Not all dry dog foods are created equal, but for many pet parents, a good-quality kibble is an affordable way to feed their beloved dogs. So, what should you do if your dog simply won’t eat it?
Palatability or boredom may be a factor, and some dogs are just picky. There can be a medical reason for your dog’s finickiness, so it’s important to have your veterinarian rule out any health problems. Once your dog gets a clean bill of health, your first attempted solution should be to enrich his meals with toppers.
Even good-quality kibble isn’t ideal for a dog all on its own. It’s important to remember that kibble lacks moisture, and if you don’t mix it with soft food or some liquid, some animals may turn up their noses at it. Other dogs need variety. And senior dogs often start becoming fussier about their food.
Topper Ideas for Your Dog’s Kibble
Goat’s Milk
It contains healthy vitamins, minerals, electrolytes, enzymes, proteins, and fatty acids. Most dogs can digest goat’s milk in 20 minutes.
Fruits and Veggies
Things like like apples, carrots, and green beans can be roasted, dehydrated, pureed, or cut up raw. Avoid onion, grapes, and garlic. Read more about healthy choices for dogs.
Bone Broth
This is an excellent, nutritious food to improve the immune system. It’s known to benefit dogs with chronic skin allergies and those that have arthritis.
Pumpkin
Unsweetened canned pumpkin is great for calming upset stomachs and is rich in fiber.
Yogurt
With active bacteria can act as a probiotic, yogurt is good for your dog’s digestive system..
Raw Meat
Freeze-dried raw meats offer your dog a nutritional boost.
Pre-packaged Meal Toppers and Mix-ins
If homemade isn’t your thing, there are many pre-made options for kibble toppers and mixers. Most of these are not cheap given the quality of their ingredients. The good news? A little goes a long way, which helps justify the price point.
- DogNog is a well-reviewed goat’s milk-based topper. Simply add water and mix in.
- Stella and Chewy’s makes highly-regarded raw meal toppers. Many freeze-dried raw dog treats can be crumbled into kibble, as well.
- Honest Kitchen makes an easy powdered bone broth that offers the same nutritional benefits as homemade broths.
- Green Juju is a whole food supplement for dogs. The formula contains anti-inflammatory ingredients like turmeric and ginger, along with bison bone broth and coconut oil for digestive and joint health.
Other Solutions for Picky Eaters
- Adding kibble to puzzle toys is a great way to make mealtime more exciting. This might be an actual puzzle feeder dish or a toy like a KONG. Feeding meals in a puzzle toy was a go-to when our dog Walter was a puppy. He still eats one meal a day from some sort of interactive toy.
- Sticking to a schedule helps your dog understand there’s a finite time to eat and that food is not available all day.
- Drinking more water can help kibble-avoidant dogs. I like to keep extra bowls of water out. Investing in a pet fountain may encourage hydration, as well.
The best advice is to be patient. There are many different ways to encourage your dog to eat their kibble. After ruling out any medical issues, a simple topper like pumpkin or bone broth might just turn picky eating around.
If the behavior continues, however, it might mean your dog simply doesn’t like dry food. Talk to your veterinarian about switching diets altogether to wet food or to a fresh food-based diet.