How to get your dog to eat

If your dog suddenly refuses to eat, it is first and foremost important to ensure that it is not sick or in pain. If you are in doubt, or if its appetite changes significantly, you should contact your veterinarian.

However, if your dog is happy to eat treats, snacks, or anything else – but not its own food – it could be a sign that it has become a bit picky.

Here are some tips on what you can try if your dog has become a bit more selective about its food bowl.

Choose a flavorful food

The most important thing is that your dog receives nutritious and well-balanced food.

Look for:

• High proportion of animal protein
• Clear meat ingredients
• Few unnecessary fillers
• Good taste and smell

Some dogs also prefer different types of protein sources, so it might be worth experimenting.

For extra picky dogs, Pala might be interesting to try. Pala is air-dried and has a softer consistency than classic dry food. Many dogs find it extra flavorful due to its high meat content and intense aroma.

See all Pala products here

Don't leave food out all day

If your dog has access to food all day, mealtime can quickly become a bit too "ordinary."

Instead, try offering food for about 10 minutes at a time and then remove it.

Also, remember to change the dry food daily – especially if it has been left out for a long time. The fats in the food can affect taste and smell over time.

Add a little extra flavor to the food

Flavor enhancers or toppings are an easy way to make meals more exciting.

For example, you can try:

• Bone Broth
• Wet food as a topping
• Freeze-dried treats crumbled over the food
• A little fresh dog food mixed in

Sometimes, all it takes is a little extra scent and flavor.

See all toppings here

Flavorful alternatives to dry food

If your dog isn't enthusiastic about classic dry food, there are fortunately other options.

BARF

BARF consists of raw food and often comes as frozen meat patties.

Many dogs enjoy BARF because the taste and smell are often perceived as more intense compared to ordinary dry food.

If you're considering BARF, it's a good idea to research the feeding method or seek guidance to ensure your dog receives a complete and balanced diet.

See BARF here

Wet food

Wet food can be a good solution for dogs that prefer more juicy and aromatic food.

You can either serve it alone or mix a smaller amount into the dry food.

Paté

Dog paté is a tasty and versatile solution that can be used as a training treat, for mental stimulation, and as a delicious topping for meals.

Its soft, sliceable consistency makes it easy to work with – and its high palatability makes it popular with puppies, adult dogs, and seniors alike.

See patés here

Be careful with too many alternatives

If your dog learns that something "better" always comes along, waiting for the next opportunity can quickly become a habit.

Therefore, try to be consistent and give new solutions some time before switching again.

Sometimes it's not that the dog doesn't like the food – but that it has learned that something more exciting will come if it waits 😉