Make Your Dog Enjoy Eating Their Food More With These Ideas
If your pup is a picky eater, know that you’re not alone. Just like humans, dogs can be fussy about their food, and it can be frustrating trying to get them to eat a healthy diet. Often, the key to getting your dog to enjoy their food is to make mealtimes fun and interesting, so here are a few tips to get you started:
- Get interactive: One way to make mealtime more fun for your dog is to get interactive with their food. This means playing with their food before they eat it, hiding it around the house for them to find, or even using it as a training tool. By making food more interactive, you’ll not only make eating more fun for your dog but also help them to use their natural scavenging instincts.
- Make it tasty: Another way to get your dog to enjoy its food is to make it more delicious. This can be done by adding some wet food or broth to dry food, or mixing in some chopped-up treats or table scraps. You can also experiment with different types of dog food to find one that your pup enjoys. Some people even add a dog food topper to their dog’s food to give it more flavor.
- Change up the routine: If your dog is used to eating the same thing every day, it may get bored with its food. To keep mealtime interesting, try changing up the routine every now and then — this could mean feeding them in a different room, changing the order of their meals, or even feeding them at different times of the day. By breaking up the monotony, you can help your dog enjoy their food more.
- Get them moving: Another way to make mealtime more fun for your dog is to get them moving before they eat, which can mean going for a walk or playing a game of fetch beforehand. This will help to tire them out and make them more likely to eat when they’re finally given their food.
- Be patient: Finally, it’s important to be patient when trying to get your dog to enjoy their food. Dogs can be stubborn, and it may take some time to get them to warm up to new foods or eating routines. With a little patience and perseverance, though, you’ll eventually get your dog to enjoy mealtimes as much as you do.
ENSURE THAT YOUR DOG’S FOOD IS FRESH AND NUTRITIOUS
There’s nothing worse than trying to eat something that’s been sitting out for days, right? Well, dogs feel the same way about their food. Make sure that your pet’s food is fresh and full of nutrients by checking the expiration date on the package and feeding them regularly. You can also add some healthy toppings to their food to make it more appetizing, like a little bit of cooked chicken or some shredded cheese.
OFFER YOUR DOG A VARIETY OF FOODS
When it comes to making sure your dog enjoys eating, variety is key. Offer your dog a variety of different foods, not just one type, as this will keep them interested and excited about mealtimes. Some great options to include in your dog’s diet are:
- Meat: This is a no-brainer. Dogs love meat! Mix things up by offering different types, like chicken, beef, or lamb.
- Veggies: Most dogs are hesitant about eating their vegetables, but they’re actually really good for them! Sneaking some shredded carrots or green beans into their food is a great way to get them the nutrients they need.
- Fruits: Fruits are a great way to add some sweetness to your dog’s diet. Adding a sliced apple or some blueberries to their food is sure to make them drool.
- Fish: Fish is a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, both of which are great for your dog’s health.
EXPERIMENT WITH DIFFERENT TYPES OF FOOD DELIVERY
If your dog isn’t a fan of eating its kibble from a bowl, you can try delivering food in a different way — Kong toys and feeders are a great way to make mealtime more fun for your furry friend. Kongs are hollow toys that you can fill with your dog’s food, and they then have to work to get the food out — this can be a fun way to keep your dog entertained and mentally stimulated while they eat. Feeders are similar to Kongs, but they’re designed to be used with wet food or as a slow feeder — if your dog is a fast eater, a feeder can help them slow down and enjoy their meal more.
Another thing to keep in mind is that dogs, like people, can get bored of eating the same thing day after day. If your pup is starting to turn up its nose at its kibble, try mixing things up with some new and exciting flavors and textures. You can do this by adding a little bit of wet food to their dry food, or by giving them some healthy, dog-safe table scraps. Just remember to keep the portion size small, and avoid giving them too many treats throughout the day — otherwise, they may start to expect it!