My adopted puppy won't eat dog food, only human food. What to do?

Question

Hi! I recently adopted a 1 year old puppy from the humane society and after taking him home he has been doing great but he won't eat his dog food. I've tried two different kinds of food (neither were what he was fed in the shelter) and he sniffs them but won't eat. I put eggs and rice in the bowl with the food but he still won't eat the dog food, just the human food. He sits around us when we eat and tries to eat the human food. We've also tried a lot of different treats and he isn't really eat. Pet's info: Dog | Beagle | Male | neutered

Bette Isacoff · Accepted Answer

Sampson has decided what his diet will be, but that's not his job . . . it's yours. Stop feeding him the human food. Put regular dog food in a bowl on the floor without fuss and leave it for 15 minutes. After that time, pick it up whether he has eaten or not. Do not give him anything--no treats, snacks or human food--until his next scheduled mealtime. Then repeat the process. It may take several times for him to realize that there will be no more human food, and that he must eat his dog food. Remember that you are not starving him–he is choosing not to eat. This is a battle of wills. When he is hungry enough he’ll give in and eat, and your problem will be solved. Do not weaken or "feel sorry" for him. It will only make it harder to correct. He must have a nutritionally complete diet, and human food is not sufficient. Also, do not keep changing foods, as this may upset his stomach and cause him not to want to eat. You can ask you vet about a good food for his age, activity level, breed, etc. Buy that and stick to it.

My adopted puppy won't eat dog food, only human food. What to do?

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