Note from Con Slobodchikoff: This is a guest post by Meghan Belnap.
Meghan Belnap is a freelance writer who enjoys spending time with her family. She loves being in the outdoors and exploring new opportunities whenever they arise. Meghan finds happiness in researching new topics that help to expand her horizons. You can often find her buried in a good book or out looking for an adventure. You can connect with her on Facebook right here and Twitter right here.
Giving your dog human food can cause gastrointestinal and other health problems that could make your canine pal sick. If you’re in the habit of giving your dog human food, your pet may have become addicted to this way of eating, and taking steps now to change these behaviors can be highly beneficial for your dog’s health. Here are a few smart tricks to get your dog to eat right.
Only Provide Food in a Dog Bowl
Your dog should only be eating out of a bowl that’s specifically designated for dog food. Feeding your dog by hand can encourage bad behaviors and may lead your dog to wanting your own food more often. Resisting the temptation to handfeed even when your dog is begging for it can instill better habits and train your dog to eat only from their designated food bowl.
Make Dog Food More Appetizing
Dog food isn’t always the most appetizing for dogs, and you can make your pet’s food tastier with a few simple tricks. Adding a low-sodium broth to a bowl of dry dog food can enhance the aroma and make your dog want to eat it more. Dog food toppers for picky eaters can also be great, and you can choose from options that have duck, turkey and chicken liver flavors that are especially appealing for dogs.
Don’t Leave Human Food Sitting Around
Any food that you want to save as leftovers or discard should not be left sitting out for your dog to possibly eat. Leaving food on the counter for a prolonged period may give your dog an opportunity to try to snatch a bite. It’s also a good idea to sweep your kitchen floor and vacuum your carpets regularly to eliminate any traces of human food that might tempt your dog.
Investigate Possible Medical Problems
If your dog is still refusing to eat the right food and will only eat when human food is handfed by you, there may be an underlying health problem. In addition to stomach ailments, there could be liver or kidney problems that are decreasing your dog’s appetite. Certain infections and cancers can also contribute to poor eating habits. It’s best to take your dog to a vet so that the appropriate tests can be conducted to determine if any medical issues that interfere with eating are present.
Getting your dog to eat right can be accomplished with some persistence and a willingness on your part to undo your dog’s learned pattern of behavior. Weaning your dog off people food will help your canine companion live a healthier and potentially longer life.
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