5 Simple Ways to Help Your Fussy Puppy Eat Happily!

If you’ve been wondering how to help a fussy puppy eat, you’re not alone. Many dog owners face this challenge, but there are effective strategies that can make mealtime easier for both you and your puppy. Let’s explore how to improve your puppy’s eating habits and help them overcome food anxiety or reluctance to eat.

Feeding a Fussy Dog That’s Not Eating

A puppy’s reluctance to eat can be caused by several factors, including health concerns or environmental factors. The first step in addressing a fussy puppy is to rule out any medical concerns. A visit to the vet can help identify underlying issues such as:

Digestive problems
Food allergies
Teething issues (especially in teenage dogs)

The Best Ways to Get a Dog Not Eating to Eat

Consider Their Instinctual Eating Habits

Understanding your puppy’s instinctual eating habits is key. Some puppies prefer grazing throughout the day or eating at certain times. Consider their natural preferences for food textures, flavours, and food types. You may also want to experiment with different bowls or surfaces (like flat surfaces or concave bowls) to see which one makes them feel more comfortable.

Natural Eating Routine

A natural eating routine promotes better digestion and reduces food anxiety in puppies. Puppies benefit from smaller, frequent meals throughout the day.

Here is How the ‘Natural Eating Routine’ Works in Practice

Small portions at regular intervals (e.g., breakfast, lunch, dinner) will keep your puppy calm during mealtime.
Create a calm, quiet environment with minimal distractions, which helps to focus on the meal.

Enrichment/Forage Feeding

Providing enrichment through forage feeding can help your puppy engage with food in a more natural way. For example, hide their food in different spots or scatter it around their feeding area to encourage natural foraging behavior.

Opportunity Knocks Method

The Opportunity Knocks Method creates a fun and relaxed feeding environment. It encourages your puppy to interact with food in playful ways, which can reduce food anxiety and promote excitement at mealtime. Here’s how it works:

Scatter food around the room.
Use interactive feeders or puzzle toys.
Add bone broth or food dollops to make the meal more appealing.

Recaller Tactics

Use recall tactics to encourage eating by offering your puppy their favorite treats or food types. This positive reinforcement makes mealtime more enjoyable for your puppy.

Hand Feeding

Sometimes, the best way to help a reluctant eater is through hand feeding. This provides comfort, especially if your puppy is anxious or overwhelmed. It also strengthens the bond between you and your puppy, and they may eventually start eating on their own.

The Causes of a Dog Not Eating

Several issues could be causing your puppy’s reluctance to eat. Common causes include:

Regular Testers

Some puppies, especially during teenage rebellion, may test their limits with food. This phase often resolves over time.

Teenage Rebellion

Teenage puppies can be more selective with food as they go through growth and development phases. During this time, consistency is key to guiding them back to healthy eating habits.

Anxiety Issues (Theirs and Ours)

Both puppy anxiety and our own frustration can affect your puppy’s eating habits. Creating a calm and positive mealtime experience will reduce their anxiety.

Feeding Too Much

Overfeeding your puppy can cause them to lose interest in meals. Stick to the recommended portions based on your puppy’s age, breed, and size.

The Best Food for Fussy Dogs

When choosing food for a fussy puppy, it’s important to select high-quality ingredients that meet their nutritional needs and calorie requirements. Some options to consider include:

Fresh meat
Fish
Vegetables
Wet food

Consider trying a protein rotation or limited ingredient foods to see what appeals to your puppy’s tastes.

Do You Have a ‘Fussy’ Puppy?

If your puppy is showing signs of being a fussy eater, it’s important to identify whether the issue is behavioral or health-related. Regular monitoring and adjusting mealtime routines can usually help.

Has Your Puppy Just Joined the Family?

If your puppy is new to your home, they might be feeling nervous or stressed, which could cause food anxiety. Give your puppy time to adjust to their new environment, and be patient as they settle in.

Are You Feeding Little and Often?

Feeding your puppy small meals frequently throughout the day can ease food anxiety and encourage them to eat.

Is Growth Slowing Down?

If you notice that your puppy’s growth appears to be slowing down, consult your vet to assess their calorie requirement and nutritional needs.

Calorie Requirement

Make sure to meet your puppy’s calorie requirement based on their breed, age, and weight. This will ensure they are getting the appropriate nutrition for healthy growth and development.

Behavioural and Environmental Influences

Stressful events, such as separation anxiety or a new environment, can impact your puppy’s eating habits. Creating a predictable routine and a calm environment can help alleviate this.

What to Do if Your Puppy’s Inappetence Becomes a Problem

If your puppy’s refusal to eat continues, consult with a vet or specialist to rule out any medical or behavioral issues.

Ten Tips to Help Feed a Fussy Dog

Here are some actionable tips to help feed a fussy puppy:

Establish a consistent feeding schedule.
Create a calm feeding environment with minimal distractions.
Experiment with different food textures and flavours.
Use interactive feeders to encourage foraging.
Offer smaller meals more frequently.
Hand feed if needed for comfort.
Use calming music during mealtime.
Avoid overfeeding—stick to recommended portions.
Offer high-quality ingredients and natural food options.
Consult a vet if the problem persists.

FAQs

Is it normal for puppies to be fussy?
Yes, it’s common for puppies to go through phases of being fussy eaters, especially during growth periods or teething.

How to fix a picky puppy?
Try offering different food types, maintaining a consistent feeding routine, and creating a calm mealtime environment.

How to calm a frustrated puppy?
Offer gentle reassurance, use calming music, and engage in bonding activities to reduce frustration.

How long can a picky puppy go without eating?
A puppy can typically go 24-48 hours without food, but if it lasts longer, consult a vet.

What to feed a very picky dog?
Offer high-quality food with meat, fish, and vegetables or try different food textures and aromas.

Will a picky dog eventually eat?
Yes, most picky dogs will eventually eat when their feeding environment is adjusted and they feel more comfortable.