When it comes to feeding our pets, owners have a number of options – from canned food and pate to kibble or raw meat diets.
A large part of the owners of four-legged friends rely on dry food, and the advantages of granules are indisputable for many. Easy to eat, often a cheaper option (especially if you buy a big pack) and most four-legged friends are happy to eat them. But what if your pet starts turning his nose up when you put down his kibble, takes a few steps back and retreats into the next room?
Before making drastic changes to your dog’s diet, consult your veterinarian. If your pet has suddenly stopped eating something it used to enjoy, it could be a dental or intestinal problem. And if you find that your furry friend is just a picky eater, there are plenty of other feeding options on the market to try.
How to arouse your dog’s interest in pellets?
Here are some ideas on how to get your pet to pay attention to the bowl of dry food.
- Add homemade topping to the granules
There are several easy options that you can prepare at home and add to the dry food in your dog’s kibble. They can make his menu not only more appetizing, but also healthier.
Chop or puree fruits or vegetables, such as carrots, green beans, and apples. Unsweetened canned pumpkin contains fiber that works well on the animal’s digestion.
A well-boiled egg added to the pellets is a good source of protein, and as a bonus, four-legged friends love eggs. One of the main disadvantages of dog food supplements is that your dog may decide that he will no longer eat regular kibble. Therefore, you may need to be prepared to make topping the animal’s dry food a long-term commitment.
- Try canned dog food
As a rule, high-quality canned food has more protein than pellets, contains fewer preservatives or artificial colors, and has more moisture. On the other hand, it is also usually more expensive. Adding pate or tinned meat chunks, however, will certainly make the contents of your pet’s pan more palatable.
- Explore raw food diets
Raw food diets are based on the idea that this is how an animal would eat in the wild. They usually consist of a mixture of meat, bones, organ meats, raw eggs, some fruits and vegetables, and dairy products.
Fans of this type of diet believe it is the healthiest option for their pets as it also helps with shinier coats, cleaner teeth, more energy and healthier skin.
Skeptics point to risks that include exposure to harmful bacteria for both dogs and humans, a poorly balanced diet, and potential hazards such as sharp pieces of bone that pose risks of injury to the animal’s teeth and digestive tract.
See also: What we need to know about raw dog food
If you are considering switching to a raw food diet, be sure to check with your veterinarian first. Be careful when choosing products and make sure that the brands you choose follow high safety measures.