First aid for difficult eaters
About routines, types of food and toppings for dogs and cats
Very annoying, a difficult eater in the house. But also cause for concern: why do those sweet four-legged friends turn their noses up at that delicious food you serve them? Are they getting enough nutrients? But above all: how do we make meals pleasurable for them again?
Reasons why your pet is a difficult eater
Some pets have famously diva strokes and turn their heads as soon as you trot up with a feeding dish. Others look at you resignedly and take a few bites with long teeth. Still others - labrador type for example - go through life under the motto "what I see, I eat".
Ask yourself if your dog or cat has always had antics when it comes to food. If it has eaten with relish most of its life and only recently abandoned its food, maybe there is more to it. As soon as you are concerned, you should consult your veterinarian.
Also, a lot depends on the breed and personality of your pet. In dogs, small dogs are less likely to be triggered by food than larger breeds such as retrievers. So don't worry if your dog is more triggered by attention or games than by snacks or food.
Perhaps your dog or cat has an unpleasant experience attached to food. Whether something happened to you or a previous owner, your pet may make a certain link between a type of food and how he felt at the time. If so, see if you see a different reaction with a different type of food or a different way of eating such as spreading it around on the floor instead of in a bowl.
Finally, it's important to know that dogs and cats don't mind eating the same thing every day. Since we ourselves quickly get bored if we eat the same thing every day, we assume that our pets also like different flavors. In many cases, this is how you create a difficult eater yourself: lots of variety in taste and texture can be very overwhelming for your dog or cat.
Here's how to help your dog or cat
1. A fixed routine
Even if you think your pet will eat if he is hungry enough, it is not a good idea to stop filling his food bowl. Both dogs and cats need regular food. Rather, try if a set routine helps your pet move forward.
For both dogs and cats, it often helps to offer food in the morning, leave it for 15 to 30 minutes and then take it away again until the next meal. Then repeat this: you leave the food for 15 to 30 minutes, and take away what your cat hasn't eaten. Do this 4 to 5 times a day. If you see that your dog or cat begins to eat more per meal, decrease the frequency.
2. Textures and flavors.
Maybe your dog or cat has a specific preference for a particular texture or flavor. Then find out what the favorite is, dry or wet food, fish, poultry, beef or lamb. Your dog or cat will quickly let you know which is his favorite.
Discover all the flavors and textures of our range:
3. Use a topping
Toppings are liquid flavor bombs that you pour over your dog's or cat's kibble. This way, you don't have to experiment with an assortment of different flavors and textures. You take the kibble you normally give your dog or cat and enrich it with a topping.
Look for a topping that is nutritious like Delcon's food toppings. These are packed with greens such as peas, carrots and peppers. Superfoods for your dog or cat full of vitamins and minerals, grain-free and additive-free.
The preparation is very simple: you pour the topping over your dog's or cat's kibble and mix everything together. Quick, healthy and packed with flavor. Even the pickiest dogs and cats are convinced!
Bet these tips will get your cat purring with delight and your dog wagging his tail at every meal.
Remember:
- If you are concerned about your dog or cat's eating habits, visit your veterinarian.
- Any questions about Delcon's nutrition, ask our team right away via the contact form.