![]() Unfortunately, some of these foods aren't as flavorful as regular dog food and may be rejected by a picky eater. Future health concerns and lower quality of life: Many of the common illnesses facing aging dogs are treated with special foods which help prolong life and increase quality of life.At present, obesity is the biggest nutritional problem facing our pet dogs. Too much fat in the diet equals an expanding waistline, even in dogs. Fat is what gives the most flavor to food. Obesity: Generally, picky eaters will only eat the tastiest human foods which typically contain a lot of fat.In addition, a nutritionally imbalanced diet will eventually make the dog deficient in minerals like calcium which helps build strong teeth and bones. Dry dog food (kibble) helps to “grind” off some of the plaque that eventually collects on the teeth. Poor teeth: The dog's teeth will suffer, especially small breed dogs, if he doesn't eat properly.Ackerman Elsevier Health Sciences, 2012 X Research source Here are some of the potential implications of a poor diet: X Research source Behavior Problems of the Dog and Cat3: Behavior Problems of the Dog and Cat. Dogs have different requirements than humans for fat, protein, minerals and vitamins. They are not humans and thus cannot thrive on a human diet. Dog food is formulated to meet all the nutritional needs of dogs. Your dog will eventually become nutritionally deficient if he is not eating a well-balanced diet. It is only by resisting the urge to switch foods and give your dog what he wants when he doesn't eat that he will learn that you mean business.Your dog will eventually choose dog food over no food. Throw uneaten food away, as wet food tends to dry out once it's been opened and so will lose it's appeal. If he doesn't eat it within that time-frame, take it away. Leave the food out for 15 minutes in the room and leave the room yourself so the dog has no audience to play to.After a week or so, you then may want to consult your vet for other strategies. Indeed, dogs that starve themselves for weeks to months do not come to harm, although they will obviously become very thin. ![]() While it is not desirable that your dog starves himself, he will not come to any harm if he doesn't eat for a couple of days, though he might lose a little weight. ![]() Some dogs can be quite stubborn when being forced to eat a dog food diet. If your dog is healthy otherwise, don't stress right away if he refuses to eat for several days. ![]() This article has been viewed 104,602 times.ĭon't give in. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Brian has over 19 years of veterinary experience and earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University. Boston Veterinary Clinic is an AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) accredited hospital and Boston’s first Fear Free Certified Clinic. The clinic also provides specialty services in behavior, nutrition, and alternative pain management therapies using acupuncture, and therapeutic laser treatments. Boston Veterinary Clinic specializes in primary veterinary care, including wellness and preventative care, sick and emergency care, soft-tissue surgery, dentistry. B” to his clients, is a Veterinarian and the Owner of Boston Veterinary Clinic, a pet health care and veterinary clinic with three locations, South End/Bay Village, the Seaport, and Brookline, Massachusetts. This article was co-authored by Brian Bourquin, DVM.
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