This is my detailed guide on what is the best tasting dog food for picky eaters in 2022.
No wonder you want to find the best tasting dog food. If your dog is a picky eater and often refuses food, then this article is for you. Canines have excellent taste and can vary in what their favorite is.
I spent an entire day searching for the best tasting products. My favorite is Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe.
In addition, I managed to put together a list of the most mouth-watering dog foods. I will also write about things that can cause loss of appetite in dogs. If you are more interested in the topic, you may want to read on.
Let’s get started!
What are the best Tasting foods for Picky dogs?
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe
- The Honest Kitchen Turkey Recipe
- Nulo Freestyle Grain-Free Salmon & Peas Recipe
- Rachael Ray Nutrish Dish Natural Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
- Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Turkey & Potato Recipe
- Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken
- Crave High Protein Chicken Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
- Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach
- Wellness Ninety-Five Percent Chicken
- Stella & Chewy’s Venison Blend Dinner Patties
- Nutro Hearty Stew Tender Chicken
- Blue Buffalo Freedom Adult Chicken Recipe
- Wellness CORE Grain-Free Original Deboned Turkey
13 best tasting dog food
In my article, you can find many tips on what to do if your dog doesn’t eat food. Below I have collected all the sympathetic dog food you can feel free to give to your picky dog. All products comply with the AAFCO nutrient profile guidelines for dogs. At the end of the section, I choose my favorite one but feel free to experiment with flavors and brands.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe
Key features:
- High protein content with real chicken
- Contains healthy carbs like sweet potatoes and peas
- Contains omega fatty acids
- LifeSource Bits provide antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals
- Free of by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, and preservatives
It is no accident that this product was at the top of my list. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe is a simple dog food with premium ingredients. It contains real chicken, which dogs really like.
The development was based on the diet of the ancestors of the dogs. Your pooch will also instinctively love its taste. But it’s not just because of the taste that it’s worth buying this dog food.
The recipe contains all the nutrients needed for overall health. LifeSource Bits, developed by Blue Buffalo, provides important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
The food does not contain grains, wheat, corn, soy, and artificial ingredients. Because of this, dogs with sensitive stomachs can also eat it.
The Honest Kitchen Turkey Recipe
Key features:
- Made with real free-range turkey, fruits, and vegetables
- Dehydrated whole foods maintain their vitamins and minerals
- Free of grains, corn, wheat, soy, and added sugars
- Contains no by-products, preservatives, GMO ingredients, and chemicals
- Made in the US
There are dogs who don’t like commercial food so much. There may be several reasons for this. They may prefer natural flavors and textures. They may also have been given too much homemade dog food or treats.
Whatever the exact reason, be sure to consider The Honest Kitchen Turkey Recipe. This dog food tastes very good and is a perfect solution for picky eating dogs. Real free-range turkey, fruits, and vegetables make this recipe really unique. It is 100% human-grade, which means it contains only premium quality ingredients.
Savory flavor can be quite tempting for dogs, and you don’t have to be afraid of harmful ingredients either. The product does not contain grains, GMOs, artificial additives, and antibiotics. Serving is easy, all you have to do is add water.
Nulo Freestyle Grain-Free Salmon & Peas Recipe
Key features:
- Free of grains, chicken, and egg proteins
- 80% animal-based proteins
- Contain Vitamin B and probiotics
- Supports lean muscle mass and a healthy heart
- Contains calcium, phosphorus, wholesome vegetables and fruits
If your dog is bored with the usual chicken and beef recipes, you might want to consider this dog food.
Nulo Freestyle Grain-Free Salmon & Peas Recipe contains 80% real meat. The sources of protein are salmon, turkey, menhaden, and lamb. This product is a perfect choice if you want to feed your dog something else instead of chicken.
But that’s not the only advantage. In addition to good taste, it is also healthy. Added vitamins and probiotics take care of that.
Rachael Ray Nutrish Dish Natural Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Key features:
- Real U.S. farm-raised chicken
- Free of gluten, corn, wheat, and soy
- No by-product meal, fillers, added artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
- Rich in fibers and vitamins
- Added flaxseed and poultry fat
Rachel Ray makes excellent food that is not only mouth-watering but also healthy. If you choose the Natural Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe, your picky dog is guaranteed to love your meals.
The product contains meat kibbles and vegetable kibbles. This is very positive for me, and dogs also love this eating experience. This dog food contains only natural ingredients. The source of protein is chicken, carbohydrates are provided by brown rice, fruits, and vegetables. And that’s not all. The recipe does not contain fillers and artificial additives, chemicals.
Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Turkey & Potato Recipe
Key features:
- Tasty wet food
- Real turkey is the protein source
- Limited-ingredient diet for adult dogs
- Can be mixed with dry food
- Free of grains, by-products, corn, wheat, soy, and artificial ingredients
Thanks to the Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Recipe, dogs don’t have to give up good flavors even if they struggle with sensitivity. Because of the turkey, potatoes, and broth, I don’t think there is a dog that can resist this product.
The ingredients are of high quality, easy to digest, and contribute to the balance of the food. Omega fatty acids contribute to the health of the skin and coat of dogs.
As this dog food does not contain grains, chicken, beef, dairy, eggs, grain, by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives, it can be safely consumed by especially sensitive dogs. The canned wet form contributes to healthy hydration and results in a pleasant texture.
Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken
Key features:
- Cage-free chicken is the first ingredient
- 70% real animal ingredients and nutritious oils
- free of grains, potato, corn, wheat, soy, by-product meal, artificial
- Contains natural probiotics, natural omegas, and antioxidants
- Made in the US
If your picky eating dog likes the Biologically Appropriate Raw Food diet, be sure to consider this product. Instinct Original combines the benefits of commercial food and raw food. Certainly, none of the dogs will be able to resist the special texture of kibbles.
The recipe provides a balanced and healthy diet with added antioxidants and probiotics. It is likely that your dog’s appetite problems will be solved with this product.
Crave High Protein Chicken Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Key features:
- Real, farm-raised chicken as the very first ingredient
- 34% protein content
- Free of by-products, soy, corn, wheat, and artificial ingredients
- Provides the best nutrients
- Made in the US
If you have a picky eating dog, Crave’s product is something to keep in mind. The recipe is very simple but extremely delicious. The primary source of protein is real chicken, which is very nutritious and dogs love it.
It also contains a pork meal, which gives this dish its special and delicious taste. Dogs with sensitive stomachs can also consume it as it does not contain by-products, soy, corn, wheat, and artificial ingredients.
Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach
Key features:
- Highly digestible without corn and soy
- Features real, nutrient-rich salmon
- Good for dogs with sensitive skin and stomach
- Contains omega fatty acids
- Fortified with live probiotics and prebiotic fiber
If you are tired of your dog constantly refusing food, be sure to try this Purina product. Since one of the main reasons for picky eating may be some sensitivity or intolerance, this recipe offers a solution.
Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Formula provides all the necessary nutrients, yet is delicious and healthy. It also contains omega fatty acids, so your dog’s skin and coat will also benefit from this food.
Wellness Ninety-Five Percent Chicken
Key features:
- Tasty and fresh
- Contains high-quality chicken
- Savory and tasty
- Free of by-products, wheat, corn, soy, and artificial ingredients
- Formulated by nutritionists, and veterinarians
Some dogs don’t need to mix a wide variety of flavors. Your dog may not like to eat because he wants something simple. Well, this recipe guarantees this to the maximum. It contains 95% chicken, which far exceeds the meat content of the other products on my list.
Of course, this also means that it does not contain any questionable or harmful ingredients. You can give this food on its own to your dog or mix it with other foods.
Stella & Chewy’s Venison Blend Dinner Patties
Key features:
- Made with grass-fed venison and lamb
- Real raw nutrition
- Free of grains, gluten, fillers, artificial preservatives or colorings
- Enhanced with probiotics to aid in healthy digestion
- Made in the US
Stella & Chewy’s Venison Blend Dinner Patties could by no means be left off my list. If your dog is bored with the usual flavors of regular food, be sure to consider this product.
The food contains novel proteins that are not only nutritious and delicious but do not cause allergies or irritation. The added bones provide extra nutrients and an exciting chewing experience. Your dog will surely love this product.
Nutro Hearty Stew Tender Chicken
Key features:
- Real chicken is the very first ingredient
- Free of by-product meal, corn, soy, wheat, and artificial ingredients
- Features a savory gravy
- Made with non-GMO ingredients
- Made in the US
This food is a stew made practically from pork and chicken. Your dog won’t need more than that. The recipe is rich in protein and provides all the other nutrients you need. It’s free of grains, by-products, additives, fillers, and artificial ingredients. The result is a premium quality mouth-watering dog food that even the pickiest dog will love.
Blue Buffalo Freedom Adult Chicken Recipe
Key features:
- 12-pack of 12.5-ounce cans
- Contains high-quality chicken
- Free of wheat, grains, by-products, corn, soy, and artificial ingredients
- Contains complex carbohydrates
- Easy to serve
I have to admit that I really like Blue Buffalo products. Almost every list on my list has this kind of dog food. The current one also includes two of them. This is a very simple recipe that contains few ingredients. Thus, it is also suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
However, it is also delicious, so if your dog constantly refuses food, you can try this product. High-quality chicken provides the proteins. Carbohydrate sources are carrots and peas, which are well digestible and complex.
Wellness CORE Grain-Free Original Deboned Turkey
Key features:
- Helps optimize overall health
- Contains omega fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals
- Includes premium proteins, fruits, vegetables, and wholesome grains
- Free of by-products, fillers, corn, soy, wheat, gluten, and artificial ingredients
- Encourages lean body mass and muscle tone
Last but not least, here is a Wellness product that I really like. Contains especially premium ingredients. The recipe tastes like chicken and turkey, which is a favorite of almost every dog. In addition, mouth-watering kibbles even contain fresh vegetables and fruits.
In addition to flavor, it is important for its healthy vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals. Due to the added probiotics and omega fatty acids, this is an excellent product that is a good choice for fussy eaters.
My pick
The list above is guaranteed to include the best tasting dog foods for picky eaters. Each recipe is very good, and you can choose any of them. My favorite one is Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe. I really like Blue Buffalo products and I think this formula has a really great taste and texture. But feel free to experiment with brands and flavors. It is possible that your dog will have another recipe as a favorite.
Click here to get my pick from Chewy.
Click here to get it from Amazon.
Finding the best diet for your dog is not easy. You have to consider several aspects, e.g., activity, breed, age, health condition, etc. If you want to make the best decision possible, check out my comprehensive guide on how to choose the best dog food.
Reasons why your dog is picky about food
Your dog may have many preferences regarding food. Sometimes it’s enough to just try until you find the right food for him. In some cases, however, there may be other reasons behind this issue. There may even be a health issue in the background. Let’s see possible explanations for why your dog isn’t eating.
Changes in feeding circumstances
This is a common reason why your dog’s eating habits have changed. Such triggers can be, for example, the environment, food, the feeding bowl, or a change in the height of the feeding bowl. Sometimes your dog may feel uncomfortable at the feeding site (e.g. the presence of an aggressive dog).
Try to think back to when the eating problems started. If there was any change at that time, try to correct it. There is a good chance everything will be normal again.
Bad habits
You also have a great responsibility for what your dog’s eating habits develop. An irregular feeding schedule, lots of treats, and constant changes in food and brands are not a good idea. Try to be much more consistent.
Dental problems
Various dental problems are common in dogs. These are usually very painful. Because of this, your dog may refuse food. If you suspect your dog has something like this, be sure to talk to a veterinarian.
Medication reaction
There are drugs and medications that can cause appetite problems. Sometimes issues like this only come up later. Be sure to tell your veterinarian if your dog is taking or has taken any medication.
Digestive issues
Your dog may not be able to eat food due to a certain intolerance or sensitivity. Examine the ingredients in the product of your choice. If you find questionable things in it (e.g. corn, wheat, soy, preservatives), it’s time to switch.
Dogs can sometimes be sensitive to ingredients that seem completely normal (e.g., chicken). Be sure to find out what is causing the sensitivity or intolerance.
Hormonal changes
Sometimes a hormonal change is a reason your furry friend doesn’t want food. This alone is hard to tell, but your vet will help.
Bad experience
You surely have had food poisoning or something similar before. After such an event, it is difficult to eat food again that caused it. This is also the case with dogs. Always pay attention to the quality of the dog food you buy.
Stress or anxiety
As a result of stress or anxiety, not only humans but also dogs can lose their appetite. Try to exclude these from your dog’s life as well.
Picky dog
Sometimes it is simply not possible to find an explanation for the pickiness of dogs. In that case, the best thing you can do is try to find the food that your pooch will really like. Fortunately, you can read about the best products in my article.
What ingredients should you consider in foods for picky eater dogs?
Obviously, every dog can have different tastes and preferences. However, there are ingredients that every dog simply loves. If you pay attention to a few things, chances are you’ll find the best tasting dog food for your canine. Let’s look at these:
Meat
I have never met a dog who did not like meat. If your dog is not interested in the brand of your choice, you may want to look at its protein source. Real meat is best because it is also mouth-watering for dogs. Look for a dog food that is high in meat protein.
Fats
Fats are excellent sources of energy, essential for overall health, and make food finer and more desirable. Animal fats have the most delicious taste. Of course, you need to be aware of how much fat your dog can consume. Talk to your veterinarian about this.
Broth
Many times, increased moisture will solve your dog’s pickiness. Try switching from kibble to canned wet food. Look for foods that have broth or gravy.
Vegetables and fruits
A lot of dogs love greens. Broccoli and spinach are just two examples of what you can try. Pumpkins and various fruits also make food irresistible to your dog.
Related Health Based Dog Food Guides:
- Best Dog Food To Prevent Gas
- Best Dog Foods For Arthritis
- Best Dog Food For Allergies
- Best Dog Food For Acid Reflux
- Best Dog Food For Bladder Stones
- Best Dog Food For Less Poop
- Best Dog Food For Liver Disease
- Best High-Calorie Dog Food
- Best Dog Food For Urinary Health
- Best Dog Food For Seizures
- Best Puppy Foods For Sensitive Stomach
What else can you do if your dog doesn’t want to eat?
Buying the best tasting dog food can help a lot with the problem. The following tips can be an additional help in case your pup is pickier than he needs to be.
- Appropriate feeding schedule: Regularity is key. Create a feeding schedule and stick to it. Between meals, only rarely and in justified cases, give your dog leftovers from the table or treats.
- Arouse interest: Dogs often behave like children. After all, they’re our kids too, right? As with babies, you can try to make your meals more interesting. For example, a new special food dispenser might be good for this.
- Variety of foods: It’s great if you have found the perfect brand. However, no matter how much you love your mother’s broth, I’m sure you don’t want to eat it every day for months or years. Dogs can also get bored of a certain food. Even if you stick to a brand, still, introduce new flavors to your dog from time to time.
- Exercise before meals: Exercise and playing sessions can bring your dog’s appetite. Not to mention that a lot of activity is healthy.
- Stress factors: Many times, stress causes a loss of appetite in dogs. Pay attention to the signs and, if necessary, change the environment so that your dog is not exposed to stressors.
Frequently asked questions about the best tasting dog food
What is the best tasting dog food for picky dogs?
I chose Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe as the best tasting food for picky eater dogs.
How can I make my dogs’ food tastier?
Dogs love broth. If you add a little of this to dog food, it will be much more irresistible. Higher moisture content is much more desirable, but the taste of broth is loved by all dogs. Any broth is fine. You can cook from chicken, beef, but you can also buy stock cubes. Be very careful that the finished broth is low in sodium!
Will a picky dog starve?
Every dog is a little different. Fussy eating is not necessarily a serious problem. However, if your dog does not eat for more than 24 hours, consult your veterinarian immediately. However, a slim and skinny look is not a problem in itself. You can also consult your veterinarian about what your dog’s ideal weight is.
How can I find out if my dog is a picky eater?
If your dog refuses certain foods but not other foods, then you have a picky eater dog. This does not necessarily mean a loss of appetite. This problem is easy to solve by choosing the dog food that tastes best.
How long can a dog endure without eating?
An average dog can go for about two days without eating. You don’t have to worry about it if that happens a few times. However, in the long run, too little caloric intake negatively affects the health of dogs. If your dog does not eat anything for a day, talk to your veterinarian.
Could any medical condition be the reason my dog is a picky eater?
If your dog’s eating habits have suddenly changed, you may want to find out the cause of the problem. There may even be some health problems in the background. Examples are anxiety, intolerance, or any dental disease.
Why does my dog refuse food?
There can be many reasons why a dog does not eat food. Maybe there’s something wrong with the taste of dog food, or just boredom. But some health problems can also be the cause, such as anxiety or intolerance.
How can I improve my dog’s appetite?
There are some tricks you can try. Change the brand or taste of your dog food. Try to work out a feeding schedule. Try to make eating more fun in some way (e.g. food dispenser). Exercising before a meal can also boost your puppy’s appetite.
Can too many treats make my dog picky?
Treats have a strong taste in most cases, and it’s not good for your dog to get used to this. After a while, your pooch will not enjoy the taste of regular dog food.
Can a dog get bored with one kind of dog food?
Of course, just like humans, dogs can get bored with the same food after a long time. Sometimes try new variations, new flavors. You can also switch between wet and dry foods.
What is the most popular ingredient for dogs in dog food?
The favorite ingredient varies from dog to dog, as dogs may have different tastes. Most of them love meat. Usually chicken is the most popular kind of meat, but of course after a while they can also get bored of its taste.
Is raw dog food tastier?
Most dogs prefer raw foods. This is because these foods are closer to the ancient diet of dogs. They have a special texture and are juicier.
How can I make dry food more desirable for my dog?
Basically, the easiest way to get our dog to eat dry food is added moisture. It can be a little warm water or a broth. But you can also try yogurt or eggs.
Can I use dog food flavor enhancers?
It may be a good idea to use dog food flavor enhancers. These improve the taste, aroma, and texture of the food. With this simple trick, you can easily get your picky eating dog to eat. Pay close attention to the flavor enhancing ingredients. Avoid artificial additives and lots of sodium.
Should I keep changing the dog’s food flavors?
Sometimes it is strongly recommended to switch to another dog food variation. This will prevent our dog from getting bored of a certain type of food. Make sure the switching is slow and gradual. Rapid switching can trigger negative reactions.
Resources for this article:
