguing!)

✔️ Consider Alternatives – If stress levels are high but your vet confirms good health, explore our non-raw blog for options

⚠️ Important Cautionary Notes

❌ Never microwave or flash-fry pre-made raw dog food containing bone

❌ A healthy dog will not starve itself, but if they drop to a "3" or below on the body condition chart, seek vet guidance

❌ Continual concerns? Always rule out health issues with professional advice

By understanding your dog’s specific needs, mealtime can become an enjoyable experience rather than a battle. Patience and observation are key—every canine is unique!

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