The Best Dog Food for Picky Eaters: Reviewed and Ranked

Written by Austin S.
Updated: January 13, 2023
©

Advertisement


This post may contain affiliate links to our partners like Chewy, Amazon, and others. Purchasing through these helps us further the A-Z Animals mission to educate about the world's species.

So, you’ve got a picky eater on your hands? If you do, then you may be wondering what is the best dog food for picky eaters. Most dog parents have faced this challenge at some point, so if your pooch is refusing to eat whatever you give them, you’re not alone.  It’s not easy to have a dog who’s fussy with food. There is no shortage of brands promising to provide dog food for your furry friend, but most of the time, they won’t!

Not only is this frustrating, but you could lose a lot of money in the process. With this in mind, we decided to track down the best dog foods for picky eaters to make sure they deliver. This way, you can watch your situation go from untouched food bowls to food bowls that are licked clean.

  1. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
    • Contains bison and venison
    • Delicious dog-approved taste
    • High in protein
    • Contains vitamins and minerals from real fruits
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  2. Wellness CORE RawRev Grain-Free Healthy Weight Recipe
    • Contains delicious turkey liver and heart
    • High fiber-to-fat ratio
    • No unnecessary additives
    • Contains salmon oil for healthy omega-3 fatty acids
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  3. Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care Grain-Free Turkey & Potato Senior Canned Dog Food
    • Contains turkey broth for extra moisture
    • Added vitamins and minerals
    • Contains a single animal protein source - deboned turkey
    • Grain-free 
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  4. Merrick Backcountry Freeze-Dried Raw Puppy Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
    • Blend of real, freeze-dried raw-coated kibble and freeze-dried raw bites
    • Grain-free
    • The first ingredient is real deboned chicken
    • High levels of omega fatty acids
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  5. Canisource Grand Cru Red Meat Dehydrated Dog Food
    • Excellent for picky eaters with sensitive stomachs
    • A raw diet that is easy to digest
    • A high fiber content for improved digestion
    • No artificial flavors, coloring, and by-products
    Check Chewy

Top Picks: The Best Dog Food for Picky Eaters Today

#1. Best Overall: Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

According to our review, the Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is the best choice for picky eaters. In some cases, all you have to do is change a few things to get your dog to eat again. With Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dog Food, you’re certainly stepping up your game. Water buffalo is the main component in this dog food, so it’ll probably taste very different than anything else your dog has ever eaten.

Not only is it a unique protein source for your dog to enjoy, but it’s also high in protein, and, surprisingly, it’s affordable. There is no need to worry about your dog’s picky palate with this option since it is safe and likely to be enjoyed by even the pickiest eaters. The only major downside we’ve found is that some owners believe that the texture and overall recipe is a bit bland. However, if your dog is picky about texture and smells, then this might not be a bad thing.

Pros and Cons of the Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

ProsCons
Water buffalo protein is a unique source of protein in the recipe.The overall dog food can be a bit bland compared to other options.
The price of this dog food is quite reasonable.
It contains a high amount of protein.
Overall Best
Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
  • Contains bison and venison
  • Delicious dog-approved taste
  • High in protein
  • Contains vitamins and minerals from real fruits
Check Chewy Check Amazon

2. Best Food For Weight Control: Wellness CORE RawRev Grain-Free Healthy Weight Recipe

Try Wellness CORE RawRev Grain-Free Healthy Weight Recipe if your dog is a picky eater and you’re concerned about them gaining too much weight.

The fat and additives in dog food for picky eaters are often intended to entice them into eating. The extra calories your dog consumes might lead to it gaining a lot of weight if it isn’t active enough to burn them off. You’ll be able to enjoy feeding your dog the Wellness CORE RawRev Healthy Weight Recipe with its high fiber-to-fat ratio and its delicious turkey liver and heart.

Dogs will benefit from the high levels of omega-3 fatty acids in Wellness CORE’s deboned turkey and chicken meal. As well as additional flavor and joint support, there are no unnecessary calories. Additionally, it boosts the immune system and aids digestion.

The recipe does use high-glycemic potatoes, however, which is a downside. Therefore, this would not be the best option for a diabetic dog.

Pros and Cons of the Wellness CORE RawRev Grain-Free Healthy Weight Recipe

ProsCons
The protein content is high.The formula contains high-glycemic potatoes.
Formulated without extra fats or additives to entice dogs to eat it.
Contains salmon oil for added joint support and bone development.
It is lower in fat and calories than other options.
Best For Weight Control
Wellness CORE RawRev Grain-Free Healthy Weight Recipe
  • Contains delicious turkey liver and heart
  • High fiber-to-fat ratio
  • No unnecessary additives
  • Contains salmon oil for healthy omega-3 fatty acids
Check Chewy Check Amazon

3. Best For Picky Seniors: Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care Grain-Free Turkey & Potato Senior Canned Dog Food

It may be time to try feeding your senior dog Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care Grain-Free Turkey & Potato Senior Canned Dog Food if they have been exhibiting some picky eating habits.

As your dog gets older, many dog foods lose their appeal to them. This is because of a change in their dietary requirements and preferences. The Blue Buffalo canned dog food is great for seniors who have become fussy with their taste in dog food.

Many senior dogs can’t chew dry food or don’t enjoy it as much, while some simply don’t enjoy certain ingredients. Dogs with digestive issues will benefit from this Blue Buffalo dog food because it contains one animal protein source: deboned turkey. It also has glucosamine, turkey broth, and potatoes for added benefits. Overall, it is packed with lots of vitamins and minerals to keep your senior dog healthy and happy. Keep in mind, however, that there are limited flavor options.

Pros and Cons of the Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care Grain-Free Turkey & Potato Senior Canned Dog Food

ProsCons
This is a great dog food option for senior dogs.There are limited flavor options.
The recipe contains deboned turkey for protein, which is easy to digest.
Contains turkey broth to provide extra moisture to the recipe.
The recipe is packed with lots of vitamins and minerals.
Best For Picky Seniors
Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care Grain-Free Turkey & Potato Senior Canned Dog Food
  • Contains turkey broth for extra moisture
  • Added vitamins and minerals
  • Contains a single animal protein source - deboned turkey
  • Grain-free 
Check Chewy Check Amazon

4. Best For Picky Puppies: Merrick Backcountry Freeze-Dried Raw Puppy Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Among the best dry dog foods for picky puppies, we recommend Merrick Backcountry Freeze-Dried Raw Puppy Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food. A perfect blend of freeze-dried raw-coated kibble and freeze-dried raw bites makes this dog food perfect for even the fussiest pups. Dry food tastes better and is easier to enjoy when it contains these flavors and textures.

The Merrick Backcountry Dog food features the right ingredients to support healthy muscle growth, brain development, and joint support for growing pups. For starters, the main ingredient of this recipe is chicken. Salmon is also included to give it an extra protein boost. The product also contains taurine and chondroitin, which help build bones and muscles. For some dog owners, however, this formula’s lower fiber content may put them off. Additionally, it is more expensive per pound.

Pros and Cons of the Merrick Backcountry Freeze-Dried Raw Puppy Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

ProsCons
A picky puppy will enjoy the flavors and textures of this dog food.The recipe has a lower fiber percentage.
Chicken is the first ingredient in the recipe.This dog food is more expensive per pound compared to other options.
Salmon is added to the dog food to provide extra protein.
Bone and muscle development are helped with taurine and chondroitin in this dog food.
Best For Puppies
Merrick Backcountry Freeze-Dried Raw Puppy Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
  • Blend of real, freeze-dried raw-coated kibble and freeze-dried raw bites
  • Grain-free
  • The first ingredient is real deboned chicken
  • High levels of omega fatty acids
Check Chewy Check Amazon

5. Best For Sensitive Picky Eaters: Canisource Grand Cru Red Meat Dehydrated Dog Food

The Canisource Grand Cru Red Meat Dehydrated Dog Food is perfect for picky eaters who are sensitive to most food options.  

The main reason to feed your dog a raw diet is that it is easy to digest and does not cause inflammation or food sensitivities as dry kibble can. There are, of course, some precautions to take when giving a raw diet. Raw food manufacturers specialize in developing raw food that meets the needs of dogs, but you should always read the label and follow the directions for feeding.

Canisource Grand Cru Dehydrated dog food is the way to go if your dog has a sensitive stomach or is particular about what they eat. This formula is human-grade, so you can even eat it. Even so, we’d rather you didn’t. Uncooked meat doesn’t sit well with humans. 

Glucosamine, an essential component of muscles, is found in high concentrations in pork and beef. Additionally, the recipe does not contain artificial flavors, colors, or by-products. This food isn’t particularly hydrating, so it may not be ideal if your dog has diarrhea or other issues like that often.

Pros and Cons of the Canisource Grand Cru Red Meat Dehydrated Dog Food

ProsCons
This is a great food option for picky eaters with sensitive stomachs.There isn’t a lot of moisture in this recipe.
The red meat formula provides a lot of protein.
Artificial flavors, colors, and by-products are not used in this recipe.
Best For Sensitive Eaters
Canisource Grand Cru Red Meat Dehydrated Dog Food
  • Excellent for picky eaters with sensitive stomachs
  • A raw diet that is easy to digest
  • A high fiber content for improved digestion
  • No artificial flavors, coloring, and by-products
Check Chewy

What to Look For in the Best Dog Foods for Picky Eaters

Finding a dog food that your picky pooch is going to love can be a tough task, especially when you have to spend time, effort, and money on the search. In reality, taking care of a picky eater can be a challenge when you haven’t found a flavor and brand that they enjoy. In light of the above, there is a wide range of options out there, and they are all claiming to be able to provide you with the solutions you seek. However, how do you know which one will actually work for you and your pooch? 

Here are the main things to consider when choosing dog food for picky eaters: 

  • Age 
  • Preferences 
  • Breed
  • Sensitivities 

Following is a detailed description of each of these factors:

Age

It is not uncommon for puppies and seniors to be particularly picky when it comes to food. If you’re buying dog food, be sure to take your pet’s age into account. To make this process easier, you can buy dog food specifically formulated for your dog’s current age.

Preferences

Salmon is a favorite of some dogs, while chicken is a favorite of others. It’s important to know what your dog prefers and to find the best dog food that contains these ingredients. Dry food is preferred by some dogs over wet food, and vice versa. As you’ve probably realized, finding good dog food requires lots of trial and error.

Breed

Several brands of dog food make their dog food specifically tailored to appeal to particular breeds of dogs. It is a good idea to choose a dog food that is prepared for your breed and observe how quickly they adapt to it.

Sensitivities

There is a possibility that your dog is not eating because they don’t like the way the dog food makes them feel. Perhaps their body reacts to the dog food, and they would prefer not to let that happen by refusing to eat. Be aware of your dog’s sensitivities and allergies and make sure you stay away from those things.

Up Next

About the Author

Growing up in rural New England on a small scale farm gave me a lifelong passion for animals. I love learning about new wild animal species, habitats, animal evolutions, dogs, cats, and more. I've always been surrounded by pets and believe the best dog and best cat products are important to keeping our animals happy and healthy. It's my mission to help you learn more about wild animals, and how to care for your pets better with carefully reviewed products.

The Best Dog Food for Picky Eaters: Reviewed and Ranked FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

How much is dog food for picky eaters?

Due to their special formulation to appeal to picky dogs, these dog foods tend to contain a lot more high-quality ingredients and constituents. Due to this, they may be a bit more expensive. The cost of dog food for picky eaters could range from $20 to $200.

Is it normal for dogs to be picky eaters?

While it might be more trouble than you would expect, lots of dogs end up being picky when it comes to food. This is common in the puppy stage and when they become seniors.

How do I know my dog is a picky eater?

It’s somewhat easy to spot a picky eater. They will show signs of not eating their food even when you switch up brands and types of dog food.

How can I improve my dog's appetite?

First, pay a visit to the vet and have your puppy checked out. If the specialist has ruled out any disorders or complications, you can switch up foods and brands until finding what works.

How do I find out if my dog’s food has been recalled?

As of January 13, 2023, none of the foods on this list have ever been recalled. However, you can check the FDA database for pet food recalls here: https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/safety-health/recalls-withdrawals.

 

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.