Best Dog Food For Picky Eaters

Our first rescue dog would eat just about anything. Frankly, she was just lucky to have food in her belly. But the second dog we’ve had since he was a puppy, and have tried just about every dog food out there due to his picky pallet (and food allergies).

If you have a picky eater on your paws, you’re not alone. And luckily for you (and your dog), there are now more options than ever to choose from. As more people treat their furry friends as family members (more than pets), there are plenty of high-quality, fresh options to choose from. And many of them you can get delivered right to your doorstep, so you don’t have to ever set foot into a dog store.

Our dog testers had the (rough) job of trying out the top 10 brands on the market. Picky eaters gobbled up the opportunity to give a review of these products in hopes of helping other dogs out there who have sensitive stomachs or are just super particular when it comes to food.

All to answer a simple question:

What is the best dog food for picky eaters?

Want the answer? Here are our top picks, but the rest you’ll have to read on to find out!

Our Top Choices

Dog food background and why dogs are picky eaters?

Did you know that our canine companions have been chowing down on human leftovers for centuries?

That’s right! Our beloved pups have always been eager to share in our meals, feasting on scraps and enjoying the bounty of our tables.

However, it wasn’t until the mid-1800s that the first commercial dog food emerged. James Spratt, a clever inventor, crafted the world’s first dog biscuit using wheat, vegetables, and meat by-products. Woof, how brilliant! This marked the beginning of a new era in the history of doggie dining.

As time went on, more innovative minds joined the paw-some quest to develop nutritious and delicious dog food options. Canned dog food became a hit in the early 20th century, and dry kibble took center stage after World War II.

Today, the market is flooded with a myriad of choices, from grain-free options to gourmet meals fit for royalty.

Why are dogs picky eaters?

humans might devour everything on our plates, but our furry friends can be quite selective about their chow. Well, there are a few reasons behind this intriguing behavior:

• Super Sniffers: Dogs have an extraordinary sense of smell, and this superpower can work both for and against their appetite. If the food doesn’t smell appealing enough, Fido might turn up his nose in disapproval.
• Taste Preferences: Just like humans, dogs have individual tastes and preferences. Some pooches may prefer the meaty goodness, while others might enjoy a veggie-filled feast. Who can blame them? We all have our favorite foods!
• Boredom: Imagine eating the same thing every day. It can become quite tedious. Our furry friends can get bored with their meals too! Switching up their food or adding tasty toppers can be a fun way to rekindle their culinary interest.
• Health or Dental Issues: Sometimes, a picky eater could be experiencing underlying health problems or dental discomfort. It’s essential to consult a veterinarian if your dog’s picky behavior persists.
• Spoiled Pooches: Oh, yes! We’re all guilty of spoiling our fur-babies from time to time. If they’ve been treated to table scraps or delectable human food, they might develop a preference for these delicacies, making regular dog food less appealing.

How to make your dog’s food more appealing

Fear not, pet parents, for there are paw-some ways to win over your picky pooch!

• Rotation Diet: Consider rotating between different flavors and textures of high-quality dog food. Variety can add spice to their dining experience and satisfy their curious taste buds.
• Mealtime Fun: Turn mealtime into a playful adventure! Use food puzzles, treat-dispensing toys, or even create a “sniff-and-seek” game in the backyard to make dining exciting.
• Fresh Additions: Sprinkle a little something extra on top of their regular food, like some cooked chicken, shredded carrots, or a dollop of pumpkin puree. Not only will this enhance the taste, but it can also provide extra nutrients.
• Stay Positive: Dogs are incredibly perceptive and can pick up on our emotions. Stay positive and patient during mealtime, and avoid scolding or forcing them to eat. Positive reinforcement goes a long way!

How to pick a dog food for your picky eater

I’ve had plenty of experience shopping for dog food brands over the year, so here are some things I’ve learned over the years and what to look for in dog food (especially for your picky eater):

1. High-Quality Proteins: Just like us, dogs thrive on a protein-rich diet. Look for dog foods with real meat as the primary ingredient. Chicken, turkey, beef, lamb, and fish are excellent protein sources. Avoid foods with vague labels like “meat meal” or “by-products” as they may not provide the same nutritional value. Unless, of course, they are allergic to meat, in which case you should find a food that has another protein source like egg-based food or plant proteins.
2. Wholesome Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates provide energy and essential nutrients. Seek out dog foods that include whole grains like brown rice, oats, barley, or sweet potatoes. These complex carbs are better than fillers like corn or wheat.
3. Essential Fatty Acids: Fats are vital for your pup’s skin, coat, and overall health. Look for dog foods that contain sources of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, such as fish oil or flaxseed.
4. No Artificial Additives: Our furry friends don’t need artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives in their meals. Opt for dog foods that are free from these unnecessary extras. Natural is the way to go!
5. No Harmful Fillers: Steer clear of dog foods that contain excessive fillers, such as soy, corn, or artificial fillers. These can be harder for dogs to digest and may not offer much nutritional value.

Remember to read the labels carefully. Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight, so the first few ingredients are the most important.

Other Considerations:

1. Limited Ingredient Options: If you have a particularly picky eater or a pup with food sensitivities, consider trying limited ingredient diets. These foods have fewer ingredients, making it easier to identify potential allergens.
2. Tailored to Age and Size: Puppies, adult dogs, and seniors have different nutritional needs. Choose a dog food that matches your furry friend’s life stage. Also, keep in mind the size of your dog. Small and large breeds may have specific dietary requirements.
3. Natural Flavor Boosters: To entice picky eaters, look for dog foods that use natural flavor enhancers like freeze-dried raw pieces, bone broth, or dehydrated meats. These can make mealtime more exciting and delicious!
4. Wet Food: For dogs who are exceptionally choosy, wet food can be a game-changer. The moisture and texture might appeal to their taste buds and encourage them to eat.
5. Gradual Transition: When introducing a new dog food, do so gradually. Mix a small amount with their current food and gradually increase the proportion of the new food over several days. This will help prevent tummy upsets and aversions.
6. Seek Vet Guidance: If your dog’s picky eating persists or if you have concerns about their diet, don’t hesitate to consult your veterinarian. They can offer personalized advice and address any health-related issues.

Dog breeds that are picky eaters

While individual dogs of any breed can be picky eaters, some breeds are more commonly known for their discerning taste when it comes to food. Here are a few dog breeds that are often associated with being picky eaters:

1. Shih Tzu: They may be fussy about their food choices and prefer a variety of flavors and textures.
2. Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie): Yorkies can be quite selective about their food and may refuse to eat if they don’t like what’s being offered to them.
3. Chihuahua: Chihuahuas are known to have delicate appetites and can be choosy about their meals.
4. Greyhound: Some Greyhounds can be picky, possibly due to their sensitive stomachs and specific dietary needs.
5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: This breed can be finicky when it comes to their food, and they may require special attention to their feeding habits.
6. Dachshund: Dachshunds may exhibit picky eating behaviors and may need encouragement to try new foods.
7. Papillon: Papillons can be selective eaters and might require some patience and experimentation to find the right food for them.
8. Japanese Chin: Japanese Chins may be particular about their diet, and their small size can make it challenging to find foods that suit their tastes and nutritional needs.

Remember that individual dogs within these breeds may vary in their eating habits, and needs can also be influenced by various factors such as age, health, and past experiences. Either way, it’s essential to work with your veterinarian to ensure they are getting a balanced and nutritious diet that meets their specific needs.

Best Dog Food For Picky Eaters

In our hunt for the best, our dogs tasted and reviewed over 10 different dog foods. It was a tough job, but some lucky pups were up for the test, and we narrowed it down to our favorites by category.

Let’s start with the best first…

Crude Protein	Crude Fat	Crude Fiber	Moisture
9% max	7% max	1.5% max	75% max

Ingredients:

USDA Turkey, Chickpeas, Carrot, Broccoli, Parsnip, Spinach, Salmon Oil, TFD Nutrient Blend [tricalcium phosphate, sea salt, vitamin B12 supplement, choline bitartrate, taurine, zinc amino acid chelate, iron amino acid chelate, vitamin E supplement, copper amino acid chelate, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, potassium iodide, pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin D3 supplement, folic acid]

The verdict? Our dog LOVES it! Gobbles it down fast and has had much more consistent bowel movements. Our Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has also lost and maintained a much healthier weight since switching (and their coat is noticeably more shiny and healthy). And since our trial, we’re now paying customers for more than two years!

Crude Protein	Crude Fat	Crude Fiber	Moisture
9% max	7% max	2% max	72% max

Ingredients:

Beef, carrots, beef kidneys, potatoes, peas, sweet potatoes, beef livers, chickpeas, spinach, tricalcium phosphate, salmon oil, salt, taurine, zinc gluconate, vitamin E supplement, ferrous sulphate, copper amino acid chelate, manganese amino acid chelate, cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) supplement, riboflavin (vitamin B2), thiamine hydrochloride (vitamin B1), pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), potassium iodide.

I switched from feeding Tiny 100% dry kibble to mixing the kibble 50/50 with Ollie. Tiny gobbled up his new mixture immediately and was begging for more. This was a big change from him typically turning his snout up when I feed him only kibble. After a few weeks on the new diet, Tiny continues to love his new food. I’ve also noticed that he doesn’t have nearly as much gas, and his every-other-day vomiting has calmed down a lot as well. The only challenge is making room in my freezer for his food packets and remembering to keep enough thawed in the fridge for his next few meals.

Crude Protein	Crude Fat	Crude Fiber	Moisture
25% max	17% max	3% max	4% max

Ingredients:

Cod, Salmon, Sweet Potatoes, Pumpkin, Sunflower Seeds, Tapioca, Strawberries, Carrots, Spinach, Parsley, Rosemary, Kelp, Salt, Mixed Tocopherols (natural source of Vitamin E), Vitamins & Minerals.

Right off the bat, the Beef + Barley Unkibble was a hit. Daisy has been not wanting to eat a lot lately and has been picky about her kibble. She perked up as soon as she smelled the food and even mixed it in with her regular food, gobbled it all up. She has been excited about mealtimes and very much enjoys the taste and texture. She has had more energy just in the week or so that she has been eating the food.

The fresh meals were also a big success. Falkor could not wait to try out the Turkey + Red Quinoa. He took to it right away and looked for more once he was done. He is a good eater but also very fussy with wet food, sometimes, he will refuse it. So, it was great that he liked this so much. He has been perky and looking forward to mealtimes. He eats everything and then wants more. He is even trying to steal his big sister’s food. His gas has been much less smelly and frequent, he is a dog that is known to fart a lot, and this has been a welcome change. 

Crude Protein	Crude Fat	Crude Fiber	Moisture
8% max	4% max	1% max	77% max

Ingredients:

Ground beef, russet potatoes, eggs, carrots, peas, dicalcium phosphate, potassium chloride, salt, natural flavor, citric acid, vinegar, calcium carbonate, taurine, fish oil, sunflower oil, choline bitartrate, vitamin E supplement, water sufficient for processing, iron amino acid chelate, zinc gluconate, copper gluconate, niacin (vitamin B3), manganese gluconate, vitamin A supplement, thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1), pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), riboflavin (vitamin B2), cholecalciferol (source of vitamin D3), potassium iodide, folic acid, vitamin B12 supplement.

Tiny’s first meal was a big hit. The food came well-sealed, and all the ingredients looked and smelled very fresh. We mixed half Nom Nom with half of his current kibble on the first try (to help him transition). He was beyond excited to see what all this fuss was about and gobbled up everything in no time. But would he be this enthusiastic after a few meals?

After a week, I’m happy to report that Tiny is still a huge fan of his Nom Nom meals. After a few days, he even started spitting out the kibble on the floor to get to the good stuff! I tried to get this on video, but he wouldn’t perform on cue. I had been worried about potential digestive issues with a pretty drastic diet change, but the side effects were surprisingly minimal. On day three, his tummy seemed a bit unsettled, but by day four, he was back to normal.

After a month, Tiny still loves his new diet, and I’ve even noticed that his coat is looking healthier than ever!

Crude Protein	Crude Fat	Crude Fiber	Moisture
7.9% max	5.5% max	0.9% max	74.7% max

Ingredients:

Ground beef, sweet potatoes, white potatoes, beef liver, peas, carrots, vinegar, apples, dicalcium phosphate, safflower oil, potato starch, salmon oil, salt, calcium carbonate, natural flavor, Minerals (ferrous fumarate, magnesium oxide, copper amino acid complex, zinc oxide, potassium iodide, manganese amino acid complex, sodium selenite), Vitamins (vitamin E supplement, vitamin D3 supplement, riboflavin [vitamin B2], thiamine mononitrate [vitamin B1], pyridoxine hydrochloride [vitamin B6]), mixed tocopherols (a preservative), malt extract, potassium carbonate, taurine, choline bitartrate, l-threonine.

I’m going to be honest with you…

We switched from feeding our dogs 100% dry kibble to mixing the kibble 50/50 with PetPlate after seeing it on Shark Tank. The company makes meals with natural ingredients, including meat (turkey, beef, chicken, or lamb) cooked with fresh veggies (carrots, peas, potatoes, sweet potatoes, cauliflower, pumpkin, etc.). They prepare the food fresh, then freeze it and ship it to our doorstep.

At first, we tried it out to see how our dogs would react to such a treat. But, as it turned out, our dog Lily, who used to be a very finicky eater, immediately gobbled her PetPlate food up and ate the mixed-in kibble as well! She went from a dog who only ate one of two meals every day to a member of the clean plate club every time! This was enough to convince us to add PetPlate to our regular feeding routine. We continue to feed 50/50 kibble because it makes this a more economical choice and keeps our dogs’ teeth cleaner, thanks to the abrasion of the harder food.

Crude Protein	Crude Fat	Crude Fiber	Moisture
35% max	20% max	2% max	15% max

Ingredients:

Chicken, Chicken Liver, Egg, Millet, Oat, Pumpkin, Kale, Ground Bone, Fish Oil, Sea Salt, Flaxseed, Parsley, Turmeric, Chicory Root, Kelp, Mixed Tocopherols, (Preservative), Ginger, Blueberries, Carrots, Apples, Tomatoes, Shiitake Mushrooms, Broccoli, Oranges, Cranberries, Spinach, Beets, Tart Cherries, Strawberries.

My picky eater, Tiny, absolutely loves Sundays’ chicken formula. He gobbles up his bowl within minutes compared to his usual reaction to dry food (he often leaves his bowl largely uneaten for hours). We transitioned gradually from his old food to Sundays with absolutely no digestive issues! After weeks on his new diet, he still loves every mealtime.

Crude Protein	Crude Fat	Crude Fiber	Moisture
27% max	14% max	5% max	10% max

Ingredients:

Salmon, Pearled Barley, Ground Peas, Turkey Meal, Brown Rice, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Menhaden Fish Meal, Oat Groats, Sweet Potato, Potato Protein, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Natural Flavor, Flaxseed Meal, Whitefish Meal, Salmon Oil, Brewers Dried Yeast, Monocalcium Phosphate, Salt, Calcium Carbonate, Carrots, Pumpkin, Cranberry, Coconut Meal, Chia, Kelp, Alfalfa, Miscanthus Grass, Inulin, Taurine, Choline Chloride, Minerals (Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate), Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Citric Acid (Preservatives), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Biotin, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 Supplement), Blueberry, Spinach, Turmeric, Ginger, Chamomile, Parsley, Apple, Dandelion, Dried Spearmint, Cinnamon, Dried Bacillus coagulans Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract.

I typically feed my pup commercial kibble. Usually, when I put it in his bowl, he sniffs it and moves on until he gets super hungry. Let’s just say his usual kibble isn’t a big hit. But when I put Jinx’s kibble in his bowl, he sniffed it for a good second and gobbled it up right away. He loved it! Kibble can be easier to give your dogs than fresh meals, but I always worried about the quality of his dried nuggets. But I felt more confident that my dog was getting a better meal with Jinx.

Crude Protein	Crude Fat	Crude Fiber	Moisture
25% max	15% max	6% max10	% max

Ingredients:

Deboned Salmon, Menhaden Fish Meal, Brown Rice, Peas, Rice Bran, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Natural Flavor, Flaxseed, Dried Tomato Pomace, Suncured Alfalfa Meal, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Salt, Oatmeal, Dried Egg Product, Carrots, Sweet Potatoes, L-Threonine, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Blueberries, Cranberries, Dried Kelp, Minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Calcium Iodate), Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Dried Chicory Root, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Rosemary Extract.

Our dog Barley was suffering from anal gland issues, so we did an elimination diet and found he was allergic to poultry. When I was looking for poultry-free dog food for Barley, I also focused on higher fiber to further support anal gland health. So we landed on this food which is fish-based and also 6% fiber (a little higher than avg). Since switching to the American Journey food 6 months ago, Barley has had zero anal gland issues.

Crude Protein	Crude Fat	Crude Fiber	Moisture
18% max	8% max	5% max	10% max

Ingredients:

Brown Rice, Oat Groats, Pearled Barley, Peas, Potato Protein, Canola Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Potatoes, Dicalcium Phosphate, Natural Vegetable Flavor, Tomato Pomace, Calcium Carbonate, Taurine, Dl-Methionine, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Salt, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Calcium Iodate), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Niacin Supplement, Biotin, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin D2 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid), Flaxseed, Citric Acid (Preservative), Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Parsley, Spinach, L-Lysine Monohydrochloride, Cranberries, L-Carnitine, Kelp Meal, Yucca Schidigera Extract, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, Rosemary Extract.

Our picky eater tried several different dog food brands before we finally landed on Natural Balance. Before he would refuse to eat wet or kibble, but our pup gobbles this plant-based food right up. We love that it has no poultry or meat products (since he has a sensitivity to). However, keep in mind it’s grain-free (which is a must for heart-health). The bag isn’t reselable which isn’t a deal-breaker since we put it in another container. And on Amazon subscribe and save it auto-ships every month when we need it and reduces the cost (or remembering to need to buy more food).

Crude Protein	Crude Fat	Crude Fiber	Moisture
10% max	6% max	2% max	78% max

Ingredients:

Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Spinach, Potatoes, Eggs, Pea Fiber, Carrageenan, Natural Flavors, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Celery Powder.

I have purchased Freshpet loaves in the past. I used these cubed up and mixed in with my older dog’s regular dry kibble. She is starting to be picky about her dry food, and this was able to add moisture and flavor variety. My older pup enjoys the flavor and loaf texture. This is not a regular, daily meal for this pup. Instead, it is more of a special treat due to the higher price point. This is an occasional purchase from the local grocery store for a treat. It is easy to locate in my area and does not require a subscription or long-term commitment, which is why I chose it.

Conclusion

Remember that our furry friends are unique individuals with their own preferences and personalities. Just like us, they deserve nutritious and delicious meals that cater to their taste buds and health needs.

So, here’s to celebrating the journey of dog food evolution and embracing our picky eaters with open arms (and treat-filled hands). May your dog’s dining experience always be full of joy, tail wags, and slobbery kisses! Woof-tastic adventures await, my friends!

A recap of our results…

The best dog foods for picky eaters we reviewed:

1. The Farmer’s Dog Turkey Recipe – Best Food For Picky Dogs
2. Ollie Beef Dish With Sweet Potato – Best Dog Food That Smells Like Human Food
3. Spot & Tango Unkibble Cod And Salmon – Best Dog Food Topper For Picky Eaters
4. Nom Nom Beef Mash – Best Tasting Dog Food For Picky Eaters
5. Petplate Barkin’ Beef – Best Wet/canned Food For Picky EatersSundays For
6. Sundays For Dogs Chicken – Best Dry Food For Picky Eaters
7. Jinx Salmon Sweet Potato Carrot – Best Small Breed Dog Food For Picky Eaters
8. American Journey Salmon Brown Rice And Vegetable – Best Large Breed Dog Food For Picky Eaters
9. Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Plant Based Protein And Healthy Grains Vegetarian – Best Dog Food For Picky Eaters With Sensitive Stomachs
10. Freshpet Select Chicken With Spinach And Sweet Potato – Best Puppy Food For Picky Eaters

Which dog food has your dog loved (or hated)? Let me know in the comments below!

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