Picky Eating Judgment Criteria
First clarify 'picky eating' judgment criteria: normal dogs will finish food within 5 minutes, if over 10 minutes still not eating, and exclude disease factors (like oral pain, gastrointestinal discomfort), can be identified as picky eating. Root cause of picky eating is mostly 'treat interference' - about 80% of picky dogs consume over 3 types of treats daily, causing loss of interest in main food.
"Picky eating problems often stem from owner feeding habits. Scientific feeding methods can effectively correct picky eating behavior." - Pet Nutritionist
Scheduled Feeding Hunger Therapy
'Scheduled feeding + hunger therapy' is the core of correcting picky eating: set fixed feeding times daily (like 7:00, 19:00), each feeding 15 minutes, immediately remove food when time is up (regardless of whether finished), no treats given during this period (including yogurt, jerky and other 'reward foods'). First 3 days dogs may refuse food, this is normal 'resistance period', as long as ensure adequate water (50ml+ per kg body weight daily), healthy adult dogs won't have problems starving for 3-5 days.
Days 4-7, dogs usually start eating, then give verbal praise after finishing (like 'good job'), but still no treats, let them understand 'only main food can fill stomach'.
Food Adjustment Methods
Food adjustment needs 'gradual progression': if dogs only eat meat not dog food, can first mix dog food with meat mince 1:1 (meat mince need to cook thoroughly, no seasoning), continue 3 days; then adjust to dog food 2: meat mince 1, continue 3 days; finally transition to pure dog food. Can also use 'warm stimulation method' - soak dog food with 40°C warm water for 1 minute (only surface moist), use food aroma to stimulate appetite, but don't soak too soft (will reduce chewing desire).
Interactive training can enhance eating interest: play 5 minutes 'obedience games' before feeding (like 'sit' 'shake hands'), give food after completing commands, let them associate 'eating' with 'effort'; can also use treat-dispensing balls (put dog food in ball, dogs need to roll to eat), stimulate instinctive appetite through 'foraging behavior'.
Precautions
Note that during entire correction process family members need to be united, no one can secretly feed treats, otherwise will cause training to be in vain. Generally, persist for about 2 weeks, 85% of picky dogs can restore normal eating habits.
If picky eating problem persists, recommend consulting veterinarian to check for health problems. Meanwhile, choosing dog food suitable for dog's age, size and health status is also important, ensure balanced nutrition and suitable taste.