Most dogs are great eaters. In fact, they may love to eat so much that they devour their food and beg for yours. This isn’t an uncommon behavior to see from pups. In fact, there are two different types of eating when it comes to dogs. Some dogs live to eat. They’ll take their food, your food, the cat’s food, and beg for treats on top of that. However, some dogs eat to live. They are content with their daily meals and don’t need to steal from the cat.
But what happens when your dog is picky? We’re going to break down when picky eating becomes dangerous and our top tips for keeping your dog munching!
How often should dogs eat?
The frequency at which your dog eats is most dependent on their age, breed, and size. We’ve put together a handy chart that you can use to determine how often your pup should be eating.
When should you be concerned?
Your dog skipping a meal may not be a major cause for concern. However, if your dog normally eats and suddenly stops, this could be indicative of a larger problem. For most dogs, wait 48 hours before consulting a vet. For puppies, wait 24 hours. If they still won’t eat, take a trip to the vet.
Develop a feeding plan
Just like humans, dogs love a good, stable routine. Based on your dog’s age, they may require more feedings throughout the day. Create a schedule and stick to it. Utilize a measuring cup for dolling out your pup’s food. Consistency is the key to a happy, healthy dog!
Don't hand out scraps
As tempting as it might be to indulge your pet, resist the urge to give them scraps. Human food is 100x more delicious than their kibble and they know it! Feed them your food too often and you run the risk of them rejecting their food entirely. You should also be cautious as some dogs have overly sensitive stomachs and can’t handle scraps the way another dog can. The bottom line? Resist the puppy dog eyes while you eat. It’s not good for them.
Feed pets from their bowl only
This is a bit of a continuation from the last point. Feeding your pet from their bowl only reinforces the rules of the house. We’ve all heard of the dog that dives for the slice of pizza left unattended on a plate. This is the type of entitlement to your food that you must avoid. Keep your food and your dog’s food separate.
Store dry food in an airtight container
You probably know that dogs have an incredible sense of smell. Well, that sense of smell plays a huge part in their desire to eat. If you’ve ever opened up a bag of dog food or treats, you know that the smell can be very overwhelming. This is to interest and entice your dog into eating it. Food that is old or exposed to the air for too long can lose its powerful smell, making it more likely that your dog will become uninterested. It’s similar to a bag of chips left unopened. They become stale and unappetizing. We highly suggest storing food in an airtight container to preserve its scent from disappearing.
Not all picky eating is dangerous. In fact, if your dog is content just eating 1 bowl a day, that may be fine depending on their breed and the type of food they’re eating. The most important thing is that they are getting the nutrients they need to thrive.
If you think your dog needs a nutrition boost, consider incorporating a multivitamin into their daily routine. The PupGrade Multivitamin contains vitamins A, C, D, and E, as well as essential fatty acids for heart health and probiotic enzymes for healthy digestion. It’s the perfect blend, keeping your pup healthy inside and out. Click here to check it out!We've gone ahead and enclosed a 10% OFF Coupon below for you to use in the store - remember, your puppy DESERVES to have the healthiest life! Click here to start shopping!
