The Expert’s Guide to Dealing with Picky Eaters Among Pets

Is your pet turning up their nose at the tasty food you provide, leaving meals unfinished, and leaving you puzzled? If so, you may have a fussy-eating pet on your hands. With a striking 77% of the UK’s pets demonstrating finicky eating habits, we’ve teamed up with veterinarian Paul Manktelow, who leverages his 18 years of veterinary expertise to bring you this five-step guide for handling persnickety pets.

1. Prioritize Your Pet’s Overall Health

A sudden development of fussy-eating habits may signify underlying health concerns. If this behavior is new, worsening, or accompanied by symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy, consult your veterinarian. Nutritional deficiencies, gastrointestinal issues, and food-related behavioral problems can all contribute to picky eating. Weight loss can also occur in fussy eaters, as owners may resort to offering inappropriate foods, potentially leading to obesity.

2. Opt for Quality Nutrition

Once you’ve ruled out underlying medical conditions, it’s time to revisit your pet’s diet. Recent research from Webbox Naturals indicates that 99% of pet owners desire to feed their pets high-quality, natural food. Review the ingredients to ensure your pet is enticed by the presence of top-quality protein sources, such as chicken and lamb.

For many fussy eaters, wet food is preferable. Since dogs have a keen sense of smell and are natural scavengers, consider serving wet food in jelly or gravy. You can even try gently warming it, as food aromas can stimulate their appetite. If your pet favors dry food, encourage them to drink more water, possibly through a pet water fountain, which some cats prefer over still water.

3. Refrain from Rewarding Tableside Begging

Webbox Naturals’ research reveals that a staggering 79% of UK pet owners would feed their dogs human food at the table – a practice strongly discouraged. Even 14% of pet owners would share their takeout with their furry companions. While it may be well-intentioned, offering your pet table scraps can lead to meal rejections in the hope of receiving your dinner instead.

It’s essential that your pet understands their food comes from their bowl and not your plate. Resist rewarding begging at the table, no matter how convincing those sad eyes may be. Fortunately, the Webbox Naturals range offers a variety of flavors, akin to human cuisine, from Chicken and Sweet Potato to Peas and Mint, ensuring your pet dines like royalty.

4. Create a Stress-Free Feeding Environment

Pets, especially cats, often prefer to dine alone, without the presence of other pets or human owners. Fussy eaters might experience anxiety in their eating environment. Provide a quiet, secluded space for your cat to eat, ensuring it’s separate from other cats in a multi-cat household. Additionally, remember to keep cat food bowls separate from water bowls and litter trays. Cats dislike narrow bowls where their whiskers touch the sides, so opt for wide and shallow bowls.

5. Add Variety to Their Diet

Our pets’ wild ancestors had diverse diets, making it understandable that pets can become bored with repetitive meals. Occasional changes in their diet can help reignite their appetite. However, avoid introducing fatty or carbohydrate-rich foods with minimal nutritional value, as this could lead to digestive issues. It’s crucial not to overwhelm your pet with too many new foods, especially in the case of cats, which could lead to further finicky eating habits.