Picky Pups – Meal Toppers

Picky Pups – Meal Toppers

If you share your life with a picky pup, you probably know this scene all too well: you finally find a food they love, happily stock up, and then almost overnight they decide they’re completely over it. For a healthy dog, that may be frustrating but manageable. But when your dog needs medication with meals, feeding time can quickly turn from routine to stressful.

Lucy was never a picky eater, so when she did turn away from food, I knew something wasn’t right. The first time, she was diagnosed with diabetes and pancreatitis. Once the pancreatitis resolved, her appetite returned to normal. The second time, she was nearly 16 and facing renal failure. That inappetence was much more persistent, and I had to get creative with safe, appealing options to encourage her to eat.

If your dog isn’t usually picky and suddenly loses interest in food, don’t assume they’re just being stubborn. A change in appetite can be an early clue that something else is going on. A vet visit is a good idea, and your veterinarian may recommend a physical exam, blood work, and a urinalysis to help identify any underlying cause of inappetence.

Before trying a new topper, introduce it in small amounts and keep your dog’s regular feeding plan in mind; toppers should support the meal rather than replace it.

Here are some low-fat topper ideas that may work well for dogs, especially when appetite is inconsistent or medication depends on a meal. Many are intentionally “stinky,” which can be a big plus, dogs are often drawn to stronger-smelling foods.

Albacore tuna packed in water is low in fat and has a strong aroma that may tempt a reluctant eater. The tuna water can also be mixed into meals or offered with fresh water. Because albacore tuna contains higher levels of mercury, offer it only occasionally, such as once per week, to help avoid mercury buildup.

Chunk light tuna packed in water can also be used as a topper, and the tuna water can be mixed into meals or offered with fresh water. Although chunk light tuna is generally lower in mercury than albacore, it should still be used sparingly rather than fed regularly.

Chicken breast packed in water is a simple, low-fat option. Use it as a topper and add a little packing water to meals or drinking water for extra aroma.

Lean proteins such as chicken breast, turkey breast, extra-lean ground turkey, 96/4 lean ground beef, cod, tilapia, or whitefish can be boiled, slow-cooked, pressure-cooked, baked, or steamed. If using ground beef, rinse the cooked meat with hot water to remove excess fat before serving.

Beech-Nut baby food meats can be a helpful, aromatic option when you need something soft and easy to mix in. Choose plain meat varieties without added starches or extra ingredients.

Sardines packed in water are low in fat and naturally smelly. They can be pureed and mixed into food to help make a meal more tempting.

Shrimp is another low-fat option with a noticeable smell that some dogs enjoy. Serve plain, cooked shrimp in small amounts.

Bone broth can be added to food or offered in small amounts to encourage drinking. If buying bone broth, check the label carefully and avoid any product that contains onion, garlic, or other ingredients that are unsafe for dogs. You can also make a simple homemade version without added seasonings.

Parmesan cheese can add a strong, appealing scent with just a light sprinkle. A small amount usually goes a long way.

Plain Greek yogurt may appeal to dogs who enjoy creamy textures. Use plain, unsweetened yogurt only, and offer small amounts since some dogs do not tolerate dairy well.

Pumpkin can be added in small amounts to make food more interesting. Use plain pumpkin only—not pumpkin pie filling—and start with a small spoonful since too much fiber may cause diarrhea or constipation.

PureBites freeze-dried treats, such as chicken breast or beef liver, can be crushed or ground and sprinkled over meals. Beef liver is especially aromatic, so a little can make a big difference. Use treats as a topper rather than a major part of the meal.

If you prefer a ready-made option, treat these products as add-ins, not replacements for a complete meal.

Wellness Bowl Boosters Simply Shreds are available in a variety of flavors and can often be found at larger pet retailers. These are complementary foods, not complete and balanced meals, so use them as an add-in to your dog’s regular food.

Blue Buffalo Tender Shreds come in several flavors, are relatively low in fat, and are commonly found in larger pet stores. Like other complementary foods, they should be added to a complete and balanced diet rather than used as a meal replacement.

When a dog won’t eat, mealtime can feel discouraging, especially if medication depends on that meal. Toppers can be a helpful tool, but they are only one part of the bigger picture. If your dog’s appetite changes suddenly, or if inappetence continues, watch for other symptoms and contact your veterinarian. With patience, observation, and a little creativity, you can often make meals more appealing while keeping your dog’s health needs front and center.

I hope these ideas help make feeding time a little easier for you and your picky pup.

Until next time, stay cool!

Michelle Miller-Matlock, Cert.CN, Cert.FN

Canine Nutrition Coach

Founder/Administrator of DDO: Diabetic Dog Owners University