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Some dogs are pickier than others—and some dogs are so picky, it can feel near impossible to find food they’ll actually eat.
Having a dog that’s a fickle eater can be a real challenge. So what’s a pet parent to do? We asked of Dr. Jennifer Pearl, Assistant Director of Animal Medical Center of Mid-America, for her insights on the topic—and put together a list of some of our top product recommendations for picky eaters.
Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Real Lamb Recipe
This super simple recipe has only one protein and one vegetable with zero fillers.
Why Are Some Dogs Picky Eaters?
There are a variety of reasons why your dog is finicky about his food. The first (and most simple) reason is that it could be a matter of preference. Just like humans, “individual dogs have individual preferences, and some dogs can be particular about their food,” says Pearl.
A refusal to eat certain foods (or to eat at all) could also be a behavior issue. “Sometimes there is a behavioral component to being a picky eater,” says Pearl. “Dogs can hold off eating for quite a while if they think they may get something better to eat later like treats or table scraps. Behavioral conditions like separation anxiety and attention-seeking behavior can also play a part.”
An aversion to certain foods, a refusal to eat, or under-eating could also be a red flag that something is going on medically. “There may be an underlying medical condition that is causing the dog to not want to eat. This is especially concerning if the dog is underweight,” says Pearl.
If you suspect your dog’s issues with food are more than just a picky palate—or if you’re concerned about your dog’s weight—it’s important to make an appointment with your vet. “If a pet remains steadfastly picky or is underweight, then a veterinary consultation and examination should be sought,” says Pearl. “Once a diagnosis is established, more specific recommendations can be made.”
What Kind of Dog Food Should You Feed a Picky Dog?
Because the dogs we’re talking about are inherently picky, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to what kind of food to feed them; the “best” food for them is going to depend on what they’ll actually eat.
Again, it’s best to talk to your vet to determine the best food to feed your picky dog. But, in general, Pearl recommends offering “a commercially produced, balanced diet with proper AAFCO labeling, which stands for Association of American Feed Control Officials. It regulates the sale and distribution of pet food as well as develops quality standards, regulations, and laws regarding commercial animal food.”
If you deviate from that kind of diet, make sure to work with your vet. “If the pet is eating a homemade diet, a boutique diet, raw diet or is eating a commercially produced diet heavily supplemented with other foods then the pet may or may not be getting proper nutrition,” says Pearl. “A veterinarian should be consulted.”
What’s the Best Way to Find the Right Dog Food for Your Picky Pet?
When you’re trying to find the right dog food for a picky eater, you’re probably going to need to experiment with different foods, flavors, and textures before you find the right option for your pet. “If your dog is picky, you can offer both canned and dry dog food to determine which texture your dog prefers. You can also try foods with different protein and/or carbohydrate sources, such as lamb or sweet potato.”
If your dog is still not getting on board with his dog food, “There are also ways you can enhance flavor, such as sprinkling probiotics formulated for dogs on their food or add small amounts of cooked chicken, beef, or low sodium broth,” says Pearl.
Best Dog Food for Picky Eaters for 2021
Need some options for your picky pup? Here are some of our favorite dog foods for picky eaters for 2021:
Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Real Lamb Recipe
This super simple recipe has only one protein and one vegetable with zero fillers.
About Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Real Lamb Recipe
The fewer ingredients and flavors in a dog food, the fewer chances there are for your dog to dislike something in it (and for you to have to guess what it is). This makes limited ingredient dog foods a great option for picky eaters.
The Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Dog Food is made with a single animal protein and vegetable (in this case, grass-fed lamb and peas) and formulated without ingredients prone to causing food insensitivities (including dairy, grains, and potato).
Ollie Subscription Dog Food
Your picky eater’s diet is fully customizable to their individual preferences and nutritional needs with a subscription of Ollie dog food.
About Ollie Subscription Dog Food (Verified Review)
Ollie’s fresh dog food offers a different texture for dogs who shy away from kibble. Unlike some other fresh or raw options, their portions actually look and smell great, like human food (almost). Our reviewer is typically grossed out by fresh or wet dog food, but loved this option, and her dog agreed!
Ollie offers four different recipes, each with a different protein (chicken, beef, turkey, and lamb) and ask questions ahead of time to get a sense for your dog’s eating habits and dietary requirements. Ollie’s welcome booklet even includes tips for dogs with sensitive stomachs or picky eaters.
For more about Ollie’s subscription pet food, read our in-depth review in our article, The Best Fresh Dog Food Delivery of 2021: Tested by Real Dogs.
Royal Canin Digestive Care Dry Dog Food
Packed with prebiotics and dietary fibers, this formula is great for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
About the Royal Canin Digestive Care Dry Dog Food
If you suspect your dog’s picky eating has more to do with a sensitive tummy than his taste, a food specifically formulated to support digestive health, such as the Digestive Care Dog Food from Royal Canin, could be a great option.
Royal Canin’s Digestive Care Dog Food also comes in breed-specific sizes—so whether your picky eater is a small, medium, or large dog, you can find the right formulation for your pup.
Solid Gold Leaping Waters with Cold Water Salmon & Vegetable
For those who think their dog might not feel well after eating grains, this is a great option.
The salmon and vegetable recipe is popular among picky eaters.
About Solid Gold Leaping Waters with Cold Water Salmon & Vegetable
Another great option for dogs with sensitive stomachs, the Leaping Waters dry food from Solid Gold is grain, gluten, and potato free, making it more easily digestible for your pup.
Nulo Puppy & Adult Freestyle Limited Plus Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
This high-protein, low carb recipe is great for dogs with allergies. Each is made with either chicken or salmon, you choose, for the purest flavor.
About Nulo Puppy & Adult Freestyle Limited Plus Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
If your dog turns their nose up at most dog foods, the Nulo Freestyle Limited+ (which is formulated without common dog food ingredients like chicken, corn, wheat, soy, eggs, peas, and white potato) could be a good option to try.
Wellness Core Natural Grain-Free Bowl Boosters
Sometimes all it takes to get a picky eater to scarf their whole bowl is a high-quality topper like this one.
About Wellness Core Natural Grain-Free Bowl Boosters
If your dog will only eat foods that are packed with flavor, the Core Bowl Boosters from Wellness could be just what you need to transform mealtime. Just sprinkle a few of these grain-free mixers into your dog’s bowl and they’ll pack a flavorful (and protein-rich!) punch that can help jazz up a bland meal—and make the food more appealing to your picky pup.
Before Choosing Any Dog food for Your Picky Pet, Talk to Your Veterinarian
We said it before, but we’re going to say it again. Before you introduce any new foods into your picky pup’s diet—including the foods suggested on this list—it’s important to consult your veterinarian. Your vet can help you determine what’s behind your dog’s picky palate—and make sure he gets the right foods to support his nutritional needs and overall health, no matter how picky he may be.
Further Reading
For more information about specific varieties of dog food and treats, check out one of the articles below.
