My Dog Won’t Eat Its New Food: What to Do
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My Dog Won’t Eat Its New Food: What to Do
Switching your dog to a new, healthier diet is a big step toward ensuring their long-term health and well-being. But what happens when your dog refuses to eat the new food? This is a common concern, especially when transitioning from traditional kibble to a nutrient-dense option like WILD Pet Food. Don’t worry—there are plenty of ways to ease your dog into their new diet while addressing their hesitance.
Understanding Why Your Dog Might Be Hesitant
If your dog is turning up their nose at their new food, it’s essential to understand why. WILD Pet Food is much richer in nutrients compared to typical commercial kibble. Our recipe is 80% animal products and 20% fruits, vegetables, and superfoods, offering all the benefits of a raw diet with the convenience of dry food.
Dogs who are used to lower-quality kibble might be overwhelmed by this sudden change, just as a person accustomed to fast food might be apprehensive when faced with a healthy salad. Additionally, many commercial dog foods use artificial additives called “palatants” (our founder Ross, made a video about these: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRPwuPBLDO0&t=1s) that make the food smell and taste irresistible—more like junk food for dogs than real nutrition. These additives trigger your dog’s brain to crave the food, regardless of its nutritional value. WILD Pet Food doesn’t use these “naughty” additives, which means your dog may need some time to adjust to the new, healthier option.
For dogs accustomed to raw or wet food diets, the hesitation might also be due to the difference in texture and smell. Foods with higher moisture content have a distinct texture, and the water in them activates certain aromas that your dog may be familiar with. When transitioning to WILD Pet Food, which is a dry, cold-pressed food, your dog may miss the moist texture and the stronger aromas of their previous diet.
To ease this transition, consider what your dog is used to and try to replicate those qualities during the transition period. For example, if your dog is accustomed to wet food, adding a little water to our WILD Pet Food can help mimic the texture and activate the aromas they’re used to. This simple adjustment can make the new food more appealing and help your dog feel more comfortable with the change.
The Importance of a Gradual Transition
One of the most crucial steps in transitioning your dog to a new diet is to do it slowly. Rushing the process can lead to digestive issues, sickness, or other reactions. If your dog’s system is used to a different type of food, especially one with lower nutritional value, a sudden switch to a nutrient-dense diet like WILD can be overwhelming.
To avoid these issues, follow a gradual transition plan depending on what you feed your pup before.
If you previously fed raw:
- Week 1: Mix 10% WILD Pet Food (mixed 1:1 with warm water) with 90% raw.
- Week 2: Mix 30% WILD Pet Food (mixed 1:1 with warm water) with 70% raw.
- Week 3: Increase to 50% WILD Pet Food and 50% raw.
- Week 4: Feed 70% WILD Pet Food and 30% raw.
- Week 5: Feed 100% WILD Pet Food but monitor your dog for any digestive upset.
If you previously fed other dry or wet food:
- Days 1-4: Mix 25% WILD Pet Food (mixed 1:1 with warm water) with 75% of your dog's current food.
- Days 5-9: Mix 50% WILD Pet Food (mixed 1:1 with warm water) with 50% of their current food.
- Days 10-14: Increase to 75% WILD Pet Food (mixed 1:1 with warm water) and 25% of the old food.
- Day 15-30: Feed 100% WILD Pet Food but monitor them for digestive upset.
If your dog shows signs of digestive upset, slow down the transition. Some dogs might need up to two months to fully adjust.
Remember, a gradual change is key to helping your dog’s digestive system adapt comfortably. Don’t give up if your dog seems resistant—just extend the transition period to ensure their comfort and well-being.
Tips and Tricks for Fussy Eaters
If your dog is still hesitant to eat their new food, there are several strategies you can try:
- Stay Positive: Your dog can pick up on your attitude. If you’re positive and encouraging, your dog is more likely to feel comfortable with the new food.
- Hand Feeding: Start by hand feeding your dog the WILD food, and gradually transition to a mix of hand and bowl feeding. This personal touch can make the food seem more appealing.
- Don’t Rush the Transition: You can hide the new WILD food in your dog’s favorite old food or snacks. For example, smear a few pellets with some sausage meat. Get creative—your dog’s reluctance is just a sign that they’re used to something different, not that they don’t like the new food.
- Mix with Water: Adding a little water to the food can help release the natural aromas, making it more enticing for your dog.
- Routine Matters: Establish a feeding routine and stick to it. Do not supplement with treats or feed outside of designated feeding times. While those cute eyes can be hard to resist, consistency is crucial. Imagine your dog as a toddler begging for a lollipop before bedtime—sometimes, tough love is necessary to ensure they eat what’s best for them.
Ensure Plenty of Water is Available
When transitioning from a raw or wet food diet, one significant change is the moisture content. Raw and wet foods naturally contain higher levels of moisture, while our cold-pressed pellets are much drier. This means your dog may need to drink more water than they’re used to, and that’s perfectly normal.
Make sure fresh water is always available, especially during the transition period. Increased water intake is a natural adjustment as your dog’s body gets used to the lower moisture content in their food. There’s no need to worry—just keep an eye on their hydration, and they’ll adapt quickly.
Common Challenges you Might Encounter
| "My dog has diarrhoea" |
Explanation: Diarrhoea often occurs if the transition was too quick, as their digestive system needs time to adjust, or if your dog is being overfed.Solution: Gradually transition using our transition guide above. The feeding guidelines for WILD is very different to other dry dog foods. Check the feeding guidelines and ensure you're feeding the right amount for your dog. |
"My dog has an upset stomach" |
Explanation: Stomach issues can result from gas as your dog adjusts to the new diet.Solution: Follow the transition guide and feed smaller, more frequents meals to ease digestion. |
"My dog is drinking lots of water" |
Explanation: Increased thirst is totally normal. This is your dog's way of compensating for the lower moisture content in their food.Solution: Soak the food in warm water to add moisture and monitor their water intake. As long as your dog is expelling much water as they're drinking, this isn't a cause for concern.This could also be a sign you're overfeeding. Check the feeding guidelines to ensure you're feeding the right amount for your dog's weight. |
"My dog doesn't like it/is a picky eater" |
Explanation: Your dog isn't picky or uninterested in their food. They're used to their old diet and are confused. Dogs like familiarity so they're likely signalling they want to stick to their regular routine. Some dogs take time to adjust to the natural, unprocessed flavours of WILD Pet Food.Solution: Slow down the transition and add warm water to WILD to help release the natural aromas and next textures, which will help add appeal for your dog. |
Why Sticking with It Matters
It’s important to stay consistent and patient throughout this process. Transitioning to WILD Pet Food is a big change for your dog, and it may take time for them to adjust fully. By following a gradual transition plan, being patient with their hesitance, and using the tips above, you’ll help your dog embrace their new, healthier diet.
Remember, if you have any concerns or need additional support, our team is here to help. We’re committed to making sure your dog thrives on WILD Pet Food, and we’re always just a message away.
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