An unwilling puppy who denies his food can be discouraging or even a nightmarish experience depending on whether you are a dog fan and extremely well aware of his health or otherwise. When, at meal time, the puppy does not look happy, does not glow in the eye, does not wag his tail, does not run to the plate, something is wrong.
In most instances, a puppy that does not eat, or just sniffs/licks his food is an indication that he either does not like the taste of the food, or that he is afraid of food because of an experience that he encountered. However, it is not, in all cases, the food at fault, we too, at times are unconsciously converting our furry pet into a picky eater.
Do you have anything to do with this conduct?
If the answer to even one of these three questions is “yes,” you’ve got yourself a fussy but choosy puppy!
Excess energy can also cause dogs to lose interest in food. They lose interest in their regular meals if they are repeatedly offered treats, table scraps, or other unhealthy snacks.
If you haven’t done all of the above and your puppy still refuses to eat, try these steps:
Clean or replace the feeding bowl
Nobody eats from a dirty bowl, and your puppy doesn’t either. Wash his bowl thoroughly before serving each meal. If he still refuses to eat, try replacing the bowl—sometimes he just doesn’t like the texture or color of the bowl.
Try wet food
Wet food made specifically for dogs, like “Pedigree Puppy Chicken Chunks in Gravy,” is very flavorful and tasty. It not only enhances the taste of the food, but also helps to keep him hydrated.
Give a mixture of wet and dry food
If your puppy was previously eating dry food but is now bored of it, try mixing some wet food in it. Like – “Pedigree Puppy – Chicken & Liver Chunks In Gravy With Vegetables”. This will give him the experience of new tastes and textures.
Special food for small breed puppies
Small breed puppies are usually more choosy. For them, special small kibbles like “Pedigree Small Dog Puppy – Lamb Flavour” can be given. This makes chewing easier and also provides all the necessary nutrients.
Warm the food slightly
If you are giving dry food, then soak it in lukewarm water or homemade bone soup. And if it is wet food, then serve it after heating it slightly. This enhances its aroma and taste.
Two important tips not to ignore:
Tip1 – Follow the 20 minute rule
Serve the puppy food and keep the dishes in front of him for only 20 minutes. Leave him alone during this time. If he doesn’t eat the food, pick up the food and throw it in the dustbin and don’t react.
Then repeat the same process after a few hours. Do this 3-4 times a day. If the puppy doesn’t eat even by night, let him sleep without eating (yes, this may seem harsh but it is necessary). From the next day he will start eating within 20 minutes.
Caution: Do not give him treats or snacks during this time, otherwise he will think that not eating gets him more attention.
Tip2 – Make the food transition gradual
Puppies have very sensitive stomachs. Giving any new food suddenly can cause stomach upset.
Food transition schedule:
- Day 1-2: 75% old food + 25% new
- Day 3-4: 50% old + 50% new
- Day 5-6: 25% old + 75% new
- Day 7+: 100% new food
Monitor the puppy’s condition every day. If any problems are seen, slow down the transition even more.
Can a puppy’s lack of appetite be a sign of illness?
It can. If the puppy is not eating for 12-24 hours and his behavior changes, it may not just be a fussy nature but also a sign of some internal problem. In such a case, contact the vet immediately.
Conclusion
During this kind of challenge, it may be a challenge of patience and understanding to deal with a choosy puppy. However, having proper methods and some discipline, you will be able to make him have a good eating habit. Keep in mind that feeding is an opportunity not only to boost the health of your puppy but also to build a good relationship between you and him.
Take heed to his ways, and educate him with affection; and punish his manners a little. In a short no time, he will be licking his plate!