My dog is a picky eater. What should I watch out for?Updated a month ago

No need to worry - in most cases

An occasionally picky eater can be frustrating for a dog owner, but it does not necessarily bother the dog itself. If a loss of appetite starts suddenly or is accompanied by other signs of illness, the underlying cause should always be investigated by a veterinarian. However, if an otherwise healthy adult dog is simply selective about its food, there is usually no cause for concern.

Ensuring adequate nutrient intake

Living with a picky dog often requires a little determination from the owner. It is important to avoid replacing a balanced diet with excessive treats or table scraps, as these can quickly make up a large proportion of your dog's daily calorie intake without providing all the essential nutrients your dog needs. For example, two cocktail sausages given to a begging 5 kg dog provide around one-third of its daily energy requirement.

What makes dog food palatable?

A dog's enjoyment of food depends on many different factors, including:

• The ingredients used, their quality and how they have been processed
• The manufacturing process, such as cooking temperatures and the coating applied to the kibble
• The food's texture and consistency, including the moisture content of wet food or the size and shape of dry kibble
• Proper storage of the food
• The dog's senses of smell and taste, with smell playing a particularly important role. In older dogs, reduced sensory function may decrease interest in food.
• Previous feeding experiences and learned preferences
• The anatomy of the muzzle and teeth, as well as the food's mouthfeel, including how easy it is to pick up and chew
• Physiological and hormonal factors, such as stress, which can reduce appetite
• Environmental factors, for example whether the dog lives with other dogs or alone, and even the ambient temperature

You can read more about feeding a picky dog in our blog post here.