How to Train Your Dog to Eat from His Bowl

Hello Vanessa, I hate to say so, but I suspect this is more medical than just behavioral. Because of pup's age and history, I personally would keep doing what you are doing even though it's hard. I suspect pup's desire not to eat might be more about pup's digestive system or overall health than anything else. I would speak with your vet or someone who specializes in the digestive system to see if anything can be down to support that better, so pup feels more like eating. I am sorry I am not of more help in this case. I think if you try some of the common suggestions for addressing pickiness, you will risk making things worse, since I feel like this is likely more health related than just behavioral, and right now pup is eating. If pup stops eating with the current routine, I am happy to offer suggestions to try then, but none of those suggestions are probably preferable to what you are currently doing that's working. Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden

June 27, 2022

Hello Reena, The easiest thing to do in this case might be to purchase something that has an included meal topper in it, like freeze dried meat pieces, like nature's variety raw boost as an example. Training wise, I suggest purchasing freeze dried meal toppers, like nature's variety or stella and chewy, and crushing up a small amount of those in a ziploc bag until it's powdery, then mixing pup's kibble for the next day with that powder in the bag overnight and feeding pup that feed - which looks like their normal food but smells and tastes like the kibble topper powder also. Once pup is eager to eat again without adding the treat in, after at least a week of doing this, then you can gradually decrease the amount of powder used each day, until you are down to normal food again. For dogs who are very food motivated but just being stubborn about the treat, I would simply wait pup out without giving the treat. Dogs who are food motivated but have just learned that they can get a treat by waiting will often eat once hungry enough if they see that you are not giving in. Dogs who are truly picky and not motivated by food often need the powder or kibble topper incentive. Check with your vet that pup isn't being overfed or is overweight too. Often dogs metabolisms will slow down, meaning a lower need in calories, as they age. If that's the case, that can lead to picky eating sometimes, and you can decide with your vet how to decrease pup's food intake a bit, which should lead to them being more hungry and eager to eat. Only do this if pup's physical weight and food amount necessitates it though, not just to get pup to eat quicker, since you don't want a dog who isn't overweight loosing weight. Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden

May 4, 2022