My Dog is a Gourmet: What to Do When He Rejects His Food?

Our four-legged friends can sometimes be very picky when it comes to their food. While some devour everything in their bowl immediately, others seem fussier or even true gourmets. If you have such a gourmet dog at home who quickly gets bored with their food and constantly craves something new, we have some tips for you below.

Why Does My Dog Lose Interest in Their Food?

Dogs, much like humans, can lose interest in their food if they receive the same meals daily. A monotonous diet can lead to particularly picky dogs showing less appetite. This problem can be further exacerbated by well-intentioned but frequent snacks in the form of treats.

Should You Give In to Your Dog's "Whims"?

The answer isn't straightforward and depends on both the dog and their owner. In most cases, it's certainly possible to take a firm approach and simply leave the food (if it's dry food) until the dog feels hungry enough to eat it. Generally, a dog will eventually eat when truly hungry. However, some dogs are very stubborn and can easily go one or two days without food. If other household members then give the dog treats or table scraps, the dog might start to completely ignore their bowl and instead feed exclusively on these extras. This, however, does not constitute a balanced or healthy diet. Even if you want to please your dog, it's important not to give in to every whim immediately, as this can jeopardize a balanced diet. Always remember that your dog's health should come first.

This article is primarily aimed at dog owners who want to offer their dog a more varied diet while making every meal a delight.

Our Tips for Gourmet Dogs

If you desire variety but still want to maintain a balanced and wholesome diet for your dog, here are our tips:

Vary the protein sources:
Whether you feed your dog dry food, wet food, or even homemade meals, you can vary the protein sources (poultry, beef, lamb, rabbit, horse, fish, ...) to maintain your dog's interest in their food.

Vary brands and varieties:
To stimulate your dog's appetite, you can try different varieties and flavors within the same brand of commercial food, or even switch to an entirely different brand. Always ensure that the chosen food (which forms the basis of your dog's diet) is labeled as "Complete food". This guarantees that it is nutritionally balanced and contains all the nutrients and vitamins your dog needs, tailored to their individual requirements.

The frequency of food changes should depend on your dog, their preferences, and their digestion. For example, you can buy small food packages and switch them monthly, gradually introducing the new food over several days. Alternatively, it's also possible to open two different packages simultaneously and switch as needed. It is crucial that your dog's digestive system tolerates these changes well and can adapt to different protein sources. When introducing a new food for the first time, a gradual transition is recommended: start with small amounts of the new food and gradually increase them over several days.

Add wet food:
Wet food is often more palatable than dry food, primarily due to its moist consistency and more intense aroma. This makes it particularly appealing to picky dogs who quickly tire of dry food. You can use wet food alone or mix it with kibble to enhance its flavor. Wet food also offers the benefit of providing additional Moisture, which is especially important for dogs who don't drink enough. However, be sure to choose a high-quality food and adjust the portion size to prevent excessive weight gain. 

A wet food labeled as Complete food can easily make up to 100% of your dog's daily diet. Therefore, the ratio in which you mix dry and wet food does not matter. However, a wet food labeled only as complementary food should not exceed approx. one-third of the total daily ration. For an accurate calculation of the daily food ration, we recommend using our food calculator.

Mix different textures:
Many dogs prefer variety in the texture of their food. If you primarily feed your dog dry food, you can enhance it by adding wet food, vegetables, or soft-cooked rice. You can also mix some fresh meat into the kibble to intensify the flavor and make the consistency more appealing.

Add natural foods:
By enriching your dog's food with natural ingredients, you can make it much more palatable for them. A splash of salmon oil, a spoonful of sugar-free natural yogurt, cottage cheese, a little pan drippings from your meat, salt-free chicken or beef broth, or (occasionally) a raw egg can transform your dog's meal into a true feast. These additions not only improve the taste but also provide important nutrients that can promote your dog's health.

Add appetite-stimulating supplements:
Products like FortiFlora Plus are not only very palatable but also offer health Benefits for your dog. By sprinkling this powder over your dog's food daily, you can make the meal more appealing while supporting your four-legged friend's digestion and overall well-being.

Make mealtimes more interesting:
For a picky dog, making mealtime rituals exciting can make a big difference. By turning feeding into a game, you can stimulate your dog's appetite and promote their mental activity. Use food puzzle toys like balls, puzzles and other interactive toys that gradually release food as your dog interacts with them. You can also scatter dry food on a snuffle mat, hide it in various places around the house or garden, or put it in a food dummy that the dog can then retrieve. This encourages the dog to actively "hunt" for their food, which corresponds to their natural foraging instinct. Such feeding methods make meals exciting and can even help to reduce boredom or anxieties and insecurities, thus making your dog more balanced and happier. By varying these activities, you transform every meal into a playful and rewarding adventure.

Reduce treats and other extras:
If your dog shows no interest in main meals because they are satiated by too many treats, chew sticks, or table scraps, other feeding strategies will have little effect. For your dog to truly look forward to their regular meals, it is important to reduce these extras. Involve the entire family in these efforts to significantly reduce the number of treats given. By limiting snacks between meals, you increase your dog's appreciation for their main food, allowing them to enjoy it more. This change will not only positively impact their weight but also their overall health and digestion.

Having a picky dog can be challenging, but with a little creativity, their meals can be transformed into true moments of enjoyment. By varying flavors and textures and making feeding time playful, you not only enhance your dog's enjoyment of food but also support a balanced diet. Remember, however, that it is also possible to take a consistent approach: generally, your dog will eventually eat what is in their bowl, especially when truly hungry. It is up to you to find the right balance between pleasure and discipline!