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How do I get my picky dog to eat her dog food and stop begging?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

What is the best food method for my very picky dog? She seems to hate her current science diet kibble, for she only eats it when she is desperate for something to eat, other than that she begs me for a bite of my meal.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on February 15th, 2017

The best thing to do is not to give her any additional food at all. No human food or treats. Given that she will eat it when she's desperate for something to eat, it shows she will eat it and she's simply being picky. Only offer her her dog food twice a day, and put the meal down for 15-20 minutes. Pick it up after that time period, even if she hasn't eaten anything. Do not give her any other food until her next meal. Once she learns she won't get any other food, she will start eating it.

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    Answered By Debi Matlack

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on

    It sounds like she's training you just the way she wants you. ;-) As long as she is in good health, you can outwait her picky appetite. Science Diet is excellent food and made to be highly palatable, but if she can talk you out of your food, why would she want to eat the kibble? So, figure out how much food she is supposed to have and divide that into two or three meals. In the morning, put her meal down for her, give her twenty-thirty minutes to eat it and take it away. Don't give her treats unless she is doing something to get it as a reward, such as training or performing something you've taught her to do, and don't feed her a lot of them. Don't let her guilt you into giving her your food either. When it's her mealtime again, put her food back down for the 20-30 minutes and take it away at the end of that time, even if she hasn't eaten anything. Dogs don't suffer any adverse physical problem like cats do if they go without eating for a few days. She should start to learn that you're not going to give in and if she wants something to eat, she needs to eat it when it's available. Be patient and don't let her make you feel guilty, even though you will feel guilty.

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