If you have a dog that's picky when it comes to food, you may be wondering how to make mealtimes less of a struggle. There are various reasons why feeding your dog may be challenging and it is important to understand these factors so as to improve the eating habits. Remember, your pet needs nutrients to grow and develop a strong immune system. Here are some of the top strategies that you can employ to help your dog feed better.

Visit a veterinary doctor

If your dog used to eat well in the past but has developed a change in appetite, it may be an indication that something is wrong. This is particularly true if the loss of appetite is accompanied by a general change in behavior. Visit your veterinary doctor and have the dog checked. The vet may carry out some tests to determine whether the loss of appetite is as a result of illness. If the dog is under medication or supplements, be sure to inform the vet about it as some drugs can cause changes in appetite. This will help him to narrow down the potential cause of the change and give a more informed diagnosis.

Buy food that the dog likes

Just like humans, pets have likes and dislikes when it comes to food. If your dog is constantly rejecting a certain type of food, it may be time to switch to something else. Try buying different types of food and observes how the dog responds to them. Pet foods are available in various forms nowadays, from stews to shredded foods to chunks. Some foods are also made in various shapes to make them more presentable and appealing to picky pets. Experiment with these different foods, flavors, and textures so that you can find what the dog likes.

If your dog hates certain foods that provide essential nutrients, you can consider mixing them up with other popular foods or opt for supplements.

Watch out for food aversions

Pets can have food aversions, especially if they associate a certain type of food with an unpleasant experience. For example, your dog may begin to dislike a food that it ate sometime back and fell sick. If the dog suddenly begins to dislike some foods after such an encounter, it may be wise to switch to a different type of food. Luckily, there are various types of pet food that offer the much-needed nutrients, and you don't have to stick to one product.

If your pet doesn't respond well after applying these strategies, try changing the food product altogether. Try pet food from a different brand and observe how the dog reacts to it.