First of all - our dogs need to be hungry. You'd be surprised how a bite here and a bite there and a nibble here and a nibble there can keep our pups from being hungry when it's time to eat their dinner.
And - I'm as guilty as anyone - but most of our little guys have food around them and offered to them constantly ---especially the picky eaters...because we are always trying to find something they like!
My dogs get a little wet food in the morning - which they usually eat - because they are hungry when they first get up.
I leave dry food out all day, which they rarely touch, because they don't like it.
Finally - I have stopped feeding them and giving them treats during the day and don't feed them until 7:00 or so in the evening. I put good, healthy food out for them and they are usually hungry enough by now to eat. If they don't... before I go to bed (if any food is left - I put it away - or toss it out if it is something that might spoil).
Then we start again the next day.
My dogs are eating much better - with only rare rare treats and not eating between meals. And - they are far less picky. I know also that my taking them outdoors more and exercising them more (with summer here) before their evening meal - helps work up their appetite. Exercise really does work wonders.
****** I read that our "little Yorkies" can stay pretty full just from the treats we give them when we try to train them or reward them for their "good behavior." Then - we wonder why they won't eat...or why they're so picky....
Carol Jean |