Fussy Eaters: In-depth guide

If our quick tips for fussy eaters haven't worked, it could be that your dog's fussy eating is more behavioural based. This means the fussy eating behaviour has been learned and reinforced over time.

You can read more about the reasons behind fussy eating behaviour here.

But don't worry, we've got you covered. Our in-house Vet Dr. Ciara Clarke is a research specialist in fussy eating. Here's her professional advice to get even the fussiest pooch enjoying mealtimes:

Stick to a routine

Routine is absolutely key when it comes to fussy eaters. Research has shown that dogs thrive on routine and repeating the same patterns each day will help to provide your dog with cues of what is going to happen, and how they should respond.

This consistency helps them to feel safe, secure and relaxed - which will encourage them to eat.

Feed your dog in the same place and at the same time every day. Make sure you choose a suitable location that is quiet and away from distractions, such as loud noises or foot traffic. Give your dog space to eat and keep their bowl away from bins and doors. If you feed them in the kitchen, try not to do this at the same time you prepare your own meals. 

The 20 minute rule

Following on from the above, get into the routine of putting your dog's food down for 20 minutes then lifting it again - even if they haven't eaten it.

If a dog knows they have unlimited access to food, they're more likely to be fussy with what they're given. But once they realise they only have a short window to eat before the food is taken away, they are more likely to finish what's in their bowl.

This also preserves the freshness of the food and makes it more appetising, as a dog can be put off by food that has been sitting in their bowl for too long.

Don't reinforce bad habits

When your dog doesn't eat it's only natural to try and encourage them. Whether by staying next to their bowl, giving them a small piece of your own food or even hand-feeding them.

Although your heart is in the right place, this behaviour often has the opposite effect. Dogs will learn to associate not eating with getting special attention from you, and may refuse to eat from their bowl because they know you will then hand-feed them instead.

For the 20 minutes that their food is down, try not to interact with them at all. This will help them to learn that mealtimes are something they do on their own and don't need to rely on you for.

Once the 20 minutes are up, if they haven't eaten their food simply take it away. If they have eaten it, then that's the time to give lots of praise and fuss. Over time, they will learn to associate finishing their food with attention from you and be more inclined to repeat this behaviour. 

Work up their appetite

Sometimes, a dog doesn't eat simply because they aren't hungry. When establishing your dog's feeding routine, think about their exercise routine as well. 

If you find that your dog doesn't eat first thing in the morning, try feeding them after you get back from a walk instead. A good run around the park is a sure fire way to work up their appetite. 

You can also try feeding them little and often. Smaller meals throughout the day rather than two big meals helps to regulate their appetite. Particularly for small breeds who don't have a big stomach, this can help to prevent them feeling too full and uncomfortable after eating.

Cut back on treats

It's best to eliminate treats altogether until your dog is eating their regular meals. Otherwise they will learn that even if they don't eat their food, they still get treats. A bit like us not finishing our dinner and filling up on ice cream.

Treats should be used as a reward, and should not account for more than 10% of your dog's daily calorie intake. 

Once your dog is eating well, you can gradually introduce treats for training purposes or as a reward for good behaviour.