What to feed a fussy dog: real food solutions

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Hungry dog holding an empty bowl

Is your dog turning their nose up at meals? Does it feel like you’ve tried everything but can’t get your pup to eat? You’re not alone. But there’s one more option you might not have tried yet!

Switching to a real food diet rich in tasty animal proteins is a great way to reignite your dog’s interest in food. While it might take time to break some of your dog’s old eating habits, combining protein-rich meals with the best tips from our community can help you get your pup back to enjoying mealtimes again.

The real food difference for fussy eaters

If you could only eat one type of food for every meal, would you choose a freshly cooked roast dinner or dry cereal? Dogs can be just as picky as humans when it comes to food, so it’s easy to understand why some pups get bored of eating the same dry brown pellets every day.

Real food, prepared as close to its natural state as possible, often appeals more to fussy eaters. Unlike highly processed food, the natural tastes, textures, and aromas are retained.

Lyka meals are made with high-quality animal proteins, vegetables, and superfoods, all gently cooked to lock in flavour and nutrition. If you want to level up your dog’s meals, add Lyka’s Beef and Parmesan topper for an extra flavour boost. It’s made from 100% real ingredients, so it’s both delicious and nutritious.

Bowl of fresh dog food next to a bowl of kibble
Fresh dog food vs kibble
🐶 Read more: Freshly cooked vs kibble for dogs: which is better?

Variety: the key to picky eaters

Fussy dogs may need more variety to prevent meal fatigue. Adding the element of surprise at mealtimes can stimulate your dog’s excitement and engagement.

Lyka offers different protein options so you can switch up the menu nearly every day of the week. Make mealtimes a sensory experience by heating up their food or adding warm water to release tempting, natural aromas.

By feeding your dog a wide variety of ingredients you can also promote more diversity in your pup’s gut microbiome for better digestion and immune health.

Healthy fats for tasty, satisfying meals

Dogs are often instinctually attracted to healthy fats in food, like sardines (rich in omega-3 fatty acids) free-range eggs, or the occasional dollop of Greek yoghurt. Healthy fats are usually highly palatable and calorie dense, promoting appetite and satiety.

Fish oil is included in all Lyka meals to optimise the omega-3 content. Additional healthy fats like sardines, flaxseed oil, chia and hemp seeds, and egg are also added to our range.

Strike the right balance of healthy fats in your dog’s diet to prevent unnecessary weight gain. Always check with your vet about any changes to their diet, if you’re concerned about their health.

Fresh sardines

Fuss-free meals with a customisable plan

Finding the right food for your fussy dog can be a frustrating and costly cycle of trial and error, especially if you’ve tried multiple brands and spent hours researching alternatives.

Lyka’s meal plans are customisable, designed to meet your dog’s nutritional and health needs. Each meal is complete and balanced; if your dog prefers just 1 or all protein options, you know they’re getting the nutrition they need. When you’re happier about what you’re feeding your dog, they’ll pick up on that positive energy too.

🐶 Read more: Feeding fussy dogs: is anxiety the problem?

Get support beyond the bowl

Like us, if your pup has an upset stomach, they can lose their appetite until they return to full health. If there’s an ingredient in their diet that’s triggering vomiting or diarrhoea, they may develop a negative association with their food and refuse to eat.

Fussiness may have an underlying, undiagnosed health condition, so it’s always worth speaking to your vet if you’re concerned about their eating habits. If it’s a food sensitivity an elimination diet can help you to identify the main culprit, so you can avoid feeding it. Our customer care team is also available to help you navigate the tricky world of fussiness, so you have support where it counts.

Give your dog the joy of real food

If you’re ready to make mealtimes more enjoyable for your fussy dog, real food might be the game-changer you’ve been looking for. With Lyka’s gently-cooked, protein-rich meals, even the pickiest eaters can find food they love. Plus, the benefits go beyond taste — our meals support better digestion and vitality. Whether it’s our customisable meal plans or tasty toppers, you can find a combination that suits your dog’s unique preferences.

Take the first step towards happier, healthier mealtimes with Lyka.

🐶 Read more: The life-changing benefits for real food for dogs

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A picture our range of Lyka meals

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