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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nMedical Issues<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The first thing to rule out when dealing with fussy eating is an underlying health condition. Potential medical causes include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Dental problems: Painful teeth or gums can make chewing difficult.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Gastrointestinal issues: Dogs with sensitive stomachs may avoid food that has previously caused discomfort.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Chronic illnesses: Conditions such as pancreatitis, kidney disease, or allergies can suppress appetite.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Parasites: Worms and other parasites can interfere with digestion and appetite.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
If your dog\u2019s picky eating is accompanied by weight loss, vomiting, diarrhoea, or lethargy, consult your vet immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Behavioural Causes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Dogs are intelligent and their eating habits can reflect their experiences or environment. It is therefore important to introduce good feeding habits from a young age. Common behavioural factors include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Overindulgence in treats or human food: Dogs quickly learn to hold out for tastier options if they\u2019re regularly given treats or table scraps.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Anxiety or stress: Major changes like moving house, home renovations, changes in your schedule, a new pet, or separation anxiety can disrupt eating habits.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Attention-seeking: Some dogs refuse food because they\u2019ve learned that being picky results in extra attention and treats.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n
Food-Related Factors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Sometimes, the issue is not the dog but the food itself. Factors that can contribute to fussiness include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Texture and size: <\/strong>Small dogs may struggle with large or hard kibble, while others might dislike certain textures, such as soft wet food.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Food freshness: <\/strong>Dogs have an incredible sense of smell and can detect stale food or food stored improperly. Nala Health dog food comes in food-grade bags with a velcro seal to ensure freshness after opening.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\nExplore Our Dog Food Range<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>![\"Fussy](\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\")
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- Storage hygiene: <\/strong>If you use a storage bin, ensure it is cleaned regularly. Residual oils from dog food can go rancid and contaminate fresh food, leading to an unpleasant smell or taste that dogs will reject. Better yet, store the food in the original packaging in the bin. Also always store dog food in a cool, dark place.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Flavour preferences: <\/strong>Dogs may be sensitive to certain ingredients or flavours and develop preferences for specific proteins or recipes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Overfeeding: <\/strong>It\u2019s easy to mistake a dog\u2019s fullness for fussiness when they leave food in their bowl after a meal. In reality, the issue might simply be that they\u2019re being served more than they need. If your dog appears to be a picky eater but maintains a healthy weight, consider reducing their portion size.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Breed Tendencies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Some breeds are naturally more selective when it comes to food. Smaller breeds, such as Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, and Dachshunds, are often more discerning. Working breeds, such as Border Collies and German Shepherds, may show picky behaviour if they\u2019re under-exercised, as their energy needs and appetites are closely linked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the other hand, larger breeds like Labradors and Golden Retrievers are known for being less picky and more food-motivated. 1 in 4 Labradors<\/a> has a genetic mutation that causes an increased appetite, which can lead to obesity if not managed. However, this doesn\u2019t mean they\u2019re immune to fussiness, especially if they\u2019ve been indulged with treats or have underlying medical issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nFeeding Habits<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Feeding practices and habits can significantly influence a dog\u2019s eating behaviour and expectations. Here are some key considerations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Irregular feeding schedules: <\/strong>Feeding at inconsistent times can confuse dogs and disrupt their appetite. Establishing set meal times is important. At Nala Health, we recommend feeding your adult dog twice a day and young puppies 3 times a day.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Free-feeding:<\/strong> Leaving food out all day can make dogs less interested in eating. Scheduled meals encourage appetite and regulate digestion.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Overfeeding treats: <\/strong>Excessive treats can fill your dog up and reduce their interest in meals.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Feeding environment: <\/strong>A noisy or stressful setting can make a dog reluctant to eat. If you have small children, for example, it is important they let your dog eat in peace.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Good Feeding Habits to Implement<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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- Feed your dog in a quiet, distraction-free area.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Serve meals at consistent times each day.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Remove uneaten food to encourage regular eating habits.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Use a clean, odour-free food bowl. Stainless steel or ceramic bowls are best as they don\u2019t retain smells like plastic. Clean your dog\u2019s food and water bowls daily.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
How to Encourage a Fussy Dog to Eat<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n1. Choose High-Quality, Palatable Food<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Dogs are much more likely to enjoy meals made with nutrient-dense ingredients that cater to their specific needs and preferences. High-quality food doesn\u2019t just taste better\u2014it\u2019s also formulated to provide balanced nutrition, which supports overall health and well-being. When choosing a food for your fussy eater, here are some key considerations:<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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- Ingredient Quality: <\/strong>Look for food made with wholesome, real ingredients rather than artificial additives, fillers, or by-products. Dogs often reject food with a strong chemical smell or taste.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Protein Source:<\/strong> Dogs tend to have strong preferences for certain proteins. Experiment with options like chicken, lamb, fish, or novel proteins such as black soldier fly larvae. Novel proteins can be especially beneficial for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\nTry Nala Health Insect Based Dog Food<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n- \n
- Digestibility:<\/strong> Food that is easy to digest reduces the likelihood of discomfort, which can make your dog wary of eating. Opt for recipes with fibre and probiotics to support gut health.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Taste: <\/strong>Dogs have a much stronger sense of smell than taste, which is why the scent of their food plays a crucial role in their appetite. Natural aromas from fat sources and other natural ingredients are therefore essential. To enhance the scent of the food, you can simply add a bit of lukewarm water. This releases the aromas, making the meal even more enticing for your dog.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Nala Health provides sustainable, nutrient-rich recipes made with black soldier fly protein, a highly digestible and hypoallergenic ingredient that\u2019s perfect for sensitive dogs. Our food is crafted with natural colours and flavours to ensure a wholesome, delicious meal every time. Plus, with our convenient 400g trial bags, you can let your dog try our premium recipes before committing to a larger bag\u2014making it easier to find the perfect fit for even the pickiest eaters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Taste: <\/strong>Dogs have a much stronger sense of smell than taste, which is why the scent of their food plays a crucial role in their appetite. Natural aromas from fat sources and other natural ingredients are therefore essential. To enhance the scent of the food, you can simply add a bit of lukewarm water. This releases the aromas, making the meal even more enticing for your dog.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Protein Source:<\/strong> Dogs tend to have strong preferences for certain proteins. Experiment with options like chicken, lamb, fish, or novel proteins such as black soldier fly larvae. Novel proteins can be especially beneficial for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Ingredient Quality: <\/strong>Look for food made with wholesome, real ingredients rather than artificial additives, fillers, or by-products. Dogs often reject food with a strong chemical smell or taste.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Free-feeding:<\/strong> Leaving food out all day can make dogs less interested in eating. Scheduled meals encourage appetite and regulate digestion.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Flavour preferences: <\/strong>Dogs may be sensitive to certain ingredients or flavours and develop preferences for specific proteins or recipes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Food freshness: <\/strong>Dogs have an incredible sense of smell and can detect stale food or food stored improperly. Nala Health dog food comes in food-grade bags with a velcro seal to ensure freshness after opening.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Texture and size: <\/strong>Small dogs may struggle with large or hard kibble, while others might dislike certain textures, such as soft wet food.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
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