We created Jinx to be both nutritious and tasty and we’ve heard from many happy dog parents that their previously picky dogs dig our recipes. However, some dogs need a little more coaxing at mealtime, even with the tastiest food in their bowls. How you feed your dog is just as important as what you feed your pup. Dealing with a seemingly picky dog can be tricky, so we’ve rounded up our favorite tips and tricks to get your pup excited about meal time.
Make dog ‘cereal’
Add a few tablespoons of warm (not hot) water to your dog’s food to help release appetizing aromas. Just be sure to not leave moistened food out for more than four hours. Some smaller dogs or older dogs have a weak sense of smell, which can make their food seem not as appealing as it used to be. Adding a little warm water can sometimes be a quick trick to encourage your dog to eat while also helping them hydrate.
Find the perfect portion
If you are feeding your pet more than one meal during the day, divide the amount into the number of meals. Make sure when you follow the feeding directions for your dogs food you are not doubling or tripling the recommended amount! For example: If the food you are feeding your pup says to feed 1 cup per day, that means 1 cup per day total. If you want to feed your pup twice a day, give them ½ a cup in the morning and ½ a cup in the evening. This prevents overfeeding which can cause weight gain and tummy troubles. This may seem obvious but it is a mistake that is easy to make. Christina, our Social Media Manager, accidentally did this when she was first fostering a little Boston Terrier named Bun. After being concerned that he wasn’t finishing his food, she realized she was feeding the little guy twice his daily recommendation!
Top it off!
Add a topper to your pup's kibble to add a little variety and amp up the flavor. Just a sprinkle of our freeze-dried Chicken on Top or Salmon on Top meal toppers can entice even the pickiest of pups. For DIY favorite mix-ins, our favorites are are a scoop of nonfat plain greek yogurt, ¼ cup of plain boiled chicken (no spices or extras!), or a spoonful of coconut oil. Steamed veggies are another nutritious option that can help win over the hearts and taste buds of the most refined puppy palates.
Don’t let them linger
Give your dog 10-20 minutes to eat, then remove the remaining food and wait until the next meal before offering the food again. This method works extremely well for dogs who have ‘trained’ their owners. If we consistently add extra goodies to our picky dog’s food to entice them to eat, they will learn that if they hold out, something better will be offered. When we take away our dog’s unfinished bowl, we send the signal that they can’t wait around for the next best thing.
We created Jinx to not only be healthy but to be something that dogs will love to eat. If you need help with a picky pup or aren’t sure which recipe your dog will like best, reach out to our Jinx product expert, Katie, for one-on-one support.