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One of the biggest challenges a pet owner can face is
getting a finicky dog or cat to eat a dry food. It's a problem that's more
common than ever before, but one that owners may unknowingly foster.
Despite what we believe about our cats or dogs being inherently fussy, most
picky pets are made, not born. A healthy dog or cat has a healthy appetite and
should be expected to eat a good quality dry pet food.
If your veterinarian has ruled out any illnesses such as gum disease, following
are common reasons your pet may be finicky and feeding tips to make life easier
for both of you.
A
TTENTION SEEKERS
Some smart pets use mealtime to get more attention. We often make a big fuss
over a finicky pet - begging and pleading, offering it a smorgasbord, and
creating a feeding power struggle.
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Choose a nutritionally balanced dry food for your pet, then stick with it.
Simply serve the food and walk away. Remove any uneaten food after a short
period; repeat this routine at subsequent feedings with the same kind of food.
Animals have great survival skills and will not go for long without eating.
SCENTS AND SENSIBILITY
Dogs and cats possess an incredible sense of smell and size up food with
their noses. If your pet doesn't like the food's smell, it may walk away
without a taste.
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Dry pet food that comes in paper bags can lose much of its aroma during the
months it spends in shipping, storage, and on the shelves. To overcome this
problem, try ANF (Advanced Nutrition Formula), which uses a breakthough
oxygen-limiting process that displaces the air in the bag with inert nitrogen
and locks in the fresh taste and pet-pleasing aroma.
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The feeding dish may have an unpleasant odor. Plastic bowls can retain the
smell of old food, even after washing. Try switching to a ceramic or stainless
steel bowl.
EMOTIONAL EATERS
Like humans, pets may under - or over-eat
when stressed, bored, or unhappy. They may also lose their appetite after a
change at home such as a move or new baby.
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Give your pet plenty of attention independent of mealtime and lots of
affection.
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Maintain calm around the feeding area. Pets feel vulnerable when eating;
outside noise and activity can upset or distract them.
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Ensure that your pet is getting enough exercise. For cats, this may mean
creating a kitty "obstacle course" made of boxes and paper bags.
OTHER FEEDING TIPS
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Fresh water should always be available.
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Offer pets more frequent, smaller servings to avoid having a pet that is either
bloated or starving.
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Introduce a new food gradually by mixing with small amounts of the old food.
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