What Is The Best Food For My Picky Dog?

If you have a dog who turns their nose up at their meals, you know the struggle is real. You just want your furry friend to get the nutrition they need and to actually enjoy what they eat. Often, a dog’s pickiness isn't about being stubborn. Dry kibble can be bland, overly processed, and difficult for dogs to get excited about. That’s where fresh food comes in, and it’s a game-changer for finicky pups.

What are the benefits of fresh, moisture rich dog food?

Think about the difference between a crisp, fresh apple and a dehydrated apple chip. Both are apples, but the experience of eating them is completely different. The same goes for your dog’s food – there’s more to enjoy when eating a meal that is fresh.

●    Irresistible aroma and taste: One of the top reasons why fresh food is great for picky eaters is that it retains its natural smells and flavors. For a dog, whose sense of smell is paramount, the rich aroma of real, gently cooked proteins and veggies is far more appealing than the uniform smell of dry kibble.

●    Palatable texture: The soft, moist texture is another reason why picky eaters love fresh food. It’s easier to eat and often feels more like the "real food" dogs instinctively crave, which is a welcome change from the hard, crunchy consistency of dry food.

●    Gentle on the stomach: Many picky eaters also have sensitive stomachs. Fresh recipes are typically made with simple, recognizable ingredients and are free from the artificial preservatives and fillers that can cause digestive upset.

If your picky eater doesn’t seem to be enjoying their meals, consider making the switch to Freshpet. We have a wide variety of recipes and formats, so even the pickiest eater can find something to enjoy.

What should I feed my picky dog?

Not all picky eaters are the same. Some prefer chicken that is gentle on their stomach, others go crazy for all things beef, and some need a novel protein to help with allergies. Here’s a breakdown of some of the top Freshpet recipes and for which pup they might be perfect.

Freshpet^® Tender Chicken Recipe with Carrots, Peas & Brown Rice

●    Who will love it: If your dog typically likes chicken-based treats or foods, this is a delicious recipe to try – especially for pups who are new to Freshpet.

●    Why try it: This recipe is made with US farm-raised chicken as the number one ingredient, paired with vitamin-rich veggies like carrots and peas, and eggs for additional protein. It’s a balanced, protein-packed meal with a texture and smell that dogs find instantly enticing. The packaging also includes serving size marks, which makes it easy for you to slice portion-controlled meals.

Freshpet Vital^® Grain-Free Beef & Bison Recipe with Spinach, Cranberries & Blueberries

●    Who will love it: If your dog is bored with everyday chicken, bison and beef offer an exciting and nutrient-dense alternative. It’s also great for those with food allergies who need a novel protein source.

●    Why try it: The unique combination of beef and bison provides a deep, savory flavor that is highly palatable and often irresistible to picky eaters. It’s grain-free and high in protein with ingredients like spinach for iron, and cranberries and blueberries for antioxidants. Plus, prebiotics found in leafy spinach and pumpkin aid with digestion for those with sensitive stomachs.

Freshpet^® Large Dog Multi-Protein Recipe

●    Who will love it: Large breed dogs have specific nutritional needs and this recipe is specially formulated to support their joint and muscle health – with a flavour to match their big appetite!

●    Why try it: This recipe features a blend of chicken, beef, egg, and salmon, plus taurine, to provide high-quality protein for maintaining lean muscle mass and a healthy heart. It also includes glucosamine and chondroitin for joint and mobility support, which is crucial for larger dogs. The soft texture and the rich, meaty flavor is designed to satisfy even the heartiest – and pickiest –of big dog appetites.

Homestyle Creations^™ Chicken & Turkey Recipe

●    Who will love it: For dogs that are big fans of poultry-based proteins, this recipe doubles down on the tastes they naturally love, making it a surefire hit for picky eaters.

●    Why try it: This recipe combines not one, but two high-quality poultry proteins – chicken and turkey – as the first ingredients. This creates a recipe that is extra savory and aromatic, making it incredibly enticing for any pup that loves poultry. It's also packed with healthy veggies like green beans and carrots for a fully balanced meal. All together, these ingredients make it a great choice for convincing a hesitant eater to dig in.

When you’ve found a recipe your dog will enjoy, transitioning to it should be done gradually over 7-10 days. Start by mixing a small amount of Freshpet with your dog’s current food and slowly increasing the proportion of Freshpet each day. This helps prevent digestive upset and allows your dog to adjust to the new flavors.

Finding the right recipe might take a little trial and error, but the joy of seeing your dog finally clean their bowl is worth it!