My picky eater won't touch the new food! Help!

Hey everyone, my 3-year-old lab mix is being so stubborn! I switched to a new brand of kibble (supposedly healthier) and he just sniffs it and walks away. He'll eat treats but ignores his meals. Anyone have tips for getting a picky dog to eat new food? Or good toppers that might help? Brands that worked for your fussy pets?

I feel you! My chow chow does this every time I try to save money with a new brand lol. What worked for me: mixing in a spoonful of canned pumpkin (not pie filling!) or a bit of plain yogurt. Also, check Chewy's deals section—sometimes they have sample packs of different brands so you can test without committing to a big bag. I got my dog to finally eat the Costco brand after adding some bone broth (low sodium!).

As a big dog lover (I have two Danes!), I'd suggest ruling out health issues first—sudden refusal to eat can sometimes mean dental pain or tummy trouble. If he's healthy, try a slow transition: mix 25% new food with 75% old for a few days, then 50/50, etc. For toppers, a little warm water or low-sodium chicken broth can make the kibble smell more appealing. Avoid too many rich toppers long-term though—can cause pickiness!

lol my shiba client does this all the time—they're so dramatic about food changes! One trick that works for some dogs I walk: sprinkle a tiny bit of parmesan cheese (the powdery kind) or crumble a freeze-dried liver treat on top. Also, make sure you're not over-treating between meals! Sometimes they hold out for the good stuff. I've seen dogs finally cave after 12 hours, but check with your vet if you're worried.

Not a dog expert but my bearded dragon did this with new greens once—turns out he just wanted them chopped finer! Maybe try wetting the kibble or mixing with a bit of the old food? Also, consistency in feeding times helped my reptile adjust. Good luck!