Does your dog have a picky palate? Discover the Equilibrium line

Picky eating is usually more of an issue with cats than with dogs, but some dogs can also be particularly fussy eaters and give their owners a hard time at mealtime. If your dog falls into this category, don’t take it out on him: he isn’t doing it on purpose and isn’t throwing a tantrum; he simply has his own tastes, just like the rest of us, and prefers certain flavors over others. For this very reason, your four-legged friend should be accommodated rather than punished for his preferences: any form of punishment will not only fail to solve the problem but will also increase stress for both the dog and the owner. So try experimenting to figure out which flavors he prefers, and also try pet food specifically designed for dogs with picky appetites.

Understanding the causes of a poor appetite

In fact, there’s often a reason behind your four-legged friend’s lack of appetite or picky eating habits. It may be that their stomach is particularly sensitive and can’t tolerate certain flavors or types of meat: remember that dogs have an exceptional sense of smell and an instinct that’s just as exceptional, which often allows them to tell what’s good to eat and what isn’t. So avoid insisting if you see that your dog doesn’t like the food you’re giving them: they most likely have their own good reasons for it and would end up eating it reluctantly, just because their owner is insisting. Try to address this issue by letting them try different flavors and opt for sensitive-formula products, specifically designed for dogs with intestinal and stomach issues— light yet appealing, easy to digest, and available in various tasty varieties. Sometimes, dogs also refuse pet food because they’re used to eating the same food as their owners: unfortunately, this is a fairly common problem that veterinarians deal with every day. Dogs have completely different needs than humans, so they require a different, controlled diet. Food intended for human consumption is often much more appealing to dogs because it is heavily seasoned, especially with salt, and therefore tastier. But don’t think you’re doing your dog a favor by giving him a slice of pizza: in reality, you’re doing his stomach and digestive system no favors at all.

Some good habits to adopt

First of all, as we mentioned above, avoid giving your dog food meant for human consumption, because not only is it bad for him, but you’ll also get him used to flavors he won’t find in pet food, which he’ll inevitably refuse. But how can you resist those pleading eyes while you’re eating? Simply try to feed your dog at least an hour before your meal, so that he has plenty of time to eat his food before he catches the inviting scent of yours. 

The post " Is your dog a picky eater? Discover the Equilibrium line " first appeared on Dog and Cat Food | Alleva .