dogsnob

5 Reasons Why My Dog Won’t Eat Dry Food and How to Solve It

Dry dog food

Your dog won't eat dry food? No problem, see how to solve it below.

Many options are available when it comes to feeding your pet. Dry kibble, Wet canned, Raw diets all have their benefits and the choices are varied.

According to statista.com, 80% of Americans prefer kibble over other food options for their dog.

If you clicked on this article then either once upon a time your furry friend loved his kibble and now he won't touch it or he never wanted it in the first place. Either or we have some suggestions and possible reasons.

Note - Always consult your veterinarian if your dog stopped eating or is resistant to a certain diet as the cause might be more important than being picky.

SWITCH FLAVOR

Some dogs simply prefer chicken over fish or vice versa, unfortunately, it's not as easy as just saying it out loud, but your dog is possibly telling you he doesn’t like the taste of his current food.

First, try staying in the same brand with completely different flavors. If you are currently feeding Merrick dry food in chicken & sweet potato and switch over to the same brand in Beef & sweet potato, your dog might not see a huge difference and reject it anyways. Opt for something like Beef and Bison or Salmon & Whitefish, which would have a more pronounced flavor and smell and wouldn’t resemble the current recipe he has.

If that doesn’t work, switch over to a new brand (or take a look at our brand new cookbook full of yummy recipes!) . It is possible that the brand's recipes just aren’t for your pet and we don’t necessarily mean to purchase a more expensive brand. Try one in the same price range and you might be surprised by the results.

Most popular kibble brands according to all American reviews:

  • Merrick Grain-Free Dry Dog Food - Beef + Sweet Potato Recipe - Adults, All Breeds
  • Merrick Grain-Free Dry Puppy Food - Chicken + Sweet Potato Recipe - Puppies, All Breeds
  • Castor & Pollux Pristine Grain-Free and Poultry Free Salmon Recipe - Adults, All Breeds
  • Bil-Jac Small Breed Select Dry Dog Food - Adults, Small Breeds
  • Holistic Health Extension - Chicken & Rice Large Breed Dry Dog Food - Adults, Large Breed
  • Tender & True - Organic Chicken and Liver Recipe - All Life Stages, All Breeds

MIX CANNED FOOD

Some dogs simply get tired of eating dry food every day or aren’t appealed to it in the first place.

High-quality canned food typically has more protein than kibble, has fewer preservatives and artificial colorings, and is moister. However, it is often more expensive than kibble, ranging from one to six dollars every day. That’s still a good price to pay for your dog to enjoy his meal, no?

Try mixing in half a can of wet food with the kibble a few times and track your dog's response to it. If he seems more inclined to eat it, add it in more regularly and save on the cost of using full cans every meal.

ADD A TOPPER

Any product that you add to your dog's meal to increase its flavor is referred to as a meal topper. Consider using it as a dog food seasoning.

Many owners claim that adding a topping to their fussy dog's dry dog food is the only way they can get him to eat it.

There are many different types of food toppers to pick from, including our own 5-in-1 Vitamin Superfood Gravy - Steak & Salmon. Alternatively, you might try including additional items into your dog's feed...

Picky eaters can be enticed to complete their meal with a tiny bit of boiled veggies, pumpkin purée or ground beef.

Salmon oil is another delectable dish topping that's high in Omega 3, a nutrient with numerous health advantages. The key to using a meal topper correctly is to stir it into your dog's food so that it coats every bite.

TURN IT INTO A GAME

Some picky eaters prefer to play with their food rather than eat it. You may train your dog to do both with the help of a good feeding toy like a Kong or a treat dispenser ball.

Check out this easy instant pot dog food recipe that perfectly fills a Kong from Omshantipups.

Feeding toys mix eating and play. They're also an excellent technique to get a dog to eat his meal if he's infatuated with toys.

Unfortunately, feeding toys can only hold so much food. While this may not be an issue for a little dog such as a Maltese or a chihuahua, it is a concern for larger dogs.

Large breeds like huskies and Bernese mountain dogs, for example, may require up to 10 cups of kibble each day. Filling a feeding toy with this much food regularly would be a full-time job – it's just not feasible.

A feeding toy, on the other hand, maybe just be what you need to entice your little or medium-breed dog to consume his meal.

WARM / MASH THE MEAL TO INCREASE FLAVOR

Many picky dogs can be persuaded to eat their meals just by warming them up. This procedure is frequently used on senior dogs who refuse to eat.

Heating food Enhances the flavor and releases a pungent odor. It makes your dog's food taste better, which stimulates his hunger.

It's as easy as stirring dry kibble through a small amount of hot water, bone broth or goat's milk and letting it sit until it gets mushy.

If you're planning to microwave something, avoid using a stainless steel bowl since it will spark. Instead, use a plastic or ceramic bowl and then transfer it to your dog's dish.

You should never feed your dog food that is too hot. Allow your dog's food to cool before serving if it has been overheated.

Did you successfully get your dog to eat his kibble with one of these tips? We hope you did.