Does your dog suddenly turn its back on the food bowl? The next day, they would be licking it clean, and the next day barely sniffing it. Do dogs tire of what they feed on?
It is a short answer: perhaps! Although dogs do not get bored in the literal sense that people do, they will eventually grow tired of their food after some time. These things tell us that just as we are, they love the wisp, the smell and the touch. When eating has become an ordeal, and you find that you are feeling bored with what you are eating, then food boredom may be the culprit.
Today in this blog we about why do dogs cease to eat, do they indeed grow tired of their food or are there other reasons, and what can one do to make it fun, healthy and exciting again to eat the food.
Do Dogs Get Bored with Their Food?
A dog is not the same as a human being, and he/she does not get bored, but they may get bored with eating the same thing every day. They do not have as robust taste buds as ours; however, their nose is extremely powerful. This implies that they are not much concerned about the taste of a food, but how it smells.
When your dog turns out to disregard his food, it does not necessarily indicate that the dog is picky. It is not always the case that the smell and the feeling of the same texture day in day out get so appealing. So it is particularly the case with the dogs that receive many of the treats or table scraps; they can end up waiting for something better.
Other dogs are content with having the same feeding day in and day out for years. Some people will get sick of it after several weeks. This is based on the habit of your dog, its age, and even its breed.
Then the question arises, can dogs get bored with their food? Well, of course it can. It is not boredom as we know it, but it is an indication that your dog would like some reassignment at the dining table.
The Reason Why Dogs Do Not Eat Their Dog Food
Boredom may be the factor that led your dog to stop eating his or her regular food, but it is not the only one. Some typical reasons are the following:
- They Get Tired of the Dinosaur taste Day In and Day Out
Consuming repetitive food gets boring even to dogs. When your dog sniffs around his/her bowl and walks away, it could simply be that he/she is bored with it. This becomes more true especially when they are accustomed to receiving treats or bites off your plate.
- They are not Feeling Good
Dogs do not feel like eating when they are not well, just like human beings. They will lose their appetite due to an upset stomach, sore teeth or even a cold. Call the vet in case your dog misses a meal, not least than a day.
- Problems in Chewing
Crunchy kibble may be harsh on dogs that have aching gums, chipped teeth, or old mouths. When your dog refuses to eat crunchy food, it may have a sore mouth.
- Stress/Changes of Routine
Dogs are habitual animals. They can get nervous in a new place, when there is loud noise, or even a change of scheduled feeding, and this is also a cause of missed meals.
- They choose to take treats instead of meals
On the other extreme, your dog may be waiting until it gets something good. What happens is that your dog would be withholding a response until it receives snacks or table food. This has, in the long run, led them to disregard their regular meals.
When your dog refuses to eat his food, the one thing you should do is take the whole story. Eliminate the health problems, and then consider whether it is food boredom.
Do Dogs Have to be Fed the Same Food Daily?
The routine of feeding your dog the same stuff daily may be beneficial to its digestion; however, is it advantageous then?
The Reason that Some Dogs Should Deal With Routine
Dogs possess fragile stomachs. By taking balanced food every day, their digestion remains stable. It can also be used to help you notice their changes in health, such as allergies or food sensitivities.
Some Dogs Like Variety
Some dogs just like smells and textures new to people as well. Are you feeling that your dog is not very enthusiastic about eating these days? may be time to change something a bit. If there is some difference, e.g. trying different safe proteins or applying healthy toppers sporadically, it can help make mealtime more enjoyable.
Excessive Change is an Issue Too
Switching between dog foods frequently and too fast will upset the stomach of your dog. In case you decide to change things, you should do this gradually within 7-10 days by blending the old food with the new one.
Are these supposed to mean that the dogs should be fed with the same food each day? Yes, it is healthy and simple to many. However, in case your dog appears to be bored or a picky eater, a sprinkle of safe variety could be the change of pace you are looking for without upsetting the tummy.
How to Tell Whether the Dog Is Bored With Food
Afraid that you do not understand whether your dog is bored or not? The following are some of the indicators that your dog might simply be bored with their routine diets:
- They sniff the bowl, and off they go on their way
When your dog arrives at the mealtime and he just does not eat, high probability is that your dog is no longer excited by the smell. It is among the effects of food boredom.
- They take sweets and miss their Meals
Your dog may stuff up the snacks, but disregard their usual food, which may be an indication that they are waiting to get a delicious meal. That is a major indication that they are becoming fussy or tired.
- They Move Food in Circles and Do Not Swallow It
Boredom also occurs in some dogs, and as a result, the dogs play with their food. In case your dog pushes its kibble with its nose or takes too long to get it down, it might not be interested.
- When it is meal time, they gaze at you expectantly
Does your dog stare at you and wait when he/she puts their bowl down? They may be expecting something fresh or livelier.
- No Health Problems
Before you point fingers at boredom, ensure that your dog is not ill. Unless they are behaving normally in all other respects ( playing, drinking water, using the washroom regularly), then you can be sure that they are simply bored with their food.
Simple Cures of Food Boredom
Tired of the food not being a problem with your dog, indeed, it is possible to make its mealtime exciting again without upsetting its stomach: there are plenty of easy methods to use. These are a few easy solutions:
- Pro Change The Protein (Gradually!)
When your dog is used to eating chicken, give them a food cooked with beef, lamb and fish. All you have to remember is to change it gradually over a week to ten days, mixing the new food with some of the old one so as not to cause tummy problems.
- Heat the Food up
It is possible to increase the odour of canned food by slightly warming it or putting warm (not hot) water over dry food. An intensive smell will cause a revival of interest!
- Put a Safe Topper
Add some cooked and chopped up chicken meat or plain yogurt to it, or a tablespoon of pumpkin. You simply need to ensure that what you add is safe for the dog and does not contain salt, spices, or oils.
- Puzzle Feeders / Slow Bowls
Use feeding toys or slow bowls where your dog needs some time to eat. This makes mealtime a game and interesting. What dogs love to do with their food is sniff, paw and chase it- this is known as contrafreeloading- it keeps a dog well exercised mentally.
- Turnover Foods (Smartly)
The rotation of dog food also occurs sometimes; however, pet parents alternate between a small number of different flavor or proteins of dog food. This can be done regularly, say after every few weeks- again, consult your vet first and do it gradually with any new food.
- Adhere to a routine
Although it is interesting to make an alternation, dogs should be provided with a fixed feeding time. Give your dog food on a regular schedule so he/she will be able to understand what awaits him/her, and do not over-feed them with snacks!
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