What to Do If Your Dog is a Picky Eater

A love of food is an almost universal truth among our canine companions. Dogs love to eat! However, that doesn’t mean dogs can never be picky eaters. Many of our four-legged friends, in fact, turn their noses up at their normal kibble and refuse to eat. So, what do you do if your dog is a picky eater? Use these tips from a vet Metairie, LA to rectify the problem: 

Cut out the table scraps.  

Be honest: how often do you slip Fido a tasty morsel or two from the dinner table? How many dog treats are you offering per day? If you give your dog table scraps or dog treats frequently, they’ll probably be less interested in their normal kibble. And who can blame them? Your veterinarian Metairie, LA recommends keeping table scraps and treats to a minimum. 

Of course, there’s nothing wrong with dog treats when given in moderation. Ask your vet clinic Metairie, LA to recommend a good choice for your animal companion. And ask how many treats per day is safe for your dog.

Heat up Fido’s meals.  

Popping your dog’s kibble into the microwave and heating it up for a few moments can be a good way to entice Fido into eating. Heat releases food’s natural odors and flavors, making it more palatable to your pet. Ask your veterinary clinic Metairie, LA whether or not heating your dog’s food might work for you.

Always be sure to check your dog’s food with your finger to make sure it’s not too hot. You don’t want your dog to burn their mouth! Your vets Metairie, LA can give you an idea of how hot to make your pup’s meals. 

Add some tasty morsels.   

Adding a bit of healthy human food to your dog’s meals is a good way to encourage him to eat. Try adding a few scraps of fully cooked scrambled egg, or a bit of boiled, plain, white-meat chicken. Keep the portion size very small; you’re only using it as an invitation for your dog to eat the rest of their normal kibble. Consult your veterinarians Metairie, LA for more ideas on safe and healthy morsels to add. 

Try a food topper.  

You can also purchase a commercially available food topper at your local pet store. These are usually liquid products that you can squirt over your dog’s meals. They add flavor and might even have a health benefit. Usually, they’re very effective when it comes to enticing your dog to eat. Ask your animal hospital Metairie, LA for a recommendation.   

See your veterinarian.  

Has your dog suddenly stopped eating? Can’t seem to find out why your dog is refusing his meals? It’s time to pay a visit to your pet clinic Metairie, LA. Various medical issues—allergies, disease, injury, and much more—could be the root cause. You’ll want to have any problems diagnosed and treated before they get any worse. 

Does your pet need a checkup? That’s where we come in. Set up an appointment to have your dog see their veterinarian Metairie, LA today. We’re here for you!