Got a Fussy Eater Dog? Here's What You Need to Know – And How to Help

Just like with children, it’s easy to panic when your dog refuses food. But if your dog is still happy, playful, accepting treats, and not showing signs of illness, it’s most likely not serious. Fussy eating in dogs is common – and often, easily solved. Let's break it down!

Why Is My Dog Being Fussy?

Most dogs aren’t born picky – it’s often something they develop. If your dog has been eating the same food every day, boredom can creep in. Or perhaps they’ve become used to table scraps, treats, or have figured out that ignoring their bowl gets them something better.

Your dog’s environment, routine, and even the way food is served can influence their appetite. If you’ve recently changed their schedule or surroundings, it could throw them off for a few days. And just like us, dogs can develop preferences for texture, temperature or flavour.

In rarer cases, fussiness may be linked to digestive sensitivities or food intolerances. If you notice additional symptoms like vomiting, diarrhoea, weight loss or low energy, speak to your vet.

How To Encourage Your Dog To Eat

Feeding a fussy dog takes patience and consistency. One of the simplest things you can try is warming their food slightly or adding a splash of warm water to release tempting aromas. Many dogs also respond well to hand-feeding a few bites to get started, especially if you’re introducing a new food.

Create a calm, distraction-free environment where your dog can eat in peace. Put the bowl down, give a simple cue like “Dinner time!”, then walk away. If they haven’t eaten within 15–20 minutes, remove the food without fuss. Try again at the next mealtime – no snacks in between.

Avoid grazing. Leaving food out all day encourages pickiness and can make it harder for dogs to understand structure around meals.

Does Snacking Ruin Meal Times?

It often does. Many fussy dogs are simply full from treats given throughout the day. If everyone in the house hands out little snacks, it can easily add up – and mealtime appetite disappears.

The solution? Cut back on between-meal titbits and reserve treats for training or reward-based play. This helps your dog distinguish between proper meals and occasional rewards – and gets their appetite back on track.

Could It Be The Food?

Yes – in fact, food quality is one of the biggest causes of pickiness. Many commercial dry foods are ultra-processed, bland, or full of fillers that dogs simply don’t want to eat.

At Marleybones, we take a different approach. Our fresh dog food is gently steamed using only locally-sourced, high-quality ingredients like chicken, lamb, beef and fish. We use real vegetables, nutritious superfoods and no grains or artificial fillers – just real food, designed for real dogs.

Our meals are nutritionally complete, developed with experts in dog nutrition, and crafted to be genuinely delicious. The result? Even the fussiest dogs come back for more.

Is My Dog Eating Enough?

If you’re worried your dog isn’t getting enough food, keep an eye on their energy levels, stool consistency and body condition. A well-fed dog will be active, have a shiny coat, and produce firm, healthy stools.

If you notice weight loss or low energy, it may be time to slightly adjust portion sizes, or add a natural calorie boost. Our omega-rich oil topper, made from flaxseed, hemp and evening primrose, is ideal for adding nutrients and a tempting drizzle of flavour.

What's The Best Food For A Fussy Dog?

Think of the difference between a ready meal and a home-cooked roast – that’s how different dog food can be. Fresh, gently cooked meals not only smell and taste better to your dog, but they’re also easier to digest and more nutritious.

Marleybones offers four delicious flavours that are gently cooked to preserve nutrients and natural aroma. They’re free from grains, packed with responsibly sourced British ingredients, and crafted to support optimal health, digestion and flavour appeal. It’s everything your dog needs, in every bite.

The Final Woof 

Your dog’s fussiness doesn’t need to be a lifelong issue. With the right structure, patience, and food that truly excites them, most picky eaters bounce back quickly.

Switch to Marleybones and discover the difference a fresh, nutritionally complete meal can make. No stress, no struggle – just tail wags and clean bowls.