Imagine the following: you come home, you serve your dog the croquettes, he runs towards you, approaches his bowl, sniffs a bit and then looks at you, without eating. Has this happened to you? Then you are probably wondering if dogs get bored of kibble
Your dog's diet is crucial to his he alth and development, so if he refuses to eat, it's time to take action and find out what's going on. If you are facing a similar problem, then you can't miss this article.
Are croquettes boring…?
When you think that your dog eats the same thing every day, it's easy to imagine that he gets bored of the taste just like we humans do. However, it is necessary to take into account that the canine taste buds are not as developed as those of people, and that, in the wild, the flavors tasted by the dogs are not very varied either.
With this in mind, why doesn't a dog want to eat kibble? In the first instance, it is necessary to rule out any disease, whether physical or mental, since loss of appetite is a sign of various ailments.
If you've been to the vet and your dog is he althy, then it's time to keep an eye on food. More than being bored, there are 3 main reasons why your pet rejects food:
- You've gotten him used to the taste of your food
- The feed you provide is of poor quality
- The diet is based solely on feed
The first of these reasons, getting your dog used to the taste of your food, is very common if you are a person who, in addition to the feed, usually offers him the remains of what that you prepare or succumb to the temptation of throwing bits of food at him when you're eating. This not only creates bad habits for the dog, but can be harmful to him, since the food that people consume includes levels of s alt, fats, seasonings and other ingredients that are harmful to dogs.
The quality of commercial feed is also very important, as poor quality feed not only tastes different, but also They lack the necessary ingredients to provide your pet with the nutrients his body requires. Finally, a diet entirely based on feed is not ideal for a balanced diet either, it will always be necessary to offer some prizes based on other foods
What to do if your dog doesn't want to eat his kibble?
The first thing you should do is check the components of the food you give your dog. Think that they are carnivorous animals, so the dry food you give them cannot be made with corn as the main ingredient. If the one you offer is like this, it means that it is of poor quality. Look for a brand that includes higher percentage of meat,this will not only provide a more pleasant flavor, but will also include the nutrients you need and have less fat.
Regarding the flavor of the feed, you have surely noticed that the market includes presentations of meat, fish and chicken, to name the most common. However, for dogs this is not really important, what matters is that the proportion of animal protein is greater than the rest of the ingredients.
The next step is to stop feeding him from your food, either while cooking or while eating, as these stronger flavors are a temptation for the dog, but you are offering amounts of s alt and other components that will only be harmful for him The first few days this will be difficult, but you can reward him with some treats for dogs, bits of York ham or other natural recipes recommended when you finish eating.
If despite the change of food your dog refuses to eat it, go to the vet to rule out diseases in the gums and teeth, as it is possible that, if there is a dental problem, the dog will find it painful to bite the pellets of the feed.
If your dog is found to be fine after review, consider feeding him homemade dog food. There are different recipes for this type of food, you should consult your veterinarian about the most recommended "formula" according to the age, breed and nutritional needs of your dog. A valid option is also to alternate the feed with homemade food, but never serve both types of food at the same time, as it would cause digestive problems for your pet. You can alternate one of the types of food twice a week or offer it at the end of the day as a snack.
Moistening the feed with water or natural chicken broth is also an option to offer it in a different and attractive way. Of course, it should never contain s alt, garlic or onion.
Remember, too, that it's best to set a me altimes instead of just filling the container for the day, while fresh water must be available at all times. Similarly, sudden changes in food are not recommended either, they should be introduced progressively and observe the dog's reactions before continuing.
Don't forget that, in case of any negative reaction or doubt, you must go to your veterinarian so that he can advise you correctly taking into account the needs of your dog.
