The Best Dog Appetite Stimulants
As a dog owner, you know most canines love to eat. So, if your dog's eating habits have changed, and they're eating less food, that indicates something is wrong. From aging to stress, many things can cause a dog to reduce their food intake. If it has become an ongoing problem, it's a good idea to talk to your vet. You may also want to try an appetite stimulant to help your pup regain their desire to eat. With that in mind, we've rounded up some of the best appetite stimulants the market has to offer.
What to Look For
We recommend keeping the following things in mind when shopping for an appetite stimulant for your dog: Is it made with dog-safe ingredients? Does it come with precise dosing instructions? How long does it take for the product to begin working? Our favorite was the appetite stimulant from Crumps’ Natural, which is easy to sprinkle over your pup’s food for added flavor. We were also impressed with the appetite stimulant from Herbsmith, which uses a mix of real beef and veggies to encourage your furry friend to eat. Keep reading to learn more about our favorites and discover the right one for your pup.
Crumps’ Naturals Beef Liver Dog Appetite Stimulant
Terrific taste
Whether your dog is a picky eater or has days when they’re not interested in eating much, this appetite stimulant from Crumps’ Naturals can help. Its only ingredient is North American-sourced beef liver that’s baked before being ground into a powder ideal for sprinkling over food. The grain-free food topper adds extra flavor to your pup’s meals, which could help encourage them to eat more of it. That’s not all; it also provides your furry friend with an additional source of protein.
Pros:
- Made from 100% premium beef liver
- High in protein, iron, zinc, and omega 3&6
- Can use to entice your dog to eat, as a treat, or as a training aid
- Suitable for dogs of all ages and breeds
Cons:
- Your dog may not want to eat their food without these sprinkles
Dr. Becker’s Big Flakes Dog Appetite Stimulant
Tastebud delight
This appetite stimulant from Dr. Becker’s uses natural ingredients to entice your dog to clean their plate. Even the most finicky dog will have a hard time resisting these tasty flakes, which enhance the flavor of their food. The flakes are made with dried beef and bison liver and don’t contain any grains, gluten, or fillers. They’re easy to use; all you have to do is sprinkle them onto your dog’s food before mealtime, and the savory smell will encourage them to eat.
Pros:
- Made from dried beef and bison liver
- Can help dogs gain weight and simplify the process of changing dog foods
- Doesn’t contain grain, gluten, or fillers
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Flakes are large, so some dogs may pick them out of the food
Herbsmith Kibble Seasoning Dog Appetite Stimulant
Lap it up
Keep your dog happy and their belly full with this delicious appetite stimulant from Herbsmith. The formula includes a blend of natural ingredients, including human-grade fruit, veggies, and raw meat that are freeze-dried to lock in flavor and preserve essential vitamins and minerals. The result is a food topper that even the pickiest eaters find hard to resist. You can add it to your pup’s wet food or kibble to give their meals an extra dose of protein, nutrients, and flavor.
Pros:
- Made with real meat and whole fruits and vegetables
- Freeze-dried to protect nutrients and maintain flavor
- Doesn’t contain any grains, fillers, additives, or preservatives
- Comes in an easy-to-sprinkle formula
Cons:
- It sometimes clumps up and sticks to the food bowl when it dries
Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Dog Appetite Stimulant
Spoil your pup with this appetite stimulant from Stella & Chewy’s, which comes in four tempting flavors: chicken, duck, beef, and bacon. No matter how picky your furry friend is, it’s unlikely they’ll be able to resist this meal topper made from freeze-dried organic fruits and vegetables. The formula contains 95% beef, organs, and bone, giving it a high protein content that’s suitable for small and large dogs alike. It doesn’t end there; it’s also fortified with added vitamins, minerals, and probiotics to help keep your pup as healthy as possible.
Pros:
- Available in multiple flavors
- Made from grass-fed meat
- Fortified with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and probiotics
- Helps support immune system health
Cons:
- It would be easier to use if it came in a shaker bottle
Etta Says Liver Sprinkles Dog Appetite Stimulant
Getting your dog to eat when they don’t want to is no easy task, but this appetite stimulant from Etta Says is ready to help. Its only ingredient is all-natural liver, so you know exactly what your pooch is getting every time you sprinkle it on their food. Moreover, it contains no fillers, additives, preservatives, or by-products. These sprinkles are a great addition to the diet of picky eaters and may help dogs recovering from illness or injury regain their desire to eat.
Pros:
- Enhances the flavor of your pup’s meals
- Only contains all-natural freeze-dried liver
- Can be sprinkled on your dog’s food or used as a snack
- An excellent choice for picky eaters and dogs recovering from injury or illness
Cons:
- Only available in one flavor
How can I help increase my dog’s appetite naturally?
Eliminating treats and snacks, exercising, and ensuring they’re getting enough water are all natural ways you can attempt to increase your dog’s appetite. The more energy your dog expends playing during the day, the hungrier they’ll be when it’s time to eat if they don’t have any underlying health problems. Likewise, keeping your dog hydrated and stress-free during the day can also help ensure they have an appetite and dinner time. If none of these things work, we recommend taking them to the vet for a check-up.
How can I encourage my elderly to eat more?
Placing their food dish in a quiet area, giving them appetizing food, and ensuring they’re getting the right nutrients are a few of the ways you can encourage your older dog to eat more. You should also stick to a routine by always feeding them in the same room at the same time of day. You can also use an appetite stimulant that activates their sense of taste and smell to get them to eat more.
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