HELP! My Puppy Only Wants Human Food 😩
Puppy’s turning fussy is quite normal and can be a part of their development - but it’s quite frustrating. Especially if you are feeding beautiful quality food!
The cause can be sickness or there could be something wrong with the food - like oxidised kibble. More commonly though: if your puppy will only eat human food, it’s probably a behavioural issue.
The solution is to set clear boundaries with what is acceptable.
It’s important to get your puppy back on course, otherwise they are missing out on the proper nutrition they need for their developing body. Not addressing the behavioural issue can cause further headaches down the road too.
Here’s how we suggest handling it:
Stop feeding everything except what you want them to eat. No treats, table scraps, bones. Nothing else! You have to be very strict and everyone in your house has to be on board.
Fast your pup for 12-24 hours.
At mealtime only offer the food you want them to eat.
Remove their dinner after 5 minutes.
Wait until next meal and repeat - no other food.
You are now in a game of chicken with your puppy. If they don’t go for it immediately, they will soon. Be strong!
You pup is now (hopefully) back eating the food you want them too!
If after a few days they are still on hunger strike, visit your vet.
After you have your puppy eating their food again, be sure to avoid treats and other foods for at least a week. You need to send a consistent message about what food you want them to eat.
Be aware that when you begin to offer other foods you can undo all your hard work, so very slowly introduce treats, bones etc and if there is any more fussiness stop additional foods immediately.
