Feeding is generally time for bonding between you and your pooch. However, it can become a nuisance when your dog refuses to eat what you give him.
Dogs are generally considered to be voracious eaters. Therefore, their picky eating behaviors can be worrisome for owners. If you’re worried about the same, here are some potential reasons why your dog could be picky eating:
1. The Food Conjures Up Bad Memories
Would you enjoy eating a meal that caused food poison or upset stomach the last time you had it? It might be the same with your dog.
If your dog is avoiding a certain type of food, he could possibly be linking a problem with it.
Try introducing a new food and see if it makes any difference in your pooch’s eating behavior.
2. Your Dog Is Dealing with Stress or Anxiety
Stress and anxiety have the same effects on dogs’ appetite as they have on ours. If your dog’s appetite has reduced recently, he could be stressed or dealing with anxiety.
Some factors that can cause stress and anxiety in dogs and affect their appetite include boredom, loneliness, separation anxiety, and a change in the environment, routine, or even food.
If this feels like the reason behind your dog’s picky eating, spending more time with your canine friend and showering him with love will most probably make the situation better. If it doesn’t, take your dog to a vet.
3. Your Dog is Afraid
If there’s another pet in the house, your dog might be afraid of it and this fear is affecting their appetite. If this applies to your situation, try separating your picky eater from other(s) during meal times. Make sure he isn’t disturbed or even in front of other pets while eating.
4. Your Dog Doesn’t Like or Bored of the Food
Picky eating behavior in dogs doesn’t always have a serious underlying reason. Sometimes, it’s just because your dog either doesn’t like the food or is tired of eating the same food. So, if none of the above reasons seem to be applicable in your case, try changing the dog food.
However, you need to be highly careful in selecting the new food to make sure it doesn’t cause any problems, like stomach issues. Talk to your vet or an experienced dog owner for tips about how to introduce new food to your dog and suggestions.
Conclusion
Picky eating behavior in dogs can generally be addressed by ensuring you’re feeding your dog the right food, ensuring they feel safe and happy, and by making some simple mealtime changes. You can consult a dog trainer for tips and advices on how to deal with your dog’s fussy eating behavior.
However, if none of these seem to work and/or your dog is exhibiting serious symptoms, like he has stopped eating completely or exhibiting signs of stress or sickness, take him to a veterinarian for a medical exam.