Dogs are a funny bunch. When it comes to food, some will eat anything that vaguely smells edible while others are like a food critic at a 5-star restaurant!
So, which category does your dog fall into?
If they are in the latter category, don’t panic.
We’ve put together all our best tips for how to make mealtime their favourite part of the day.
Here’s how to make natural dog food totally irresistible (without having to resort to bribery to get your dog to eat it!)
Can Dogs Be Fussy Eaters?
Here’s an unfortunate truth bomb. Dogs are not traditionally picky eaters. It’s in their nature to eat whatever they can get their hands on. So, that means it is usually their owners that inadvertently train them to be picky! The key is to offer quality natural dog food that you know is good for them and to stick with it. And of course, there are also some things you can do to make that chosen food simply irresistible to your canine friend.
The more worrying thing is if you discover a sudden pickiness in your pup. If your dog suddenly loses interest in their food or starts eating less, it might indicate an underlying issue, like:
- Dental problems or oral pain.
- Digestive upset.
- Stress or changes in their environment.
Sometimes, they can just be hot and bothered and not in the mood to eat, but if you notice behavioural changes along with loss of appetite, it’s time to pay attention. When in doubt, consult your vet to rule out any health concerns. Once you’re in the clear, you can focus on making their meals truly tantalising!
How To Make Dog Food Totally Irresistible
Choose The Right Food
Let’s face it, not all dog food is created equal. Some are very high quality and made with premium human grade ingredients - these are the ones that should be naturally palatable for your doggo. Whereas other food brands are packed with fillers and artificial flavours that your dog will instinctively turn their nose up at.
The key to getting them to eat what you put in front of them is choosing the right food. Here’s how you can choose one they will love:
- Look for Quality Ingredients: Real meat, wholesome grains, and natural flavours are a must.
- Opt for Natural and Nutritious: Select a food that is made with real, recognisable ingredients, rather than ingredients that look like they belong in a science experiment.
- Consider Their Preferences: Some dogs prefer fish to beef or a smaller/larger biscuit size. You can experiment to find what works best for your pup.
- Think About Dietary Needs: Some pups have sensitive tums, allergies or a wheat intolerance. Consider that when you are choosing which natural dog food and pick one that suits their dietary needs.
Or, you just save yourself some time and head straight to the Real Dog Food website and choose one of our tasty blends. Made weekly in small batches from 100% natural ingredients, it’s the kind of meal your dog will thank you for!
Keep It Fresh
No one likes to eat stale food and your dog is no exception! Fresh, crunchy bikkies are going to be way more enticing for your dog than stale, soggy ones. Luckily, it’s pretty easy to keep your dog’s food fresh, try these tips:
- Buy tasty fresh food that has been produced recently
- Store their kibble in an airtight container to preserve its flavour and crunch
- Keep that container in a cool, dry place away from moisture
- Check the expiration date and make sure the food is eaten well before that time
Give Your Dog Time To Get Used To It
Contrary to popular belief, dogs do not need variety in their diets. We humans don’t want to eat the same thing day in and day out, but doggos do. It’s in their heritage - today’s dogs are descended from ancestors who loved to hunt the same foods. So, our pups don’t need variety, they need tasty!
Switching their food constantly can actually lead to an upset tummy. So, what you actually want to do is find the quality natural dog food you want to feed them (hint: that’s Real Dog Food) and give them time to get used to it. You know they are getting all the right nutrition from these premium bikkies, but it might take your dog a few meals to get used to the flavour and texture.
If you are switching your dog to a new food, you should follow our transition guide here.
Avoid Feeding Table Scraps
We know those puppy dog eyes can be hard to resist. But, feeding your dog scraps from the table or your own plate can create bad habits. It can teach them to wait for your food, rather than eating their own, facilitating pickiness or food refusal.
Worse than that, some human foods can actually be dangerous for your pup or give them an upset tummy. Onions, chocolate and grapes are all major culprits for being toxic to dogs, so be very wary when feeding them human treats.
The better practice is to stick to high quality natural dog food and pup-formulated dog treats as everyone will be happier for it - especially your doggo!
Feed Them When They Are Hungry
Sometimes, you might think your dog is being picky, but they simply might not be hungry. If they eat at erratic times, enjoy the odd scrap from your meal or are sniffing out food elsewhere, they might not be hungry for their dinner.
You can avoid this happening by creating a routine for your pup. They are creatures of habit, so regular mealtimes can help to correctly establish their appetite. Try feeding them at a consistent time of the day so they get used to their meals at that time. It can also help to feed them after exercise as they are more likely to be hungry.
Avoid free-feeding where their food is left out all day as this can encourage grazing and reduce their enthusiasm for mealtime.
Don’t Leave It Out To Go Stale
If your dog does not finish all of their meal, try not to leave it out all day. Stale food can lose its flavour and appeal, so it’s not very nice to eat. Depending on where you live, it also has the potential to attract pests.
Instead, pick up any uneaten food after 20-30 minutes. Discard it if the kibble has become stale. By only having the food available at mealtime, it reinforces the idea that it’s an exciting and specific event, encouraging good eating habits.
Making Dog Food Irresistible
Making dog food irresistible doesn't have to be rocket science. Rather, it’s about choosing high quality food, serving it fresh, and sticking to good feeding habits.
With Real Dog Food, you can count on fresh, natural ingredients that turn even the pickiest eater into a mealtime enthusiast. And hey, if they don’t beg at the table? It might just be because they’re saving room for one of our drool-worthy biscuits.
Browse our range of natural dog food blends now.