Is You Dog A "Picky Eater"

Why Isn't Your Dog Eating?

Dogs may lose their appetite for many reasons: They may be turned off of eating after recovering from an illness, others because of certain medications, and possibly due to bodily changes as well.

What Can you do?

As mentioned above, there are many possible reasons why your dog's appetite has changed. The first thing you should do is to take your dog to a vet for a blood panel, urinalysis, and check-up for any serious problems. If problems do arise, special diets and changes in the way you prepare meals could possibly help.

Appetite-Inducing Foods

An effective technique for dogs who have lost their appetite is to offer foods most tempting to their palates - foods that are high in fat, such as:

• Parmesan cheese sprinkled on dog food.
• Baby food
• Canned salmon or sardines
• Cooked or boiled ground beef

Just be sure to stay away from highly spiced foods as it may cause upset stomachs. If you need any ideas and suggestions on what to feed your dog, be sure to visit your local pet store and ask the associates!

Tips For Those "Picky Eaters"

• Give your dog plenty of exercise, such as throwing a ball, daily walks, or going to the park. Exercise can help promote their appetites.
• Feed your dog on a regular schedule and stick to it. You dog will become hungry during those times and anticipate their meal.
• Don't hover over your dog anxiously, waiting to see if he or she will eat. Try to act nonchalant by just putting the bowl down and turning away, or go to another room. We sometimes unwittingly teach our dogs not to eat through our own behaviour.

Source of information: Raw & Natural Nutrition for Dogs: The definitive guide to Homemade Meals by Lew Olson, PhD.