Picky eater dog, enjoying a Petibles' supplement.

How to Help Picky Eaters LOVE Natural Dog Supplements

Picky doesn’t mean bad. It means your dog has preferences just like you.

If you’re having trouble getting your picky eater pup to take (and LOVE) their natural dog supplements, you’re in the right place.

I’m here to help you!

In this blog I’m going to do more than offer a few ideas to “trick” your dog into eating their supplement chew. I’m going to take you on a journey into discovering what will naturally entice your dog’s appetite and walk you through finding the particular flavors, textures, and temperatures that will help your pooch see how they can learn to LOVE taking their supplements. 

We’ll also go over why it’s SO important to choose a high-quality natural dog supplement over a cheap, generic option and some of the incredible improvements you may start to see.

By the time you’re through, you’ll have uncovered some valuable info that will help you adjust strategies to allow your dog to enjoy and even anticipate their “vitamins.”

Sound good? Great! Let’s get started.

Narrow down your dog’s supplement needs

Knowing where your dog has specific needs will help you choose the best natural dog supplement options to try.

Before we tackle building a picky-eater profile for your pooch, I need to ask you a question: What does your dog need out of their supplements?

What’s your dog struggling with?

Do you have an older dog with bad joints that needs some pain relief? Is your new puppy unsure about everything and you want to help them avoid anxiety as they grow? Are you unable to keep up with your dog’s shedding and need help to balance skin and coat troubles?

Or maybe you just want to get your precious pooch on a natural dog supplement to help prevent any digestive issues now or in the future.

Either way, it’s important to be clear on your reasons for seeking a natural dog supplement and always talk to your vet before making any dietary changes in your dog’s routine.

A few common reasons for giving natural dog supplements

Do any of these sound familiar?

Let me say this first, you’re not alone.

Many pup parents struggle with these issues. But a natural, wholesome, dog supplement chew could be a HUGE help and offer some relief for your poor pup.

The more specifically you can answer questions that get to the heart of your dog’s troubles, the clearer your goal will be as you launch out in search of the best options to meet your dog’s needs.

Let’s get into the details of how to find your picky-eater’s preferences.

Find your dog’s favorite supplement type 

Give your dog a chance to show you what they prefer. You may be surprised by the results.

Once you know your reason for seeking a natural dog supplement, you can move on to what flavors, textures, temperatures, and other details your dog prefers.

This is where we’ll get into the nitty gritty of your dog’s specific inclinations and how to root them out.

Three tests for your dog’s supplement tastes

Your dog may like several options, but have one clear favorite. Use the info you collect to hone in on the one your dog seems to prefer and it will make it easier moving forward.

How to find your dog’s favorite supplement flavor

The best way to test for your dog’s favorite tastes is to offer pure options of the real thing.

Prepare a few bites of boiled chicken, beef, pork, or fish. Hold it to your dog’s nose and let them sniff it before offering it to them. If one gets your pooch’s attention over another, let them try a bite and watch their reaction. If they eat it, lick their chops and look up to you for more, you have a winner.

Use that ingredient for the next steps. 

(Note: Be careful that no harmful seasonings like onion or garlic are present when you do this. Not only could it harm your dog, but it could also drastically throw off the flavor, making the test ineffective.)

How to find your dog’s favorite supplement texture

Now we need to determine in what form your dog prefers to eat their favorite flavor.  

Mash a bite of the chosen flavor into a paste, finely chop or shred another bite, and leave yet another bite whole. Offer these to your dog and see which they prefer. If they go for the same form you originally offered them, that’s a double clue! (You can also use this info to rearrange the way you prepare their regular meals and encourage their appetite further.)

How to find your dog’s favorite supplement temperature

The last test is probably one you haven’t thought about: temperature. It’s an element that’s often overlooked, but it can completely change the entire profile of the food.  

Warm a tester bite for your dog. (Not too hot!) Have one prepared cold in the fridge, and bring one to room temperature. Offer all three to your pup.

Most dogs will go for the warm or room temperature one, but I have known some to go after the cold option (especially in the warmer summer months). The great thing about this part is that you can rotate temperatures with the seasons. You might even find your dog likes to switch it up now and then.

If you’ve narrowed down why your dog needs a supplement, and their favorite flavor, texture, and temperature, you’re ready to move on to the next section.

Choose the right natural dog supplement for your picky-eater dog

Your picky-eater pup may require a little more effort to find their favorite supplement, but be patient and it will pay off in the end.

Alright, so you’re ready to get to the bones of the issue and find the best natural dog supplement for your picky-eater pooch.  

First of all, I want to point out what I hope is obvious: a supplement is not a meal. It’s not a replacement for a good wholesome diet with a balanced ratio of vitamins, minerals and essential nutrients.

Giving your dog a supplement to make up for a lack of proper nutrition is like repairing a crumbling wall with duct tape. It won’t do much.

A supplement is meant to boost your pup’s overall health in a specific way, so they get the extra support where they need it most. In order to get the biggest benefit from their natural dog supplement, your dog will need to already have a healthy, wholesome diet.

Let’s dive into some things to consider when choosing a natural dog supplement for your picky puppy.

High-quality ingredients matter (a lot!)

It is vitally important to choose a natural dog supplement that’s made with only the highest-quality, vetted ingredients backed by science and hand-selected for purity.

This is especially important when it comes to your picky eater.

Your dog’s sense of smell is the strongest way they experience the world and the intensity of scents all around them is on a level neither you nor I can truly understand.

If you offer your dog supplements that are filled with chemicals, additives or artificial flavorings, that will work against all your efforts to help them love their chews and sabotage everything we talked about earlier.

Your dog’s supplements should always be:

If you see all of these on the label or on a company’s website, you’re probably in pretty good hands. 

Petibles Natural Dog Chews contain only the freshest ingredients that have been lab-proven to show effectiveness and sustainability. 

The soft, chewy texture of Petibles Natural Dog Supplements is made from REAL ingredients to bring out a delicious natural flavor without the use of chemicals or preservatives. 

Petibles natural dog supplement flavors include:
  • Chicken
  • Beef
  • Pork
  • Fish

Note: Always check with your vet to make sure your dog doesn’t have any allergies to a specific ingredient, before you begin feeding dog supplements. 

Advanced tips for the ULTRA picky-eater dogs

Sometimes the natural dog supplements you’ve chosen come in the flavors your dog will already love and sometimes the supplement they really need won’t be in their preferred flavor.

That’s ok! There are ways you can incorporate it into their routine by mixing the flavor or texture.

Help your picky dog LOVE taking their supplements with these tips:

  • Blend your dog’s supplement into their wet or dry food
  • Wrap or coat your dog’s supplement in something enticing such as cheese or boiled meat
  • Add your dog’s supplements as an ingredient in a treat recipe
  • Freeze your dog’s supplement inside ice, fruit slices, or peanut butter dollops
  • Let your dog’s supplement soak in broth or gravy before giving it to them

While some of these tips may not be for everyone, you know your dog best. 

Play around with these tips and dedicate time to helping your dog discover what they LOVE about the foods they eat. It’ll be well worth your time and energy when you see a happy, healthy, vibrant pooch running toward you again 

Your dog can have the life they always wanted. Because of you!

Giving your dog natural supplements made from high-quality ingredients will offer them one of the best chances to be themselves again!

I just gotta say…you’re one remarkable pup parent.

The fact you read to the end of this article shows you care not just how your dog makes you feel, but how you make them feel as well.

Email us! Tell us what your picky eater chose as their favorite and which supplement you’re going to try. I can’t wait to hear your story! 

At Petibles, we offer specific dog chews for specific reasons. We believe your dog deserves a chance to live their best life. We’ve seen it in our dogs and we can’t wait to hear about the positive difference they make for yours! 

I hope you found this blog helpful. If you did or if you want some recommendations on the best natural dog supplement for your dog’s needs, contact us! 

We’re just a tail wag away 🐕 

Have questions about Petibles Natural Dog Chews or want to read stories of other dogs who’ve succeeded from our natural dog supplement? 

Check out our testimonials here to see what pup parents are saying about Petibles natural dog chews (Plus, you can get 10% off your first subscription order.)

To your dog’s health and happiness! May you ever be connected on this crazy adventure called life.

 

Allison Tunin

Writer at Petibles

My Bio: Hi, pup parent! I’m Allison, a dog copywriter, but most importantly, a dog mom (just like you!) My love for dogs started when I was very young, and I’ve had the privilege of working with many four-legged fur babies throughout all different walks of life.

I decided to share my love for (and experience with) dogs to help other pup parents who may need a shoulder to lean on or a friend to confide in, so I put myself through specialized training for writing and working with man’s best friend in the effort to create helpful content for dog moms and dads all over the world.

I currently live in Indiana with my husband Joshua, two cats, and our squishy, little wrinkle-faced Pug, Piper Jean, who almost made it to the show ring, but retired early to live a life of absolute leisure

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