Dogs have a reputation for eating anything and everything, but some can actually be as fussy as felines. When your dog shuffles up to the bowl, sniffs and looks up at you in disinterest, or even disgust, what do you do? Don't start to teach bad habits. Even if you find it hard to resist those big, begging eyes, fussy eating is a problem that needs to be addressed - for the good of you both.

Every dog is different
When it comes to fussy eating, the first thing to remember is not to panic. Dogs will not normally starve themselves just because they are a bit choosy about their food (although if your dog should go 24 hours without eating anything, consult your vet).  A thin appearance does not necessarily mean that anything is wrong. Just like us, some dogs are naturally thinner than others.

Don't teach bad habits
For the most part, fussy eaters are made, not born. Dogs are smart characters, and often they will baulk at their food because they've learned that they can get lots of extra attention, and hand-feeding, by worrying their owners. The really clever ones will also know that if they hold out just long enough, they might get offered some delicious human food instead. To change fussy behaviour, the first step is to identify the ways you might have encouraged it, whether by accident or on purpose.

Alternatively, your dog may be sneaking extra meals somewhere - or from someone - else!  A quick check with your neighbours, other family members, and the rubbish bins, may explain why dinner is left untouched.

What to do?
You can try any number of ways to give dogs back their appetite. If you are petting or hand feeding, try stopping for a while. Increase the palatability of dry food by adding a good quality canned food, or by soaking it in warm water. And try gently warming wet food in the microwave to release its delicious aromas.

Feeding dogs during the family meal will make them feel socially included, but always ignore them when you eat. Resist the urge to praise them for eating, and only leave food on offer for 15 minutes - if it's not consumed, remove it and offer a fresh bowl of food 12 hours later.  As long as food is available twice daily, your fussy dog will not starve.

Less is more
You could also try switching to a dry complete food designed for 'active' dogs. These formulations tend to be very concentrated, so your dog won't need to eat as much to receive an equivalent level of energy. Active foods also contain higher levels of oil, which can make them more attractive to your dog. Specially formulated 'sensitive' recipes, meanwhile, have a high level of digestibility, which can also sometimes encourage a fussy eater.