Your pup may be resistant to change for any number of reasons. Here are some solutions to common problems:
Work with the texture: Sometimes a dog gets used to the crunch of kibble. Many pets actually care more about consistency than flavor. So even before you introduce the new food, start weaning him or her from that crunch sensation by moistening the kibble a little. Do this over time until they eat the old food, now softer, without hesitation. Then try your transition. Another idea: Add warm broth or water to the new food.
Bring out the dinnerware: Some dogs have poor vision and a deep or round bowl makes them nervous because it’s dark and hard for them to see into. Others don’t like their whiskers touching the sides of the bowl. So try an oval bowl or a plate and see if they’re more comfortable.
Feed in meals: Are you leaving the bowl out? Dogs shouldn’t nibble on small amounts of food throughout the day like humans do—for one, they may never develop a good appetite. Free feeding can cause pH imbalances, kidney problems, metabolic problems, and poor digestion. Additionally, it could take you longer to notice if your pet is sick or if there’s a problem with the food that needs to be addressed. Physiologically, it’s much healthier for them to eat once or twice a day. So if you’re free feeding, switch to set meals and see if they’re hungrier to try the new food.
Try a bit of trickery: Your pet might feel anxiety and pressure over the switch in routine. Often, if you put their food in an area where he doesn’t normally eat, he’ll feel it was his idea and try it.
Add a little something: A spoonful of our yogurt, some tripe, warm bone broth, sardines or a bit of healthy powder with the food have all been known to turn the staunchest protesters into happy converts.
We recommend serving all of our recipes at room temperature to maximize digestibility.