Making a meal out of mealtimes
Written by Zoe Russell, BSc (Hons), ANutr
Nutrition Officer, Naturediet
Mealtimes should be a relaxed, pleasant experience for dogs and their owners. Food can be a great way to strengthen a bond between you and your dog and can help to positively reward good behaviour. However for some, mealtimes are not always s straight-forward experiences…
Eating too quickly
Some dogs are total ‘foodies’ and will gulp down their food quicker than you can say “dinner”. However this is not always a good thing, as it can risk problems such as choking, or dogs may appear less satisfied after a meal and can start to scavenge for more food. To help slow their eating down, try spreading their Naturediet wet food into products such as slow feeders, puzzle feeders, Kongs and Likimats. Products such as these can help slow mealtimes down by helping your dog work for their food, while also providing a source of enrichment to keep their minds busy.
Begging for food
This is a common trait with many dogs, from puppies right up to senior dogs. This usually involves a pair of bright little eyes staring up at you, waiting for a scrap of food off the table or off the kitchen counter. To help minimise the likelihood of begging, try not to give any scraps of food off your table or while you are cooking, as giving food away simply rewards the behaviour and encourages them to do it again. You may also be able to implement a simple ‘away’, or ‘bed’, or ‘leave’ command so they don’t sit too close at mealtimes.
Possessive over food
Some dogs may show a change in behaviour around food and may be possessive over their meals or treats. This can be caused by a number of different factors and can be quite distressing for both the dogs and their owners. Therefore if you are concerned your dog may be displaying similar behaviour, it’s important to speak to a qualified, ethical trainer or behaviourist to help understand the source of the problem and help manage it appropriately and safely.
Fussy eaters
Some dogs may start to show a lack of interest towards their food or may appear a little fussy. This is not uncommon and can be influenced by a number of factors; for example a bitch coming into her first season, lack of competition (e.g. if a puppy has recently left the litter, or another dog in the home is no longer around), medication such as worming treatments or vaccinations and much more. To help your dog, it’s important to give them time and space to eat. If they are a young puppy, try not to make any dietary changes in the first few weeks of them settling into their new home, as it can be quite a stressful time anyway. It’s also important to keep a close eye on their weight and condition and monitor any changes, particularly if they are a little off their food.
Unsure or concerned about your dog’s behaviour?
If you are unsure or concerned, we always suggest speaking to a qualified, ethical trainer or behaviourist in the first instance. Some behavioural traits aren’t a simple ‘fix’ and require lots of time and attention, therefore it’s always best to speak with a professional if you are unsure.
