Some dogs can be fussy or picky eaters.
It’s something I know all about as my Alaskan Klee Kai Copper and Skye used to be notoriously fussy about their meals.
This caused me a major headache as I simply couldn’t get them to regularly finish their meals, despite changing their food, feeding times and more.
It resulted in a spate of stomach problems followed by regular trips to the emergency vet, which proved costly in terms of money and morale.
However, I found that dog food delivery that produce fresh meals delivered direct to my doorstep finally resolved the issue.
Editor's note: The content on this website is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as veterinary, medical or professional advice. The content of our articles does not constitute veterinary advice. It’s always best to speak with your vet or a certified pet nutritionist before making any changes to your pet's diet or feeding routine.
With this in mind, I’ve taken a look at some of the best tasting dog food for picky eaters.
In this article, I will suggest my three top picks for fussy eaters based upon my experience.
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Best Dog Food For Fussy Eaters
| Rating | Summary | Website | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nom Nom |
|
• Rip-and-serve meals • Four recipes • Top ingredients | Buy Now | |
| Ollie |
|
• Scooper • Flexibility • Resealable trays | Buy Now | |
| Spot & Tango |
|
• Experienced • 12 ingredients • Eco-friendly | Buy Now |
1) Ollie
Website: www.myollie.com
Ollie provide fresh and healthy dog meals (Photo: Ollie)
Ollie – The Basics
Ollie are a dog food delivery company looking to provide pet parents in the USA with a healthy alternative for their dogs.
Their website explains that their meals use the very best fruit and vegetables as well as human-grade meat. You won’t need to worry about any nasties in their food.
Ollie customise their meals to meet your picky eater’s specific needs, so if they need to gain weight then they’ve got you covered.
Pet parents will need to enter key details about their dog such as age, breed, weight, activity level, body type and allergies.
Like most dog food delivery companies, they offer a variety of recipes so your dog will have a fantastic selection of meals to choose from. You can mix and match too!
Right now Ollie are offering free two-day delivery so if you’ve got a fussy eater who is currently refusing their grub, you could be serving your pup Ollie’s fresh meals in just over 48 hours.
Recipes
Ollie have four tasty meals that they can offer dog owners with fussy eaters. Their menu should satisfy the tastebuds of the even the pickiest dogs.
Hearty Beef Eats – Beef, beef heart, beef kidney, sweet potato, beef liver, peas, potato, carrot, spinach, chia seed, dicalcium phosphate, sunflower oil, blueberries, calcium carbonate, fish oil (preserved with tocopherols), iodized salt, zinc gluconate, basil, rosemary, vitamin E supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), riboflavin (Vitamin B2).
Chicken Goodness – Chicken, chicken gizzard, carrot, green peas, chicken liver, chia seed, long grain rice, spinach, potato, egg, blueberries sunflower oil, dicalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, fish oil, iodized salt, cod liver oil, zinc gluconate, basil, rosemary, vitamin E, pyridoxine hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), riboflavin (Vitamin B2).
Healthy Turkey Feast – Ground turkey, pumpkin, turkey thigh, turkey liver, turkey heart, carrot, turkey gizzard, lentils, kale, blueberries, coconut oil, chia seeds, dicalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, cod liver oil, salt, zinc gluconate, ferrous sulfate, vitamin E supplement, manganese sulfate, potassium iodate.
Tasty Lamb Fare – lamb heart, lamb, butternut squash, rutabaga, chickpeas, potato, lamb liver, cranberries, kale, strawberries, dicalcium phosphate, iodized salt, cod liver oil, calcium carbonate, zinc gluconate, taurine, ferrous sulfate, vitamin E.
Why Are They Good For Fussy Eaters?
If your dog’s meal doesn’t smell great, then you can’t blame them for being disinterested. Ollie’s meals look tasty, smell tasty and judging by my dog’s reaction are tasty.
Our Verdict
We recruited a friend with an eight-year old Alaskan Klee Kai called Mercer to give these meals a taste test. Mercer was traditionally a fussy eater, slow to finish his meals.
However, this mini husky showed a new-found enthusiasm at mealtime when he gave Ollie a try, much to the surprise of his mom, Alexis. She was delighted to see how excited Mercer was when it was time for some Ollie food.
Such was the extent of Mercer’s transformation at mealtime that Alexis has signed up to Ollie on a full-time basis after their successful trial with the dog food company.
What Do Customers Have To Say?
Ollie have an average rating of 4.3 stars on independent website Trustpilot. Nearly 90 per cent of the reviews are excellent or great.
One pet owner with a fussy dog shed light on her experience with Ollie:
I may have the pickiest dog when it comes to her food. I have tried several brands of food but resolved to cooking ground chicken and sweet potatos to add to Mocha’s kibble. I broke my ankle and had to have surgery so getting to the store, and even cooking is a struggle. I crossed my fingers and ordered the 2 week trial if Ollie food. Mix it in her kibble and Mocha loves it!
A Chihuahua owner explained the impact Ollie’s meals had on her dog.
I fed Nahdri a sample of Ollie that I got at an event, and she gobbled it up in less than a minute. I knew right away that this is the dog food I needed to get her. She loves it and gets excited for breakfast and dinner now.
Do Ollie Offer A Discount?
Our readers can get 50% off their first order from Ollie when using the coupon code “HELLOBARK” at checkout. To avail of this offer, click this link and use the “HELLOBARK” discount code.
Wrapping Up
In our experience, Ollie are a great option for dog owners with pups who are slow to finish their meals or are traditionally fussy about their food.
We’ve seen the benefits of their meals firsthand and how crazy even the fussiest Alaskan Klee Kai are about their fresh dog food.
They’ve got four different recipes that should be able to satisfy the tastebuds of even the pickiest of our four-legged friends.
For more information and to order now: www.myollie.com
2) Nom Nom
Website: www.nomnomnow.com
Alaskan Klee Kai Skye eyes some Nom Nom during a walk in San Francisco (Photo: @lifewithkleekai / Instagram)
Nom Nom – The Basics
Nom Nom are a San Francisco company that are providing human-grade meals for pets in the USA. They offer a completely fresh approach to dog food nutrition.
Your fussy dog will have the chance to taste their recipes which use fresh fruit and veg as well as USDA-approved meat, combining restaurant quality ingredients to make delicious meals.
They will require some key details about your dog to customise their meals to meet your dog’s specific requirements. You can even drop them a note in their questionnaire if your dog is a fussy pup.
Nom Nom write on their website that they make sure their meals are sourced, cooked, mixed and packed with care. They oversee each step in their two cooking facilities to make sure everything is right.
We love that their meals come in pre-portioned pouches so you’ll know exactly how much to feed your dog. So when you see your pup go from fussy pup to greedy pup, you won’t overfeed.
Just like Ollie, they’ve got four different recipes on their tasty menu, and you can mix-and-match if you want to give your dog some variety.
Recipes
Nom Nom have four tasty recipes on offer for pet parents, so you have a good selection for your four-legged friend.
• Porkalicious Potluck – Pork, Potatoes, Kale, Green beans, Mushrooms, Nom NomNutrient Mix and Fish oil.
• Chicken Chow-Wow – Diced chicken, Sweet potatoes, Yellow squash, Spinach, Nom NomNutrient Mix and Fish oil.
• Tasty Turkey Fare – Ground turkey, Brown rice, Carrots, Spinach, Egg, Nom NomNutrient Mix and Fish oil.
• Heartland Beef Mash – Ground beef, Potatoes, Carrots, Peas, Vitamin A, C, K & B6, Egg, Nom NomNutrient Mix, Fish oil.
Why Are They Good For Fussy Eaters?
Nom Nom use simple ingredients that you know and can pronounce. There’s absolutely no hidden nasties in their meals. They use a vet nutritionist to help formulate their meals to ensure they’re perfectly balanced and complete. You can also order a variety pack so your dog can sample all four recipes.
Our Verdict
Copper and Skye the Alaskan Klee Kai with their first Nom Nom delivery (Photo: @lifewithkleekai / Instagram)
It’s no secret that we rate Nom Nom highly, having tried their meals on my two Alaskan Klee Kai, Copper and Skye. They were the starting point on our dog food delivery journey.
My dogs were traditionally very fussy and went off their kibble at around six months of age. It was a stressful period but a chance meeting at the dog park introduced me to Nom Nom.
When my first order came, I was astounded by how fascinated my Klee Kai were with their new meals. They showed excitement when I opened the fridge to take out their meals and they licked the bowl clean every time they were fed.
Thanks to Nom Nom, my dogs are no longer struggling with any health problems. Their upset stomachs are a thing of the past and their stools are round and solid.
What Do Customers Have To Say?
Nom Nom have an average rating of 4.6 on independent website Trustpilot.
One customer with a picky eater was delighted to see her dog motivated at mealtime:
My dog Leo and I are so happy we made the switch to Nom Nom! He was such a poor eater and now he is eating and has more energy. So glad we found you!
A pet parent with three dogs was thrilled to see her canine crew take to these meals:
I discovered Nom Nom. I am simply amazed that after three weeks she loves the food there’s no more wasted food she eats twice a day with no hassle. I would recommend this food to anybody who has a picky eater or even some one who has pets that you want to give better food too I’m simply amaze.
Do Nom Nom Offer A Discount?
If you’d like to give Nom Nom a try, you can get a 50% discount off your first order by clicking this link.
Wrapping Up
I can’t recommend Nom Nom enough. If you’ve got a fussy dog like me, you won’t regret making the switch over.
Their meals genuinely look fit for human consumption which is testament to the fresh and natural ingredients they use.
If your dog is a picky eater, Nom Nom is a safe bet. Take it from me and a couple of my fellow Klee Kai owners. If my dogs took to it, I’m sure most other dogs will.
For more information and to order now: www.nomnomnow.com
3) Spot & Tango
Website: www.spotandtango.com
Spot & Tango Unkibble (Photo: Spot & Tango)
Spot & Tango – The Basics
Spot & Tango are a very experienced dog food delivery company operating within the market at the moment.
Your dog will be in good hands with this company given their experience, simplistic and eco-friendly approach.
They’re confident that they can satisfy even the fussiest dogs but they offer a 100% Happy Pup Guarantee if not. That means you’ll get your money back if your dog doesn’t like their recipes.
We really like how Spot & Tango use 12 ingredients in each of their recipes so there’s complete transparency about what goes into each meal.
Their ingredients are sourced locally so you’re doing your bit for US companies, which is important during the Coronavirus pandemic.
Recipes
Spot & Tango offer a range of three recipes to keep your dogs happy, healthy and motivated about their food.
Turkey & Red Quinoa – Turkey, Red Quinoa, Apple, Spinach, Carrots, Peas, Eggs, Parsley, Apple Cider Vinegar, Safflower Oil, Vegetable Stock, Spot & Tango’s natural blend of vitamins & minerals.
Beef & Millet – Beef, Millet, Cranberries, Spinach, Carrots, Peas, Egg, Parsley, Apple Cider Vinegar, Safflower Oil, Vegetable Stock, Spot & Tango’s natural blend of vitamins & minerals.
Lamb & Brown Rice – Lamb, Brown Rice, Blueberries, Spinach, Carrots, Peas, Egg, Parsley, Apple Cider Vinegar, Safflower Oil, Vegetable Stock, Spot & Tango’s natural blend of vitamins & minerals.
Why Are They Good For Fussy Eaters?
Spot & Tango have a great variety of recipes that use simple ingredients. We like that you have a 100% happy pup guarantee. If your dog isn’t happy with their meal, you can get a full refund. This can give you peace of mind if you’re worried about the cost and your dog still turning their nose up at the food.
Our Verdict
We recruited a special taste tester called Roenick to try out Spot & Tango. He’s a nine-year old Pitbull Boxer mix who has been a picky eater in the past. Here’s what is owner Lauren had to say:
Roenick was immediately excited. Right when I opened the box, even when the meals were frozen, he was sniffing it and ready to try it. After a couple of days and getting him use to the food, Roenick’s coat was softer and looked shinier.
His breath also wasn’t as bad compared to other dog food he has eaten, his bowel movements were healthier looking, and he drank a lot more water than usual (which is good, because I always thought he should drink more). Most importantly, he loved the taste of the food – he was excited to eat and now he doesn’t beg for human food as much!
What Do Customers Have To Say?
Spot & Tango have a review section on their website full of five-star testimonials.
Let’s hear from one customer who shed light on her experience with her picky eater.
Kyrie has historically been a horrible eater and she loves Spot & Tango. when I take the package out of the fridge, she spins and dances around waiting for the food to hit her bowl! Thanks to you, meals are no longer stressful because she eats!
A Greyhound owner had a similarly great experience:
I have a very picky 11-year-old retired racing Greyhound, so the challenge of finding high quality food she will actually eat that doesn’t cost a small fortune was a big one. I had tried a few other fresh/lightly cooked dog food delivery services before finding Spot & Tango, and I absolutely love how convenient & affordable it is, and my senior girl seems to have the energy of a puppy, so win/win.
Do Spot & Tango Offer A Discount?
New Spot & Tango customers can get 50% off their first box, which is an offer exclusive to our readers on our website. To get your 50% discount, click here.
Wrapping Up
Spot & Tango are a brilliant option for pet parents with a fussy eater. They’ve got a good variety of recipes to keep picky dogs happy and full.
We like their eco-friendly approach to their service, so you won’t be feeding your picky eater at the expense of the environment.
They use pre-portioned packages so you can exercise portion control even though you might be tempted to overfeed given your dog’s new-found relish for these meals.
If you’re a new Spot & Tango customer you can avail of our exclusive 50% discount off your first order when you click here.
Reasons Why Dog Food Delivery Companies Can Help Fussy Eaters
We really believe dog food delivery companies can help pet owners with picky eaters like my Alaskan Klee Kai. Here is my article on the best dog food delivery companies in the USA.
RELATED: The eight best dog food delivery companies
Let’s take a look at some of the reasons to give dog food delivery companies a try.
Fresh And Tasty Ingredients – We take great care to make sure we are eating healthy meals that use nutritious ingredients. So why shouldn’t we show our dogs the same duty of care.
Customised Meals For Your Fussy Dog – The great thing about dog food delivery companies is that they tailor their meals for your dog. So you can have peace of mind knowing that your precious pooch is getting a balanced and complete meal.
Lots Of Recipe Variety – If you’ve got fussy eaters like me, you’ll know how important recipe variety is. These companies provide an array of different recipes to ensure that your dogs tastebuds will be kept guessing.
Pre-Portioned Meals – I love how easy it is to feed my dogs using these meals. The pre-portioned packages need to be defrosted before you rip and serve directly in your dog’s bowl.
Guarantee – Most dog food delivery companies will give you a refund if your pet doesn’t like their food. You can also get a sample or trial box.
Anything Else To Consider?
It’s important to follow the instructions laid out by dog food delivery companies. You don’t want to make the switch too quickly because you could risk upsetting your pet’s stomach.
Usually, it is recommended that you make the transition to a new type of dog food over a period of two weeks to four weeks.
This article doesn’t constitute professional veterinarian advice so if you have questions you should contact your regular vet.
In Conclusion
So we’ve reached the end of our article on the best dog food for picky eaters. We have singled out three companies that we believe can turn your dog from fussy into obsessed with their meals.
By adopting a fresh approach to your pet’s nutrition, you dog will not only rediscover their appetite and excitement at mealtime, but they should see long-term benefits.
We consider Ollie, Nom Nom and Spot & Tango to be three of the best options for pet parents with fussy eaters, having tried their meals on our own dogs or our friend’s dogs.
