Should I bother switching food?

[Karen & Maple]

Illness and a blad diet last summer led to a picky eater. I've tried the 'if you're hungry, you'll eat' approach, but failed. Personally I have no problem giving her a little healthy lean meat, sweet potato, a little cheese, yogurt etc. I actually like the idea of some 'real' food. My vet aggrees, it's not a health issue, tells me she not worried about Maple being obese.

The problem is I don't want this to be a burden for our family / friends when they dog sit. Also it's a pain when we travel.

To boot, when she stayed recently with our family for 2 weeks, she was happy to eat other dogs food- of course not from our recommended list. I'm sure this had something to do with the fact that it's wasn't hers.

Anyways, wondering if I swith her from current food: Fromm, to another-maybe it will renew her interest. Currently switching between Fromm's different formula's in the 4 star line doesn't help.

I'm also sort of looking for an excuse to go with Orijen. But haven't since Fromm is great too, and she been on it from the beginning. Thoughts? I think I know the answer- stick with Fromm and stop with the extras

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Everything she needs is in the kibble, but there is some evidence that adding wet/fresh foods to an otherwise dry diet is beneficial. 

[Oliver & Elizabeth]

Oliver is a very picky eater and only seems to like two varieties of recommended kibble: Orijen Regional Red and Acana Duck and Pear. However, he loves non-recommended inexpensive kibble--so embarrassing, my friends love to tease...

Regardless, even with his two favorites, he like to eat the kibble at his own speed, typically about 15 kibbles at a time (eaten and chewed, one by one). I've tried the hardline approach of taking away his kibble to speed him up, but he just kept missing meals. We now free feed and everyone is happier.

If I need Oliver to eat in the morning because we're going somewhere, I'll give him a little healthy people food (e.g., chicken or beef) or a freeze dried Stella and Chewys patty. At dinner, I give him a little of whatever I cook (or the dog friendly component) and that seems to help stimulate his appetite for kibble. For example, about 20 minutes ago I gave him some beef and he's now eaten about a 1/2 cup of kibble!

Overall, Oliver is a picky eater and I try to work with his quirks, but not bend over backwards--give him a his favorite kibble and small amounts of healthy "people" food or Stella and Chewys in between. I'd recommend Stella and Chewys for you when Maple goes to your friend's house super easy, healthy, and tasty for dogs. Good luck!

[Lori, Daphne, Lucy & Pippa]

Your dog loves the "non-recommended inexpensive kibble" because its the same thing as feeding a plate full of cookies or candy to a child. It may taste great but it is not healthy for them in the long run.

[BG and Gavin]

Gavin was a picky eater until last summer when he needed to go on prednisone for his allergies. His appetite increased significantly during the treatment and once the pills stopped, Gavin maintained his new found interest in eating. I don't have to do any toppers now, but I still do. A couple of table spoons of canned food (I use the stew type) is easy. I cut back the kibble slightly so not to over feed. I heard somewhere that it is a good practice to help prevent bloat, although don't take that to the bank as there is a lot of controversy about what contributes to bloat!

[Nancy and Georgia Brown]

If you want to switch her to Orijen, make the transition and try it out. I'm not sure it will help or make a difference, but all dogs respond differently and it doesn't sound like there is a good reason not to try it.

If she likes the added things you put into her food, maybe you can prepare them ahead and freeze them so that they are available to people dog sitting. I know that some dogs have issues when they are in a new environment, so adding in the things that they are familiar with will make them more comfortable.

[Karen & Maple]

Thanks everyone for your input. It's appreciated!