Does your dog or cat turn up their nose at their food? If your pet often leaves his bowl full, you may be worried that he isn’t getting the nutrition he needs. If your pet is a picky eater, here are some ways to encourage him to dig in!
Picky Eater or Medical Problem?
If your dog or cat is usually a good eater, a sudden change in eating habits could signify a medical problem.
- Illness: Anything from an upset stomach to serious problems, including kidney failure, infections, or liver disease, can cause a sudden decrease in appetite.
- Food Sensitivities: Some pets have food sensitivities that cause discomfort and stomach upset. If you suspect this could be a problem for your pet, consider purchasing the Allergy Test My Pet Canine Allergy Test, which allows you to test for many common allergies, including foods, right at home.
- Dental Problems: A broken tooth or gum disease can cause mouth pain, which makes eating uncomfortable.
- Vaccinations: Vaccinations are incredibly important, but there is a chance of adverse effects. Fortunately, most, including loss of appetite, are temporary.
You should talk to your vet if you notice a sudden change in your pet’s eating habits. Note a cat’s health can decline very quickly if they stop eating, so you should contact your veterinarian right away if your cat stops eating.
External stressors, such as the loss of another family pet, a new addition to the family, or travel can also cause pets to stop eating normally.
Just Plain Picky
If your pet’s pickiness isn’t due to a medical condition, you’ll have to find a way to coax your pet into eating. Often, finicky pets will happily scarf down treats but turn away from their food. Treats alone don’t provide the nutrition pets need, so here are some tips that encourage your dog or cat to eat the food needed to keep them healthy and strong.
New Food Blues
If you think a recent change in food is the reason for your pet’s pickiness, try mixing the new food with some of the old food and then gradually decrease the amount of the old food over a period of a few weeks.
Don’t Spoil Their Appetite
It’s fun to spoil your pets with treats, but offering too many snacks can spoil their appetite, making it easier for them to turn up their nose at dinner.
Try Toppers and Mix-Ins
If dry kibble isn’t doing it for your dog or cat, there is an easy way to make it more palatable for your pet. Add a mix-in or topper to premium dog food or quality cat food to ramp up the flavor and make dry food irresistible. Allivet sells a number of tempting toppers, including:
- Stella’s Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food Meal Mixers
- Wellness Core Bowl Boosters Tog Food Toppers
- Inaba Twin Cups Cat Food Topper
- Fussie Cat Puree Cat Food Topper
Other Tips to Try
You can also try feeding your pet in a different location—many pets just aren’t happy with their dining spot. Warming the food up before serving makes the food smell more appetizing.
If nothing seems to work, or if your pet is underweight, talk to your vet for further advice about how to ensure your pet gets the nutrition he needs.
If you’re looking for a new quality food for your dog or cat, Allivet offers a large selection. Set up your pet’s food on AutoShip to enjoy special savings and the convenience of automatic delivery.
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