How to Encourage Your Pet to Eat

Finicky eaters are not just confined to toddlers, who play with their food and then push it away, refusing to touch a morsel. Pets can also become fussy and refuse to eat. If your pet refuses to eat, this can be very worrying for you. The problem cannot be ignored, as your pet's health will eventually suffer if they do not receive sufficient nourishment. How can you get your furry friend to eat?

Adjust Quantities as the Pet Gets Older

As pets start to age, their appetite will change. Their appetite will not be the same as it was during their younger years. So if you have a twelve-year-old German Shepherd that rarely finishes off her bowl of food in the morning or at night, it is time to take action. Gradually cut back on the amount of food you feed your pet and see if that works. Observe how your pet reacts to the change and take it from there.

Add Enticing Ingredients

Pets that refuse to eat are sometimes bored with eating the same food day in and day out. Wouldn't you be bored if you had to eat the same food for 10 years? Add a slice of salami, a teaspoon of canned food, some chicken broth, gravy or a tablespoon of tuna to their next meal and see if they start eating. Mix it in well with their usual food to encourage them to eat.

Offer Praise and Commendation

Some pets refuse point blank to eat unless their owners are standing over them stroking them and lavishing them with praise. If you are in the habit of placing the dog's food bowl down and then disappearing off into the kitchen, your dog may refuse to eat. Rather, spend a few minutes with your pet and encourage him to eat. When he takes a bite, offer him lots of praise and tell him what a "good boy" he is for eating.

Separate Pets During Mealtimes

Some pets are intimidated by other household pets during mealtimes and will refuse to eat, rather than have to fight for their food. Separate feisty pets that are known to steal food from others and allow each pet to eat in a different location. Oftentimes, this will bring an end to feeding problems and your pet will start eating again.

Pets refuse to eat for a number of reasons, many of which are treatable at home without having to seek medical intervention. Older pets' appetites change, so do not be surprised if they no longer show the same interest in their food as they once did. Adding enticing ingredients and offering praise can help some pets to eat more at mealtimes. But if the problem is with other pets in the household, separate them and allow each pet to eat on their own.

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Easy Ways to Change Your Pet's Diet.

How to Successfully Pill a Cat.