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How to get my dog to eat her kibble/canned food instead of human food?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | 1 year and 4 months old | 22 lbs

My dog refuses to eat her canned food (dog canned food ) and her kibble & she eats regular human food with no hesitation..any tips on how to get her to eat her food ??

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on June 12th, 2018

Discontinue feeding any table food immediately. Dogs thrive on routine, so begin or adhere to a consistent schedule for feeding Bebe. Prepare her food at the appointed time and leave it down for 20-30 minutes before picking it up whether she has eaten or not. Repeat this at the next mealtime. You can warm the food slightly or mix in a bit of warm water to stimulate the appetite. Do not offer any food or treats between meals. Be firm and be consistent. She will not starve. She will eat when she is hungry and once she realizes no table food is forthcoming.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on June 21st, 2019

    What she is doing is training you to feed her what she wants when she wants. To break this habit, you will need to be firm and consistent. First, choose a good quality food that she will eat. Dogs thrive on routine, so feed her at the same times each day. You can mix in some warm water or a teaspoon of canned food to stimulate the appetite. Prepare her food at the appointed time and leave it down for 20 minutes before picking it up whether she has eaten or not. Repeat this at the next mealtime. Do not offer any food or treats between meals. To prevent hypoglycemia, you can offer a dab of NutriCal paste. Be firm and be consistent. She will not starve. She will eat when she is hungry.

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