Just like humans, dogs and cats have their “I’m not in the mood” days. But if your furry friend regularly sniffs their food, gives you the look, and walks away, it might be more than a passing mood. Fussy eating is common in both dogs and cats. and it can come down to taste fatigue, texture preferences, anxiety, digestion, or just plain boredom.
Don’t worry, there are ways to make mealtime exciting again. Here’s our lighthearted (but effective) guide to helping even the fussiest pets fall back in love with food.
Our ultimate guide to helping your pets less fussier
To help you turn mealtime struggles into tail wags and purrs, here’s our ultimate guide to making your pets less fussy and more excited about their food.
1. Reintroduce Variety Without Overwhelming Their Routine
Routine is comforting but imagine eating the same thing every day. Eventually, your pet feels the same way! Try introducing variety gently, so you don’t upset their tummy in the process.
A few easy ways to refresh the menu:
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Rotate between different novel proteins - think chicken today, salmon tomorrow, maybe kangaroo next week.
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Mix up textures by blending a little wet food with dry.
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Sprinkle on something special like freeze-dried single-ingredient meats to boost aroma and excitement.
✨ Paw Parent Tip: Keep about 80% of the meal consistent and make 20% a fun surprise. Just enough to spark curiosity without causing tummy trouble.
2. Enhance Aroma and Texture
Pets, especially cats, follow their noses. Warming up their food slightly or adding a drizzle of Omega oil can make it smell extra appetising.
Dogs, on the other hand, often love a mix of crunch and softness. Try adding a few freeze-dried duck, goat, kangaroo, or sardine over their usual food and watch the magic happen. No need for heavy flavouring or sauces as freshness and natural aroma are what make a meal irresistible to them.
The goal is simple: make your pet’s bowl smell so good they can’t wait to dig in.
3. Encourage Positive Mealtime Behaviour
Sometimes it’s not the food, it’s the vibe. Pets eat best when they feel calm and safe. Try these easy habits:
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Serve meals in the same quiet, cosy spot every day.
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Keep distractions (TV, loud music, vacuum cleaners) to a minimum.
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Stick to consistent bowls and mealtimes as change makes some pets anxious
If they turn away from food, resist swapping it out or offering treats right away. Instead, remove the bowl after 20 minutes and offer it again later. This helps them understand that mealtime is when we eat, not when we negotiate.
Avoid Common Mistakes That Make Picky Eating Worse
Even with the best intentions, some feeding habits can unintentionally reinforce fussy behaviour. Keep these in mind:
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Constantly changing food brands as this confuses your pet’s digestive system.
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Overfeeding treats as pets may hold out for tastier snacks.
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Feeding leftovers or human food as some are unsafe and make regular meals less exciting.
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Free-feeding (leaving food out all day) as this reduces the pet’s natural hunger cues.
When to Seek Professional Advice
If your pet’s fussy eating lasts more than a week despite trying multiple strategies, it’s worth consulting a veterinarian or pet nutritionist. As persistent pickiness could be linked to nutrient imbalance, oral discomfort, or underlying health concerns that require professional care.
Conclusion: Helping Pets Love Their Meals Again
Tempting a fussy eater isn’t about spoiling them, it’s about understanding them. With a little patience, creativity, and trying mixing in nutritious toppers like The Paw Grocer’s freeze-dried treats, you can turn mealtime from a battle into a bonding moment.
Remember, every pet is unique. Observe what excites their appetite, stay patient, and focus on creating a mealtime experience that supports both their health and happiness.
