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Why won't my new puppy eat her dog food? Is she just being picky?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | 2 months and 12 days old

My dog is a mix of a Maltese and Jack Russell...she is about two weeks now..I have a problem in feeding her dog food because she doesn't like it...she normally only drinks milk and water and ultimately eats some of her dog food only when she is left with no choice. What could be the problem?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA

Veterinarian

Published on August 13th, 2017

This is a common problem in small breed dogs. They can be stubborn when it comes to dry food. I would stop offering her milk as this can upset her tummy. You could mix in some canned food or boiled chicken with her dry food to see if this helps to entice her to eat. If so, slowly start to decrease the canned food until she is just on dry food. And you may have to just be more stubborn than her. If she is continuously refusing the eat or not acting right then I would take her to your vet to ensure everything is okay. If she is skipping meals and she weighs less than 5 pounds then I would supplement her with nutrical (high calorie vitamin supplement) to help prevent her blood sugar from becoming too low. I hope this helps!

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Mara Howard, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on January 16th, 2018
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! With puppies, I don’t advise many abrupt changes in diet, as it can lead to vomiting and diarrhea. I prefer wet food for young dogs, as a general rule; I also tend to recommend sticking to one diet consistently. If we start adding “enticements” to food to encourage dogs to eat, they tend to hold out until something “better” comes along. When he’s hungry, he will eat! They can only hold out for something “better” for so long, so occasionally a little tough Love is needed. If he refuses to eat for more than three days, the behavior is persistent or you are concerned, then I would recommend either reaching out to your regular veterinarian or scheduling a consult to discuss it further. Good luck!
4Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Bette Isacoff
Dog Trainer
Published on June 22nd, 2018
Sampson has decided what his diet will be, but that's not his job . . . it's yours. Stop feeding him the human food. Put regular dog food in a bowl on the floor without fuss and leave it for 15 minutes. After that time, pick it up whether he has eaten or not. Do not give him anything--no treats, snacks or human food--until his next scheduled mealtime. Then repeat the process. It may take several times for him to realize that there will be no more human food, and that he must eat his dog food. Remember that you are not starving him–he is choosing not to eat. This is a battle of wills. When he is hungry enough he’ll give in and eat, and your problem will be solved. Do not weaken or "feel sorry" for him. It will only make it harder to correct. He must have a nutritionally complete diet, and human food is not sufficient. Also, do not keep changing foods, as this may upset his stomach and cause him not to want to eat. You can ask you vet about a good food for his age, activity level, breed, etc. Buy that and stick to it.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Bette Isacoff
Dog Trainer
Published on January 29th, 2017
If he has ben seen by the vet and is healthy, do not try to find something else to feed hm. Your dog has decided what his diet will be, but that's not his job . . . it's yours. Put regular dog food in a bowl on the floor without fuss and leave it for 15 minutes. After that time, pick it up whether he has eaten or not. Do not give him anything--no treats, snacks or human food--until his next scheduled mealtime. Then repeat the process. It may take several times for him to realize that there will be no more “temptation foods,” and that he must eat his dog food. Remember that you are not starving him–he is choosing not to eat. When he is hungry enough, he will. Do not give in or "feel sorry" for him. It will only make it harder to correct.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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My puppy is picky and won't eat kibble. How do I get him to eat?

It is likey just that - him being picky and stubborn. I would see if he would at least eat canned food. Canned food is at least more of a balance diet than just chicken and rice. If he doesn't eat, be sure to give him some nutrical to help keep his blood sugar up since he is so tiny. It will likely take you becoming stubborn as well to get him to transition to regular diet, but you don't want him to miss too many meals. You could also slowly mix in some soften kibbles with the chicken to help him get use to the taste and over a few weeks, decrease the amount of water you use to soft the kibbles and decrease the chicken as well. If you end up just cooking for him, I would visit balanceit.com to ensure he is getting a balanced diet. I hope this helps !

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My small dog is a picky eater. Is it normal or should I change food?

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What to do when my picky 8-month-old puppy won't eat dry food?

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My puppy is a picky eater. How do I get her to eat her dog food?

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Why is my puppy suddenly picky with food after mixing wet and dry?

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