The Best Dog Food for Picky Eaters, According to a Vet

If your dog is a picky eater, you know that mealtimes can be an absolute struggle. Besides the fact that your pup isn’t getting a nutritionally balanced diet to support its growth, there’s also the constant fear that it may be losing or gaining too much weight, which could eventually lead to health complications. So the best thing to do when dealing with a fussy eater? Get to the root of the problem ASAP.

“Fussy food habits can be a behavioral problem,” says Dr. Fox. “Maybe your dog likes variety or needs to switch their diet from wet food to dry food or vice versa.” And if you decide to push toward a new diet, Dr. Fox recommends doing it gradually over the course of three to five days, which gives your dog enough time to get accustomed to new flavors and textures. You could also experiment with adding moist toppers to dry kibble to make it more palatable. “But if your dog has a sensitive stomach like mine does, I recommend picking a prescription diet from commercial food brands like Hill’s Science to help regulate his GI tract,” Dr. Fox adds. “And he does find it very delicious, which is always a plus.”

For many pet parents dealing with picky eaters, there’s a constant fear of overfeeding to compensate for your pet’s fussy food habits. If that sounds familiar, you’ll want to heed extreme caution before you offer a treat or overfill their bowl. “Obesity is a huge problem in our pet population and can shorten a dog’s lifespan up to two years,” says Dr. Fox. “It also puts them at risk of developing other diseases like cancer, arthritis, diabetes, urinary stones, and several other complications.”

Dr. Fox recommends following a strict feeding schedule to make sure your dog is trim and fit, followed by regular weight checkups. You should also stick to the feeding chart at the back of your dog’s food package for the recommended amount they need to eat based on their age and weight. “Your dogs can’t go to the cupboard to feed themselves, so it’s really up to the pet owners to feed them in a healthy way,” she adds.

When it comes to choosing treats, it’s important to pick low-calorie options. If the treats are coming from your fridge, choose vegetables like carrots, snap peas, cauliflower and broccoli. If you’re shopping for treats at a pet store like Chewy or Amazon, pick low-calorie or dehydrated options that are made using just a handful of ingredients. “Giving too many treats can also lead to fussy food habits,” cautions Dr. Fox. “So you should be very careful about what you’re picking.”

With the recent trend of adding CBD to everything from pet treats to meal options, it may be tempting to give it to your pooch, especially since it’s thought to be helpful for pets with joint diseases or other health conditions. But Dr. Fox recommends avoiding the CBD aisle. “Anecdotally, it sounds promising, and it will have a place in vet medicine at some point soon, but currently it’s completely unregulated,” she adds.

As for the table food, “it’s a complete no-no,” says Dr. Fox. Replacing dog food with human-grade food options from your refrigerator can cause gastrointestinal upsets and even inadvertently lead to toxicity. “If you give your dog a little chicken on top of their commercially available dog food, that’s fine, but it’s considered a treat and not highly recommended,” she cautions.

This high-quality, freshly prepared, human-grade dog food will be virtually irresistible for even the pickiest of pooches. Ollie starts you off with a detailed quiz where you select your dog’s breed and age. You’re then recommended a plan that’s suitable for your dog’s nutritional needs, although you can easily change the proteins and/or how much of your pet’s food will be made up of Ollie (from 25 percent up to 100 percent).

Plans range from $2.50 to $4 per day for small dogs and $7 to $12 for large dogs. New customers can save 50 percent off their first two-week starter box, and if it doesn’t work out, there’s a money-back guarantee. Your dog’s meals are delivered fully frozen in vacuum-sealed packaging with dry ice and will stay good for up to six months. Meal options include beef, chicken, turkey, and lamb with other nutritious ingredients like kale, spinach, sweet potatoes, and peas.

The Farmer’s Dog makes meal kits packed with mouthwatering animal protein. You start with a highly detailed quiz about your dog’s eating patterns and preferences. You’re then offered customized options for your pooch, but you can also choose from recipes packed with proteins like turkey, beef, and pork (keep in mind that all of them have fish oil and a proprietary nutrient blend). Everything is made fresh and delivered within days in eco-friendly packaging. Trial plans start from about $2 per day and it can go up to $12 per day, depending on age, size, and breed, and include free shipping. Right now, you can snag 20 percent off your trial order.

Do you have a fussy eater at home? We would love to hear your favorite pet food brands and meal options in the comments below!