Tips for Getting Your Dog to Eat

 As a Dog Mom and Pet Sitter of 25+ years, I have faced my share of challenges in getting dogs to eat. I can't say I always get it figured out, but here are a few tips that have helped me over the years. 

1) Simply add warm water. This is the first thing I always try. Dogs are very sensory driven. Warm water emits a stronger aroma of the food which hopefully entices your dog to eat. You can run water in your faucet until it gets warm, or add a little cold water to the food then microwave it for 10-15 secs. Be sure to check the temp of the water that it is not too hot for your dog.

It may also help to let the food soften.

2) Add a little canned food. Sometimes just a spoonful of food will do the trick. It goes back to the sensory drive that dogs have. This can also be done in combination with the warm water. Since I have several dogs in my pack, I spoon 1/4 - 1/2 can off food into a bowl, add a little warm water, microwave it for 15-20 seconds, then spoon a little into each dogs' bowl. Or you can add a spoonful of food, then add warm water. If that doesn't work, try adding more canned food. Sometimes it's a juggling act😀. The chunk-in-gravy food works just as well if your dog likes that type. Anytime canned food is refrigerated, I warm it back up in the microwave. Of course, this may differ to your dogs desires. 

The canned food I use for my pack is Rachel Ray's Nutrish. 

Available through Chewy's. I add a variety to my dogs' diet with two different "flavors." One is Gentle Digestion with Chicken, Pumpkin and Salmon and the other is Whole Health Blend with Chicken and Apple. Of Course, any canned food will do the trick if you dog has a preference 😉

  

3) Add a topper. A topper could be something as simply as crumbling or crushing their favorite treat onto their food. I have used that option many times. 

Stella & Chewy's or Instinct's Raw Boosters are two of my go-to's as another option for toppers.  These toppers can be found at Amazon (links provided) or Chewy's, or other box-store pet stores. The Stella & Chewy's can be crumbled or simply thrown in with the food. I usually use the Chicken flavored mixers, but they are available in many other flavors, as well as treats and food.

I like Instinct Mixers because they're pumpkin, which is good for the gut. Instinct also has a variety of good-for-your-pet dog foods.

These mixers or toppers also make for great dog treats. 

I have learned a lot of other tricks, but these are my TOP THREE, or at least the three that I start with. If a dog is still picky about eating, I have other tricks. Sometimes it is a matter of simply changing their food. This trick can get frustrating and expensive because you may purchase a new food and they may not like or they'll like the change for a few days, then decide they don't like it anymore. 😏 

At any rate, I will share more tips in another blog. 

If you prefer to shop Chewy's, here are the links to the Meal toppers...

Stella & Chewy's

Instinct Raw Mixers

Yes, I am an affiliate for both Amazon and Chewy's. Thank you for checking out my links.