It’s not uncommon for some pups to have different tastes and are often picky eaters. Several pups suffer from allergies, and sensitive stomachs or resist eating certain meals. This causes a great deal of stress for pups as well as pet parents.

Dealing with a picky or fussy eater starts with acknowledging what makes them tick. It may be dry kibble, underlying allergies or health concerns, unusual past encounters or breed-specific preferences.

Who wants the same dry kibble every day? Picky eating maybe your dog’s way of saying that they want variation. As pups want a vast range of flavours, they also show a significant appreciation for texture. The softness of cooked chicken or the squishiness of wet dog food can enhance a pup’s diet rather than the crunch of kibble. With a heightened sense of smell, pups are highly attuned to aromas and find them fundamental to their eating experiences. The enticing smells of cooked meats and vegetables can facilitate a new level of excitement for mealtime. It’s crucial to consider the sensory experience of eating from a pup’s point of view, as even small changes in aroma or texture can drastically impact their willingness to consume a particular meal. Pups may associate particular foods with memories from the past, much like people can. Pups may acquire food aversions and become picky eaters if they have an unpleasant experience with a certain kind of food. A change in the pup’s surroundings during mealtime may be the cause of this, as well as food allergies or upset stomachs.

Another reason may be health concerns. Pups may have dental concerns such as loose teeth or broken teeth. Wet dog food tends to be gentler hence pups may shy away from hard foods. Pups may be uncomfortable if they have digestive concerns such as nausea, constipation, or diarrhoea. They become picky eater as a result, regardless of flavour or texture. Pups with chronic health concerns, such as liver or renal concerns may tend to eat less. It’s crucial to schedule a veterinary visit if your pup is a picky or fussy eater and in addition is experiencing symptoms such as weight loss, lethargy, or vomiting Early diagnosis and treatment can help pups build their appetite.

Breed-specific preferences exist as well.

1. Beagles and Bloodhounds, among other hound breeds, are renowned for having excellent senses of scent. They may be better hunters due to their enhanced sense of smell, but they may also be picky eaters due to this. Strong-smelling foods may be preferred by hound breeds, whereas unpleasant smells may make them reluctant to eat.
2. Terriers are frequently characterized as feisty and lively. These characteristics may also apply to the way terriers eat since they prefer meals with strong flavours and textures.
3. The feeding choices of small toy breeds, such as Yorkshire Terriers and Chihuahuas, may be influenced by their smaller mouths. When feeding these dogs, pet owners need to take into account the food’s size and texture to satisfy these fussy eaters.

Additional tips that can help pet parents:

1. To increase the palatability, pet parents may experiment with new textures and flavours.
2. It’s crucial to gradually transition when introducing a new food or a different diet. Sudden disruptions in your pup’s feeding may lead to digestive concerns or negative associations. (For example, 75% current meal 25% new meal for first 2 to 3 days, 50% current meal 50% new meal for the next 3 to 6 days, after a week you can do 75% new meal and 25% old meal and henceforth).
3. A pet parent can add variation to the pup’s diet. Protein sources, veggies and dried fruit treats can boost nutritional value as well as create a sense of excitement for your pup.

It’s not easy to feed a picky eater or fussy pup however once we understand what upsets a pup’s tummy we can arrive at decent solutions and ensure the overall well-being of our pups.