Tips to Feed Your Picky Dog

Does your dog turn up his nose at mealtime? These tips may whet his appetite.

Try different flavors and textures of dog food. Or gradually switch to a different brand. Just don't switch all at once or it could upset his stomach.

Next, if you feed your dog one meal a day, consider serving him two smaller ones. Offer one in the morning and another in the evening. Take any leftovers away after 15 to 30 minutes.

You can also kick up his food's flavor with certain things from your fridge. Ask your vet if it's OK to mix in a bit of chopped chicken breast, low-fat cottage cheese, honey, maple syrup, or unsalted chicken broth. But one thing you shouldn't feed your dog is table scraps. Not only can they make your dog picky, they could upset his stomach too.

Also, think about where you feed him. Choose somewhere calm and quiet. Some dogs who seem to be picky eaters are actually just stressed. It's normal to feel anxious when you're pal's not eating. But resist the urge to hover over the food bowl. He may sense you're upset and that could make him anxious too.

Finally, keep your vet in the loop. She can rule out any health problems or medications that may be affecting your dog's appetite.