Does your dog turn their nose up at every meal you serve? Do you find yourself playing chef, trying to whip up new creations in hopes your four-legged friend will finally enjoy dinner? If you’re nodding your head, you’re not alone! Many dogs can be fussy eaters, but don’t worry—there are ways to turn mealtime from picky to paw-some! In this article, we’ll explore fun and effective strategies to help your dog become a less finicky eater, making mealtimes more enjoyable for both of you.

1. Stick to a Feeding Schedule—No Free Buffets!

One of the key ways to stop your dog from being a fussy eater is to implement a consistent feeding schedule. No more all-day buffets where food is always available! Set specific times for breakfast and dinner, and stick to them. If your dog doesn’t eat within 15-20 minutes, take the bowl away and wait until the next mealtime. This structure helps build anticipation and hunger, making them more likely to eat when it’s time to chow down. Don’t worry—skipping a meal or two won’t harm your dog; they’ll eventually realize they need to eat when food is offered.

2. Avoid the Temptation of Too Many Treats (Even If They Give You Puppy Eyes)

It’s hard to say no to those adorable puppy eyes, but constantly feeding treats can be a big part of the problem. If your dog is getting too many treats throughout the day, they might not be hungry enough for their regular meals—or worse, they might just be holding out for the "good stuff"! Make sure treats are given in moderation, and try to reward your pup with non-food-related things like extra playtime or a belly rub. This way, they’ll be more inclined to finish their dinner instead of waiting for a treat.

3. Mix It Up: Add a Little Flair to Their Meal

Even dogs love a little variety! If your pup is turning their nose up at plain kibble, try spicing things up. Add a bit of warm water to soften the food, or mix in a small amount of wet food, bone broth, or a spoonful of plain pumpkin to make their meal more enticing. The aroma from warm food can be particularly enticing to dogs and might just be the trick you need to get them excited about mealtime again. However, avoid adding anything too rich or unhealthy—simple and nutritious additions work best!

4. Keep Calm and Carry On—Don’t Feed Into the Fuss

The worst thing you can do is let your dog see your frustration at their picky eating. Dogs are masters of reading body language, and if they sense your anxiety, they may associate negative emotions with mealtime. Instead, stay calm, patient, and consistent. If they don’t eat, no big deal—try again later! With time and perseverance, your dog will get the message: Mealtime is for eating, not for fussing!


Feeding a picky eater can be a bit of a challenge, but with these fun and easy strategies, you can help your dog become a happy and healthy eater. Stick to a schedule, limit treats, jazz up their meals, and keep your cool. Before you know it, your picky pooch will be excitedly waiting for their next meal—tail wagging and all!