Picky Eaters

Preventing a Picky Eater

• Expose your pet to different textures of food early in life
  Split their calories between wet and dry foods
• Establish a feeding schedule in a safe, quiet environment
• Do not provide any human food before discussing with a veterinarian
• Limit treats to training and separate from meal times

Medical Considerations

It is important to rule out medical causes of your pet’s change in appetite. New or pre-existing diseases can increase or decrease appetite. Please use the following as a guide for when to seek professional veterinary advice:

If your pet:

• Stops eating for more than two days
• Refuses treats or high-value food items
• Is attempting to eat, but drops food out of the mouth
• Has decreased energy levels, abnormal behaviors, vomiting, regurgitation or diarrhea
• Is drinking and/or urinating more than normal
• Is drooling more than normal

Environmental Modifications

Animals, just like people, like to be comfortable when they eat:

• Multiple animals in household
  • If currently group-fed, try giving each animal their own bowl and area to eat safely away from others
• Change the type/size of bowl or feeder to try out what they prefer
  • Metal, plastic, silicone
  • Automatic feeders
  • Larger sizes to avoid whisker fatigue
• Keep it interesting!
  • Use kibble for treats when training, save high value treats for special occasions
  • Puzzle feeders for mental stimulation

Food Modifications

Meal Toppers *

Cat and Dog friendly meal toppers* are an excellent way to improve flavor without changing the food:

• Probiotic (ie Fortiflora® Calming Care®)
• Non protein muscle source (ie. Myos Muscle Formula®)
• Fish Oil (ie. Welactin®, Omega Benefits®, Omega 3.6.9®)
• Low-Sodium Broth (2 tbsp/cup of food)

* Meal toppers are examples and are not limited to above recommendations.

Sensory Changes

Animals are influenced by the smell, taste, and texture of a food:

• Heating up food increases its smell
• Wet food is typically more automatic
• Try various different sizes and shaped kibble
• Switch to different primary flavors such as chicken, pork, fish, or beef

Looking for more information?
Contact us at go.ncsu.edu/vhnutrition