Dog not eating their food? A guide to fussy eaters

Many dogs turn their nose up at mealtimes. Our in-house experts explain why some dogs are picky eaters, plus how to help your pup rediscover their appetite with fresh food.

1 September 2025·Dog Advice

Our food is approved & verified by our in-house veterinarian, canine nutritionist and behaviourist.

If you’ve ever stood over your dog’s bowl wondering why they won’t touch their dinner, you’re not the only one. Some pups act like little furry food critics, turning mealtimes into a stand-off.

The good news is that most picky eating has simple causes, and with the right approach, you can help your dog fall back in love with food.

Why won’t my dog eat their food?

Every fussy dog has their reasons. Some of the most common include:

Learned behaviour

Our dogs are clever. Many realise that if they refuse their food, something tastier might appear in their bowl later, like a sprinkling of grated cheese or fresh chicken. This can turn into a habit over time. They may also learn that filling up on treats means they can skip their meals.

Diane, our behaviourist, explains: “If refusing food gets them something tastier, it’s likely they’ll repeat that behaviour. It’s something they may have picked up, not just stubbornness.”

Boredom

Imagine eating the same thing every day. Sound boring? Dogs think so, too. For some, a lifetime of the same kibble is like being stuck with plain toast at every meal.

Fussy dogs can be driven by their own personal tastes, and they simply might not be a fan of the food in their bowl. Variety and real flavour are key.

Health

Some dogs don’t have the luxury of deciding what they like best. They might have an underlying issue like an allergy, dental issue or trouble digesting certain foods. In some cases, there could be a behavioural problem like anxiety preventing them from eating comfortably.

Our in-house vet and behaviourist can discuss your dog’s medical history with you and help identify or rule out any physical or behavioural issues.

What food is best for fussy dogs?

When dogs reject their dinner, it’s tempting to keep switching up brands or bribing them with extra treats. We’ve all been there: scraping uneaten meals into the bin and feeling like you’re throwing money away.

But the truth is, most picky eaters aren’t looking for junk food. They’re craving food that smells, tastes and feels like the real thing.

That’s why natural, fresh food is often the best option for fussy dogs. They tap into your dog’s natural preferences and make mealtimes exciting again.

Why fussy dogs love fresh food

Aroma and taste: Gently cooked meat and vegetables smell irresistible compared to dry kibble. Just like the effect of our own food.

Texture they enjoy: Soft meat and chunks of veg, with all the succulence of natural cooking, feels real and satisfying while helping keep them hydrated.

Nutrients they crave: Dogs naturally need nutrients to feel their best, not just flavour. Fresh ingredients provide essential vitamins and minerals that support their health, which is much harder to find in ultra-processed food.

Why does quality matter for fussy dogs?

Dogs are more likely to eat (and thrive on) food made from human-quality ingredients. Meals made with real cuts of meat, fresh vegetables and natural superfoods are not only tastier but also gentler on digestion.

Bianca, our canine nutritionist, explains: “Fresh ingredients also support a healthy gut microbiome – the mix of good bacteria in your dog’s stomach that plays a huge role in appetite, energy and overall health. A diverse microbiome means they’ll absorb nutrients better, have fewer tummy troubles, and a healthier appetite.”

Is fresh food worth the money?

In short, yes – and especially if you have a fussy dog on your hands.

Less waste: If your dog loves their meals, you can finally stop throwing away untouched food – and your money.

Better long-term health: Feeding natural meals that are rich in nutrients can help reduce pricey vet bills in future.

More joy at mealtimes: There’s nothing quite like watching a fussy dog sprint to their bowl and wolf it all down. Priceless.

Thousands of owners who feed Different Dog have raved about how investing in fresh food finally changed their dogs’ picky eating habits.

But fresh food isn’t only about solving fussy eating. It’s about supporting their well-being with every meal. Dog parents quickly notice:

Better digestion and less smelly poops

Shinier fur and healthier skin

More energy

A healthier weight

Fewer allergies

More consistent mealtimes

How to get a picky dog to eat

Feeding fresh food should be exciting, even for fussy pups. Here are some tried-and-tested transition tips from Bianca on how to get a picky dog to eat:

Mix gradually: Start with 90% of their usual food and 10% fresh. Then swap another 10% each day until they’re eating only their new meals.

Warm it slightly: Gently warming their food can boost the tempting aromas and spark their appetite.

Add toppers: A splash of bone broth or goat’s milk can be the tipping point for picky pups. We give you these as a game-changing add-on with a Different Dog plan.

Keep it varied: Variety is the spice of life. Rotate proteins and recipes to keep mealtimes exciting. Once you get a feel for what they like most, you can feed a little more of these flavours while easing them onto others.

Fussy dogs don’t have to stay that way forever. With the right food, many quickly switch to licking their bowls clean.

And with guidance from our in-house experts and the reassurance of our Empty Bowl Guarantee, trying a fresh approach feels less like a gamble and more like a way forward.

Get in touch with our team at feedme@differentdog.com to book a time to chat about your dog’s specific needs.

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