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My puppy won't eat from her bowl. Should I use a food puzzle daily?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My puppy refuses to eat from her bowl. This has been an issue for a few weeks. Initially we thought she didn't like the kibble so we transitioned her onto a new one that is mixed with the old and she ate that happily for two days then stopped. Well now she'll eat the food as long as it's on the floor not in a bowl. She likes it scattered around her exercise pen. My concern is she's not eating enough through the day. Is something like a food puzzle worth trying for her every meal?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Emily, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 7th, 2017

If you were willing to do a food puzzle or something along that line that would be beneficial. It's hard to say why she doesn't like her dish. It could be the material, it's height, or other issue. If it is a low dish you could try raising it and seeing if that helps or vice versa.
You can monitor her weight on a weekly basis to ensure she's gaining appropriately. The proper weight gain depends on the breed and size and age of the dog as well if they are spayed or neutered. some veterinarians will allow you to bring your pet in for a weight check at no charge.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on September 20th, 2018
Your dog may not like the food or is not able to eat out of that dish. Try giving her small amounts of food in another type of dish. You may also want to try to feed her dry food instead of canned food, as she may be able to pick that up better than wet food.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on May 27th, 2018
I would recommend choosing one flavor of food and sticking with it. Switching food frequently can cause GI upset and cause a picky eater.

Once you have chosen a food, offer only this for a few days. Place the food down in front of your puppy and if she does not eat with 15 minutes pick up the bowl and do not offer her any food or treats until her next feeding. As you repeat this process your puppy will learn to eat the food that is given to her or she will go hungry. Since she is small I would offer the food at least 3 times a day to give her more opportunity to eat. This process usually takes about 2-3 days.

I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on April 27th, 2020
She is being picky because you are allowing her to "train" you. Put the food down for her two or three times per day. Put the food down and leave the room.
Leave the food down for 10 minutes and then go back and pick it up. DO NOT talk to her at all. Basically ignore her. Do it the same way each time. She will learn that these are the only times she will get food. DO NOT give any human foods or treats during the day or she won't be hungry. Eventually she will eat. She will not starve herself. That is my recommendation.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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