Addicted to People Food

I adopted my four-year-old Pomeranian, Trixie, from my local shelter last year. I have tried to give her canned dog food since day one, but she will not eat it. I have her on dry food right now, but she will only take a few bites. She doesn’t even like dog treats.

I often feed her people food, because she was so used to eating it in her prior home. When I try withholding it, she refuses to eat anything else. I do walk her, but other than that she is not very playful. How can I fix this problem?

- Catherine

Thank you for contacting the ASPCA Pet Nutrition Service, Catherine. It sounds like Trixie is being finicky and is holding out for people food. It is important that Trixie eats a high-quality dog food that will provide her with all of the nutrients she needs.

  • First, choose a high-quality brand of food that is formulated for Trixie’s age, breed size, and activity level. Your vet or veterinary technician can provide some great suggestions.
  • We recommend that you use the timed feeding method. If you would like to use dry food, the food can be placed in Trixie’s bowl for 30 minutes. After that time, remove any food that she has not eaten. You should offer her food twice a day using this method, and be sure to feed her at the same times, consistently and regularly.
  • You may also want to add a little canned food to the dry food—this often stimulates a finicky dog to eat.
  • Eliminate all in-between-meal treats, at least until she is eating her meals regularly.
  • Make sure that Trixie is confined to another room when you are eating, so you will not be tempted to give her some table food—nor will she have the opportunity to beg for it.
  • Take Trixie on a walk right before feeding time. This might help to stimulate her appetite and will improve her energy level.

Please keep in mind that your dog will likely hold out for awhile, hoping that you will cave in and give her people food. With your veterinarian’s approval, it shouldn’t hurt for her to miss a few meals during this time. Good luck to you and Trixie!

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