What's the best grain-free wet/dry food for a picky pitbull?

What a cute puppy! With him being 7 months old and a small breed dog, I think that Lucas is slowing down on his growing. This can cause a reduction in his appetite. I find that the more that we change a dog's food- the more pickier they become. I would stick with one brand, offer 1/3 of slightly less than the daily recommended amount (they sell dog food, so the more he eats the more you buy) three times daily. Give him a set amount of time and then pick up the bowl. This will create some urgency. He will eat if he is hungry. The more we change and add things, the more he will wait to eat to see what good stuff will be added. I would keep track of his body condition score- you should be able to feel his ribs with a little bit of fat cover, but not see them. As long as he is in good body condition, I would not worry. Some dogs are not food motivated and will just eat what they need. If you have any questions about his weight or body condition score, you can ask your veterinarian. I don't think that grain free food are necessary. Dogs are omnivores.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I recommend an adult mai ten every dog food fed twice a day. There is no need to add wet food. Do not feed table scraps or human foods. Do not feed grain free foods as those can cause heart disease. Royal Canin, Hills Scoence Doet and Ians are all good brands to feed.

Picky dogs can be so frustrating! I personally am not a fan of grain free diets. The truth is, they are a marketing fad. The reality is that only 5% of dog allergies are caused by food, and of that 5%, the majority is protein related. Grain allergies are extremely rare, and I never recommend feeding a grain free food unless the dog has a proven food allergy to grains. Grains are beneficial to dogs, as it helps fill them up and keeps them satisfied for longer. I recommend switching them to a brand such as Royal Canin, Hill's Science Diet, Purina ProPlan, or Iams. Whether or not you make the switch of foods, it's time to get tough with them if you want them to eat only dry dog food. They won't starve themselves, they will eat it eventually. You just have to be strong and not give in. Start by putting their food down in the morning for 15-20 minutes, taking it away after this time period even if they haven't eaten. Then no more food until dinner time. This is extremely important, they have to learn they need to eat the dog food or they don't get anything else. At dinner time, again put their food down for 15-20 minutes, taking it away after that time even if they haven't eaten. No more food until their dog food the next morning. Do not give in to them, no meat, cheese, or raw egg on their food. They will get hungry enough to eat the dog food only as long as you stay strong. Good luck, I hope this helps!

Hi there and thank you for using pet coach! The food I mostly recommend is Science Diet. I have used their food for over 20 years in my own pets and have never had a problem with their food. My own dog was on their food for 20 years and did very well. He maintained an excellent body condition, hair coat was amazing and he loved very long. I contribute his longevity to a good diet and good care as well. If you are opposed to Science Diet, I also recommend Royal Canin, Natural Balance and Purina One. There are so many foods out there and it is easy to get caught up in the marketing game of "natural", "organic" and "grain free". As long as your dog is on a well balanced and complete diet is what matters the most. I typically recommend feeding a puppy food for the first 12 months and then switching to an adult food from 12 months to 7 years of age. Beyond 7 years I recommend a senior formula. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns.

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. If Rio doesn't like the Blue Buffalo, you can switch him to a different dog food. Royal Canin, Science Diet and Eukanuba are all good balanced diets. Also, consider neutering Rio at this age and switching him to an adult diet from a puppy diet after the neuter. Best of luck with Rio!

Hello. Grain free labeling is more of a marketing to rather than an indication of a good food. I encourage brands that have passed the AAFCO food standards (it would say that on the bag usually by the nutritional information). These brands include Purina, Science Diet, Pedigree, Eukanuba, Blue Buffalo- In changing diets remember that sudden changes can be hard on the GI tract so gradually mixing in the new food is best.

It's quite a difficult question as a lot depends on what you would consider affordable. Bearing in mind that more expensive foods usually work out similar as you end up feeding less. Personally for puppies I would try and give them the best at least at the start. I really like royal canin or alternatively Hill's made for the breed size.