If you’re one of the many dog parents asking “why won’t my dog eat?” we’re here to help. While dogs are notorious for eating anything and everything they find, some pups need a little more coaxing when it comes to mealtime, even if they’ve got the tastiest food in their bowls. As dog parents, it’s a priority to make sure our picky eaters finish their meals so they can get the nutrition they need.

Before trying food-related fixes, it’s always a good idea to rule out other health issues by talking to your vet. More serious issues like digestive pain, allergies, or a reaction to medication can sometimes be the cause for dogs to lose interest in food.

Here are a few signs and solutions to keep in mind:

• Check with your vet first: Rule out underlying health concerns before making changes at home.
  

• Notice the pattern: If your pup ignores their food but happily eats treats or table scraps, you’ve likely got a picky eater.
  

• Support their nutrition: Even picky dogs need balanced meals to stay healthy, which is why small adjustments like portion size, toppers, or routine can make a difference.

If you do have a picky eater, we’ve rounded up our favorite tips and tricks to get your pup excited about meal time.

 

Help! Why Is My Dog a Picky Eater (and What to Do About It)?

Fussy eating habits can be challenging, worrying, and at times frustrating for dog parents. But with a few tricks up your sleeve (and a heaping spoonful of patience) you can figure out why your dog is a picky eater, how to encourage them to eat again, and which foods for picky dogs are worth keeping in your pantry. 

A big lesson to learn and remember is that how you feed your pup is just as important as what you feed them. So before digging into reasons why they aren’t eating their meals, here are some things you can do to help encourage their appetite and support healthy eating habits:

• Praise Progress: Whenever your dog does eat from their bowl, reward them with attention or praise to create a positive association with meal time.

• Limit treats: Too many goodies during the day can reduce their appetite when it comes time to eat their meals. A good rule of thumb is to keep treats (including table scraps) at 10% or less of total caloric intake. Low calorie training treats make that easier!

• Stick to a routine: Be consistent with when, where, and how you feed your dog so they learn to expect meals at the same time each day.

 

How to Get a Picky Dog to Eat (Simple Tips That Work)

If your vet has ruled out serious health issues, the next step is to focus on how to feed a picky dog and what foods might encourage them to eat. Even selective pups can enjoy mealtime again with a few simple tricks. Here are some strategies dog parents can try to entice a picky dog.

 

Make Dog “Cereal”: Add Warm Water to Kibble

Some smaller dogs and older dogs may have a weaker sense of smell, which can make their food less appealing over time. One simple trick is to create a kind of “dog cereal” by adding a few tablespoons of warm (not hot) water to your dog’s food like kibble. The added moisture helps release appetizing aromas that can tempt even picky eaters. 

Just remember: do not leave moistened food sitting out for more than four hours, since it can spoil quickly. 

 

The Right Portion Size for Picky Dogs

Sometimes picky eaters do better with smaller, more frequent meals instead of one large serving. Dividing your dog’s food into portions throughout the day can make eating less overwhelming and help encourage appetite. Always follow the recommended feeding directions on your dog’s food label to avoid accidentally under- or overfeed your dog.

Example of portion control for picky dogs

• If your pup’s feeding guide says 1 cup per day, you can split that into 2 smaller meals: ½ cup in the morning and ½ cup in the evening.

 

Top It Off

Adding a food topper to your dog’s bowl of kibble is one of the easiest ways to entice a picky eater. Toppers add variety, enhance aroma, and amp up the flavor so they are more excited about mealtime. 

Topper ideas for picky dogs:

• Jinx toppers: Sprinkle on Chicken & Pumpkin or our award-winning Beef & Sweet Potato Topper. These can entice even the pickiest pups.

• Wet food mix-ins:  Incorporate wet food or Jinx Homemades for the taste and texture of a home-cooked meal, without the extra prep.

DIY options: Plain yogurt, plain boiled chicken, or lightly steamed veggies can give your pup extra nutrition and flavor.

With the right topper, you can turn kibble from ordinary into irresistible while still giving your dog balanced, nutritious meals.

 

Don’t Leave Food Out: Scheduled Meals for Picky Eaters

Allow your dog a set window of time to eat, usually about 20 minutes. If they don’t finish their food within that time, remove the bowl and wait until the next scheduled meal to offer it again. This method discourages picky eating habits and teaches your dog that mealtime is the time to eat. 

 

Consistency Is Key In Feeding Picky Dogs

Routine matters for picky eaters. Feed your dog at the same time and in the same place every day to build a predictable habit. Once you decide how much time to allow for meals, remove the bowl at the same time each meal so they learn when food is available and when it’s not.

 

Switching Recipes: Finding the Best Kibble for Picky Dogs

If you’re still not having success with your picky eater, it may be time to switch up their food. What’s the best kibble for picky dogs? The best kibble for picky dogs is usually highly palatable and easy to digest. Luckily, Jinx kibble delivers on both taste and digestibility, and our sampler packs let you test different recipes to see which one your pup likes the most!

Remember to always introduce new food gradually to avoid upsetting your dog’s stomach.

 

Final Thoughts on Feeding Picky Eaters

Every dog is different, and so are the reasons for picky eating. Some may not be as active and simply don’t crave as much food, while other dogs may have a reduced sense of taste or smell that affects their appetite. 

If your dog is otherwise healthy and happy, and you’ve checked with your vet, occasional picky eating is usually nothing to stress over.

At Jinx, we’ve created food that’s not only complete but also designed to appeal to picky eaters. With options like superfood-powered kibble, flavorful toppers, and convenient sampler packs, we make it easier to find what works best for your pup.

Quick takeaways for dog parents with picky eaters:

• Rule out health issues with your vet first.

• Stick to a feeding routine and avoid leaving food out all day.

• Try smaller portions, toppers, or moisture to make kibble more enticing.

• Explore different recipes until you find the one your dog loves.