How to Make a Dog Eat: Tips for Enticing Picky Pups

Introduction

At times, getting your four-legged friend to eat can be a difficult task. Whether it’s due to pickiness, illness, or some other reason, you may find yourself in the position of needing to figure out how to make a dog eat. Fortunately, there are various strategies you can try to encourage your pup to chow down.

Using Treats or Rewards to Entice the Dog to Eat

One way to make a dog eat is by offering treats or rewards. According to an article published in the journal Animals, “Animals will work harder and longer for rewards than they will for food alone.”¹ This means that if you provide your pup with something extra special when it’s time for mealtime, it may be more likely to eat. But what type of reward should you use?

Types of Treats

Treats don’t necessarily have to be store-bought. You can offer your pup something from your own kitchen, such as cooked chicken, cheese, or eggs. You could also give them a spoonful of canned pumpkin or mashed banana. If you do decide to purchase treats, look for ones that are healthy and made without artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.

Proper Use of Rewards

It’s important to note that offering treats or rewards should not be done all the time. Doing so can lead to your pup becoming overweight or even obese. Additionally, providing rewards too often may cause your pup to become reliant on them and lose interest in its regular food. Therefore, it’s best to only use treats or rewards on occasion and in moderation.

Serving Food at a Comfortable Temperature

Another tip for making a dog eat is to serve its food at a comfortable temperature. According to an article published in the journal Veterinary Medicine, “Room temperature is generally considered the most palatable temperature for canine foods.”² Serving food at room temperature can help make it more appealing to your pup.

Benefits of Room Temperature Food

In addition to being more palatable, serving food at room temperature has other benefits. For example, it can help reduce the risk of choking since cold food can stick together and be hard to chew. It can also help reduce the risk of food-borne illnesses since cold temperatures can slow down the growth of bacteria.

Tips for Heating or Cooling Food

If you choose to heat or cool food before serving it, be sure to do so safely. To heat food, place it in a container and warm it in the microwave for no more than 20 seconds. To cool food, place it in a shallow bowl and let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. Be sure to stir the food occasionally to ensure it cools evenly.

Offering Smaller, More Frequent Meals

Another strategy for making a dog eat is to offer smaller, more frequent meals. According to an article published in the journal Veterinary Clinics of North America – Small Animal Practice, “Smaller, more frequent meals are more likely to be consumed than large meals.”³ Offering smaller meals can help make mealtime more enjoyable for your pup.

Advantages of Smaller Portions

Serving smaller portions has several advantages. For one, it can help prevent overeating. Additionally, it can help reduce the risk of bloat, which is a serious condition that occurs when air gets trapped in the stomach. Finally, it can help keep your pup’s energy levels stable throughout the day.

Scheduling Feeding Times

When it comes to offering smaller, more frequent meals, scheduling feeding times is key. Set aside specific times each day for mealtime and stick to them. Doing so will help your pup develop a routine and know when to expect its next meal. Additionally, it will help prevent begging or scavenging for food.

Trying Different Types of Food

If your pup is still not eating, it may be time to try different types of food. According to an article published in the journal Veterinary Medicine, “Dogs require variety in their diets…to maintain good health.”⁴ Offering a variety of options can help make mealtime more exciting and potentially encourage your pup to eat.

Variety of Options

When it comes to trying different types of food, there are plenty of options. You can offer your pup canned food, dry kibble, raw food, or homemade meals. You can also mix wet food or broth into dry kibble, which can make it more flavorful and appealing. Additionally, adding fresh fruits and vegetables to meals can help add nutrients and flavor.

Finding What Your Dog Likes

It may take some trial and error to find out what your pup likes. Offer a few different types of food and see which ones your pup enjoys. Pay attention to its body language and facial expressions to get an idea of which foods it prefers. You may also want to consult with your veterinarian to get advice on what type of food is best for your pup.

Cooking Homemade Meals

Cooking homemade meals is another way to make a dog eat. According to an article published in the journal Veterinary Medicine, “Homemade diets can provide balanced nutrition and greater palatability to entice picky eaters.”⁵ Preparing home-cooked meals can be a great way to show your pup some extra love while ensuring it’s getting the nutrients it needs.

Benefits of Home Cooking

Cooking homemade meals has many benefits. For one, you can customize meals to suit your pup’s individual needs. Additionally, you can control the ingredients used, which can help avoid potential allergens. Finally, you can ensure that meals are prepared with fresh ingredients, which can help improve the flavor and make them more appealing to your pup.

Recipe Ideas

If you’re looking for recipe ideas, there are plenty of websites and cookbooks available. Some popular recipes include turkey and vegetable stew, beef and potato casserole, and salmon and sweet potato bake. When cooking homemade meals, be sure to follow the instructions closely and use ingredients that are safe for dogs. Additionally, check with your veterinarian to make sure the meals you’re preparing are nutritionally sound.

Talking to a Veterinarian

If you’ve tried all of the above tips and your pup is still not eating, it may be time to talk to a veterinarian. According to an article published in the journal Veterinary Clinics of North America – Small Animal Practice, “Most cases of anorexia in dogs are due to underlying medical conditions.”⁶ Consulting with a vet can help determine if there is an underlying medical issue causing your pup’s lack of appetite.

Possible Medical Issues

There are several possible medical issues that can cause a lack of appetite in dogs. These include infections, kidney disease, cancer, and gastrointestinal issues. Additionally, certain medications can cause decreased appetite. If your pup is exhibiting any other symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or weight loss, it’s especially important to consult with a vet.

Diagnostic Tests

Your vet may recommend diagnostic tests to identify any underlying medical issues. These tests may include bloodwork, urine analysis, and x-rays. Depending on the results of these tests, your vet may prescribe medication or make dietary recommendations.

Adding Wet Food or Broth to Dry Kibble

Finally, adding wet food or broth to dry kibble can be a great way to make a dog eat. According to an article published in the journal Veterinary Medicine, “The addition of moisture to dry kibble increases palatability and encourages consumption.”⁷ Adding wet food or broth can make dry kibble more flavorful and appealing to your pup.

Benefits of Moisture

In addition to making food more flavorful, adding moisture can have other benefits. For one, it can help keep your pup hydrated. Additionally, moist food can be easier to chew, which can help prevent choking. Finally, moist food can be easier for senior dogs to digest.

Tips for Adding Liquid

When adding liquid to dry kibble, start with small amounts and gradually increase them. Start with just a teaspoon or two and work your way up to a quarter cup. Additionally, be sure to use low-sodium broth or water. If your pup enjoys wet food, it may also be beneficial to offer it separately as a snack between meals.

Conclusion

Making a dog eat can be challenging, but with the right strategies, it’s possible to encourage your pup to chow down. From offering treats and rewards to trying different types of food, there are various ways to make mealtime more enjoyable for your pup. Additionally, consulting with a veterinarian can help identify any underlying medical issues that may be causing a lack of appetite. With patience and persistence, you can help make mealtime more enjoyable for your pup.

Summary of Key Points

To make a dog eat, try using treats or rewards, serving food at a comfortable temperature, offering smaller, more frequent meals, trying different types of food, cooking homemade meals, and talking to a veterinarian. Additionally, adding wet food or broth to dry kibble can help make it more flavorful and appealing.

Final Reminders

When offering treats or rewards, do so in moderation. Additionally, be sure to use ingredients that are safe for dogs when preparing homemade meals. Finally, if your pup is still not eating, consult with a veterinarian to determine if there is an underlying medical issue.