How to Handle a Picky Pup

Tips from a Dog Mom Who’s Been There

Some dogs will eat anything that hits their bowl—others act like dinner is up for debate. In my house, I’ve seen both! My four-year-old Murray is the poster pup for loving kibble—he’s never turned his nose up at a meal. Bear, on the other hand, came from a home with very unconventional eating habits, including (believe it or not) a hot dog a day. While that may sound funny, we knew it wasn’t sustainable—or healthy—for the long run.

If you’re struggling with a picky eater, you’re not alone. It can be frustrating, especially when you’re trying your best to provide a healthy diet. But with a little patience and the right approach, even the most selective pups can become happy, well-fed dogs.

1. Rule Out Health Issues First

Before labeling your pup as “picky,” be sure there are no medical causes behind their behavior. Dental pain, tummy issues, or even anxiety can cause dogs to avoid food. A quick vet check can give you clarity and peace of mind.

2. Create a Routine

Dogs thrive on structure. Serve meals at the same times daily and leave the bowl down for about 15–20 minutes. If they don’t eat—remove it until the next mealtime. It sets boundaries and helps reinforce good habits.

3. Use Toppers (Wisely)

To ease Bear off his hot-dog expectations, we added dog-safe toppers to his kibble like shredded chicken. It helped transition his taste buds without reinforcing unhealthy habits. Start simple, and watch how your pup responds.

4. Adjust Texture & Temperature

Some dogs prefer warm food, soft textures, or a bit of crunch. Try warming up their food slightly or switching between dry, wet, or gently cooked meals. The variety may keep things interesting without spoiling their diet.

5. Don’t Cave to Hand-Feeding (Unless Training)

It’s tempting to hand-feed a picky eater, but it can encourage long-term refusal to eat from the bowl. Instead, use hand-feeding for training sessions where it builds positive habits.

6. Watch the Treats

If your dog’s skipping meals, check how many treats they’re getting. Too many snacks (or table scraps) can fill them up and lead to pickiness during mealtime. Try scaling back to encourage a healthy appetite.

7. Make It Fun

Use puzzle bowls and snuffle mats. Turning mealtime into a game activates the brain and makes eating more engaging. For some dogs, stimulation is the missing ingredient—not flavor. Murray wasn’t picky but ate too fast. A puzzle bowl slowed him down so he enjoyed his food.

What Worked for Us

We didn’t want to continue Bear’s old eating habits, but we did want to respect where he came from. Slowly transitioning his meals, adding nutritious toppers, and creating a routine worked wonders. Today, he enjoys his kibble (hot-dog free!) and even gets excited for meals.

Final Thoughts

Picky eating isn’t just about food—it’s about routine, confidence, and trust. Whether your dog is a food enthusiast like Murray or a recovering hot dog lover like Bear, there’s always a way forward.

Becca Pawsome