Do you have a fussy pet who refuses to eat anything other than a particular type of food,? Are you struggling to administer remedies or supplements, only to have your pet turn their nose up at their food and walk away?
Getting some pets to try new foods can be quite a challenge, particularly if they're already experiencing health issues or have become accustomed to a limited diet.
The good news is that many fussy eaters can be encouraged to try new foods with small steps and steady consistency.
Why are some animals so fussy?
Most fussy eating starts with routine. Animals that eat the same food day after day come to expect those exact flavours and textures, so anything new seems suspicious. They hold out for what they know.
Cats are particularly good at this. They decide whether to eat mostly by smell, and they notice the smallest trace of something new in their bowl. A cold or unfamiliar meal fails the sniff test. Serve their food fresh and warm it to body temperature, and you'll often win them over.
Some dogs also develop strong food preferences and can be reluctant to try anything new. Whether you have a fussy little dog or a particularly selective cat, patience and consistency are key.
Introducing Variety to a Fussy Pet's Diet
So, if you have a fussy pet, how do you encourage them to accept more variety or healthier food choices?
The best advice we can give is to be consistent. This is often the key to whether you'll succeed.
Animals that get the new food one day and their old favourite the next quickly learn to wait you out!
- Mix a tiny amount of the new food into their favourite meal. For a very fussy animal, half a teaspoon is plenty to start.
- Keep that amount steady until they eat it without fuss.
- Increase the new food a little at a time and reduce the old food by the same amount.
- Change one thing at a time so you know what's working.
Take your time. This process may take days, weeks or even months, depending on the individual.
Avoid making sudden changes to your pet's diet, particularly if they have a sensitive digestive system.
Set a Feeding Routine
For healthy adult dogs, we don't recommend leaving food out all day for them to nibble on. Set mealtimes are much better for building routine, plus they allow you tp spot any changes in appetite straight away.
ats are a little different. Many prefer several smaller meals throughout the day, which is more in keeping with their natural feeding behaviour.
Always consider your individual pet's needs. Young animals, seniors and those with particular health or nutritional requirements may need more frequent meals.
Introducing Vegetables and Other Fresh Foods
When introducing vegetable matter into your pet's diet, try adding a small amount of finely minced or pureed vegetables.
Blending vegetables in a food processor with some of their favourite meat or other food is an easy way to combine the ingredients and make them more appealing.
Start with a small amount and increase gradually as your pet becomes accustomed to the new flavours and textures.
For example, you could begin with half a teaspoon for a small dog or a little more for a larger dog, adjusting the amount to suit their size and tolerance.
What About Raw Bones?
If you feed a raw diet, appropriate raw meaty bones may form part of a carefully balanced feeding plan.
However, not every animal will accept bones, and they aren't suitable for every pet. Bone size, hardness, chewing behaviour and the individual animal all need to be considered.
Avoid hard weight-bearing bones and never give cooked bones. Bones can cause dental damage, choking, intestinal obstruction and other complications.
If you're looking to include bone in a homemade diet, appropriately prepared and measured bone ingredients can be used as part of a nutritionally balanced recipe. Simply adding a bone or bone meal without considering the overall calcium and phosphorus balance isn't recommended.
Making Food More Appealing
The following ingredients may help encourage a fussy pet to eat:
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Brewer's yeast or nutritional yeast: Some dogs and cats enjoy the savoury flavour sprinkled over their meals. Brewer's yeast also contains B vitamins and other nutrients. Introduce gradually and check suitability for your individual pet.
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Natural peanut butter: A small amount of plain peanut butter can be a tasty addition. Choose a product made from 100% peanuts, with no added salt, sugar or sweeteners. Always check that it doesn't contain xylitol, which is toxic to pets.
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Ground dried meat or fish: Natural dried meat treats can be crushed and sprinkled over food to add flavour and aroma. Choose suitable products without unnecessary additives.
Start with small quantities and avoid adding several new ingredients at once. This makes it easier to work out what your pet enjoys and what agrees with them.
Starting Healthy Eating Habits Early
It's certainly easier to introduce puppies and kittens to a variety of healthy foods when they're first transitioning onto solids.
However, many young animals are introduced to highly processed pet foods from an early age and can develop strong preferences for familiar flavours and textures.
The good news is that even older pets can learn to accept new foods. It may take a little more patience, but gradual changes, consistency and positive experiences can make a real difference.
You may not be able to teach an old dog new tricks, but you can usually teach them to eat a little healthier with perseverance and love!
Giving Supplements or Remedies
If you struggle to administer remedies or supplements, try hiding the tablet or powder in a small amount of food or a favourite treat.
Pill pockets are another handy option, allowing you to conceal tablets or capsules without too much fuss.
Many commercial varieties contain ingredients you may prefer to avoid, so making your own can be a great alternative.
We've put together some simple ideas and recipes to make administering supplements easier. Check out our guide to Tips for Giving Herbal Remedies and Supplements to Dogs and Cats.
Products for Fussy Eaters
Sometimes a little extra flavour is all it takes to encourage a reluctant eater. These Greenpet products are worth exploring:
Remember, every animal is different. What works for one fussy eater might not appeal to another, so don't be afraid to experiment with suitable flavours and textures.
With a little patience, persistence and creativity, you can help your pet become more adventurous at mealtimes!