Ten Tips if your Dog is a Fussy Eater

Not all dogs feel the same way about food. Some “live to eat”, while others simply “eat to live”! Labradors are often in the first camp, but many other breeds—especially smaller dogs—can be naturally less enthusiastic at mealtimes. And sometimes, despite the best intentions, we accidentally create fussy eaters by sharing the good stuff. After all, who wouldn’t choose steak or a bite of bacon from your plate over their (perfectly healthy) dog food?

If you’ve got a fussy dog at home, these tips can help:

1.  Start with a high-quality kibble

Check the label and look for named meats (not by-products) in the first ingredients. Foods made with quality meat or fish plus fruits and veggies are often more palatable than formulas heavy in by-products and grains. If you’re looking for highly palatable options, try GO! Solutions or  NOW FRESH SMALL BREED dog foods.

2.  Add a splash of warm water

Warm water helps release aromas and can make kibble more appealing. The Good Gravy line from NOW Fresh is designed for this—add a little warm water to create a tasty, hydrating gravy.

3.  Mix in a spoonful of wet food

Wet food is highly palatable so it’s great for fussy eaters or older dogs who are losing their appetites. Just a spoonful or two mixed in with their kibble will entice the fussiest of dogs to eat.  We have several brands of wet food available in different flavours and textures.
Note: Cats, on the other hand, generally prefer not to mix the texture of wet food with their biscuits – separate meals are usually better for them!

4.  Try simple toppers

Add a couple of spoons of yoghurt, sardines, mackerel, or vegetables. Mix it through, or put the topper in first and place kibble on top.

5.  Keep mealtimes short and consistent

If your dog won’t eat after 10–15 minutes, pick the bowl up and try again at the next scheduled meal. A consistent routine can help appetite and reduce grazing.

6.  Rotate proteins (slowly)

Next bag, choose a different meat or fish protein. Always transition gradually over several meals. If you use a simple formula (limited ingredient or sensitive stomach), rotation can be easier.  GO! Sensitivities range or GO! Skin + Coat Care range are excellent choices for easy rotation.

7.  Make it a little more interactive

Some dogs will eat from your hand first, then transition back to a bowl. Others respond well to kibble scattered on the ground (supervised) to activate natural foraging instincts.

8.  Check you’re not overfeeding

Feeding slightly less can help build appetite for the next meal. Many dogs are overfed, and with high-quality food you may need to feed less than you would with lower-quality options.

9.  Go easy on treats

Too many treats can spoil appetite. Keep treats minimal so your dog is genuinely hungry at meal

10. Keep the vibe positive

Make mealtimes calm and pleasant. A little encouragement help, but stress does not.

Bonus: Ask for help!

If you need help with a picky eater, feel free to contact us for help or ideas - we'd love to chat!

Here are some of our most popular foods for fussy eaters: