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On this page, The Dog Food Advisor shares the best dog foods for picky eaters. And we’ll also take an in-depth look at each of our top picks.
But first…
What types of dog food are best for picky eaters?
Since dogs possess a keen sense of smell, certain types of food can be more appealing to finicky eaters.
For example…
Wet dog foods produce natural aromas and more satisfying flavor than highly processed dry kibbles.
Which makes them look and taste more like real food.
Why wet foods are more appealing to dogs
Compared to factory-made dry kibble pellets…
Wet foods are cooked at much lower temperatures. So, they avoid the damage done to delicate vitamins and nutrients during processing.1
Which also makes them more likely to retain their natural flavor, too.
And unlike dry kibble, which contains just 10% water…
Wet dog foods have a natural moisture content of about 75%… more like the healthy human food found in your home refrigerator.
Which also makes them more attractive to picky eaters.
And it’s also WHY you’ll find so many wet recipes on our list below.
What are the top brands for finicky dogs?
On the following list…
We’ll share The Dog Food Advisor’s best dog foods for picky eaters. And we’ll also answer the most frequently asked questions we get about feeding finicky pets.
- Tran QD and others, Effects of extrusion processing on nutrients in dry pet food, Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture 88:1487–1493 (2008) ↩︎
Best Dog Food for Picky Eaters December 2024
Here are The Dog Food Advisor's best dog food brands for picky eaters for December 2024.
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1. Best Dry Dog Food For Picky Eaters: Orijen Original
Orijen Original is one of nine dry recipes contained in our review of the Orijen product line.
This particular dry formula draws the lion’s share of its animal protein from fresh chicken, turkey, flounder and whole mackerel. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 43% protein, 20% fat and 28% estimated carbs, creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 47%.
Champion Petfoods, the respected maker of Orijen, has always advocated for a meat-based, “biologically appropriate” diet. A healthy, fully balanced design makes this high-protein recipe a superior option for picky eaters and pet parents who may worry that their dog isn’t getting all the nutrients they require.
Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Orijen Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Well-rounded and balanced
- High protein
- A generous amount of named meats and organs
Main Ingredients Chicken, turkey, salmon, whole herring, chicken liver Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 43% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Adults and puppies (including large breeds) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My dog is a picky eater who has been very bored with her previous dry food. She eats this Orijen food as soon as I place the bowl down. The premium ingredients make me feel like I have made the correct food choice for my fur baby."
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2. Best Wet Dog Food For Picky Eaters: JustFoodForDogs Pantry Fresh Beef Recipe
JustFoodForDogs Pantry Fresh Beef and Russet Potato received the Dog Food Advisor’s rating of 4 stars.
It’s one of nine recipes in this range made by JustFoodForDogs, a company founded in 2010 by entrepreneur Shawn Buckley.
JustFoodForDogs Pantry Fresh Beef and Russet Potato derives the bulk of its protein from beef, which is naturally rich in all 10 essential amino acids required by a dog to sustain life, helping picky eaters get a well-rounded diet.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 28% protein, 28% fat and 36% carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 100%.
This Pantry Fresh range is vet-recommended, fresh, human-grade food. They can be stored safely for up to two years (refrigeration is only required once opened).
Read our review of the full JustFoodForDogs Pantry Fresh Dog Food range here
Things we like
- Rich in amino acids
- Human-grade ingredients
- Vet-recommended
Main Ingredients Beef, beef hearts, potatoes, carrots, sweet potatoes Texture Wet Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 28.3% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult dogs only Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at JustFoodForDogs.com"My dog relishes whichever fresh food recipe she gets. Not a picky eater. "
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3. Best Fresh Dog Food For Picky Eaters: The Farmer's Dog Beef Recipe
Beef Recipe is one of four fresh formulas included in our review of the Farmer’s Dog fresh product line.
This example recipe derives the better part of its meat protein from fresh beef. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 39% protein, 29% fat and 24% estimated carbs, yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 73%.
The Farmer’s Dog is fresh human-grade dog food designed by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist.
And unlike competing brands…
It was tested for nutritional adequacy using a method we consider superior to AAFCO’s gold standard system. The company conducted live feeding trials on real dogs of multiple breed sizes and ages over six years.
A top choice for picky eaters. Enthusiastically recommended.
Read our review of the full The Farmer’s Dog range here
Things we like
- Nutritionally well-balanced
- Beef protein
- Tested via live feeding trials
Main Ingredients USDA beef, sweet potato, lentils, carrot, USDA beef liver Texture Fresh Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 39% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Adults and puppies (including large breeds) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at TheFarmersDog.com"Pubby is SOOO picky and his stomach is a little sensitive. We made the switch to a fresh food diet…Pubby loves it and we do too! We’re all happy now. #imafarmersdog"
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4. Best Affordable Dog Food For Picky Eaters: Canidae All Life Stages Chicken & Rice Wet Formula
Chicken and Rice Formula is one of four wet recipes evaluated in our review of the Canidae canned dog food product line.
This Canidae All Life Stages formula gets most of its animal protein from fresh chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 41% protein, 30% fat and 22% estimated carbs, producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 72%.
An affordable super-popular, tasty, fully-balanced grain-inclusive wet dog food that’s ideal for both picky puppies and adults, and due to the inclusion of brown rice it can be easily digested. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Canidae All Life Stages Dog Food (Canned) range here
Things we like
- Well-balanced
- Chicken-based protein
- Includes easy-to-digest brown rice
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken broth, chicken liver, brown rice, oat bran Texture Wet Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 41% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Adults and puppies (including large breed puppies) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My 12 pound terrier mix is very finicky and also has a sensitive stomach. She enjoys the taste of this and it keeps her regular so I give it 5 stars. Definitely recommend."
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5. Best Small Breed Dog Food For Picky Eaters: Merrick Lil' Plates Small Breed Teeny Texas Steak Tips
Teeny Texas Steak Tips is one of eight wet recipes analyzed in our review of the Merrick Lil’ Plates small breed product line.
This Merrick Lil’ Plates formula draws most of its animal protein from fresh beef. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 44% protein, 17% fat and 31% estimated carbs, yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 38%.
A fully-balanced wet food containing above-average levels of Omega-3 fatty acids. The design also includes glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy skin and joints.
A nutritious design containing both prebiotics and probiotics to aid in digestion.
A top pick for smaller, picky breeds. Enthusiastically recommended.
Read our review of the full Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain Free Dog Food (Cups) range here
Things we like
- High in Omega-3
- Contains probiotics and prebitoics
- Features glucosamine and chondroitin
Main Ingredients Beef, beef broth, venison broth, beef liver, dried egg whites Texture Wet Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 44% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult dogs only (including small breeds) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My senior pup loves these Lil Plates! Perfect amount of gravy and small dog-sized chunks that mix well with his dry kibble. I also love that you can see real veggies in there. Excellent option!"
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6. Best Large Breed Dog Food For Picky Eaters: Ollie Fresh Chicken With Carrots
Chicken with carrots is one of five fresh recipes covered in our review of the Ollie fresh dog food product line.
This Ollie formula derives the bulk of its meat protein from fresh chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 31% protein, 11.5% fat and 49.7% estimated carbs, creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 38%.
A veterinarian-designed meal that’s optimized for your dog’s age, weight, breed size and activity level, and is especially appropriate for puppies who can be picky yet require a well-rounded, nutritious diet to help them grow.
An exceptional fresh canine diet made with 100% human-grade ingredients. Recommended with confidence.
Read our review of the full Ollie Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Things we like
- Nutritionally balanced
- Chicken-based protein
- Human-grade ingredients
Main Ingredients Chicken, rice, carrots, chicken livers, peas Texture Fresh Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 31% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Adults and puppies (including large breeds) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at MyOllie.com"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 potatoes to add to Mocha's kibble. I ordered Ollie's fresh chicken food and Mocha loves it!!! I like the cute mixing dish and scoop too."
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7. Best Dog Food For Picky Eaters With A Sensitive Stomach: Nom Nom Fresh Beef Mash
Beef Mash is one of four fresh recipes rated in our review of the Nom Nom dog food product line.
Nom Nom Beef Mash is made from high-quality ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, carrots, peas, and eggs. These ingredients are gentle on the stomach, minimizing the risk of digestive upsets and allergies.
Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 35% protein, 17% fat and 40% estimated carbs… which produces a fat-to-protein ratio of about 50%.
We also note the inclusion of manganese gluconate and three other chelated minerals, costly nutrients typically found only in better-quality pet foods.
A healthy and fresh, human-grade option with a moist and tasty design, ideal for fussy eaters with a sensitive stomach. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Nom Nom Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Things we like
- Contains chelated minerals and manganese gluconate
- Human-grade ingredients
- Beef protein
Main Ingredients Ground beef, russet potatoes, eggs, carrots, peas Texture Fresh Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 35% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Adults and puppies (including large breeds) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at NomNomNow.com"Mya has suffered from colitis & IBS for many years, and she's also the pickiest with food. Since being on Nom Nom she is eating much better & has perfect poop!!!"
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8. Best Dog Food Topper For Picky Eaters: The Pets Table Air-Dried Beef and Berries
The Pets Table Air Dried Beef and Berries recipe received the Dog Food Advisor’s rating of 4 stars. It’s one of two recipes in this range made by The Pets Table, a company founded in 2023 by Laurent Guillemain, Anisha Chandra, and Dovas Zakas.
The Pets Table Air Dried Beef and Berries derives the bulk of its protein from beef, which is naturally rich in all 10 essential amino acids required by a dog to sustain life.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 29% protein, 39% fat and 25% carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 135%.
This product range uses single animal protein, appealing to picky eaters, and is cooked at lower temperatures to preserve the healthy proteins, vitamins, and antioxidants. It contains no added fillers, preservatives, or artificial flavors. A great option as a main meal or as a food topper.
Please note: If your dog is susceptible to weight gain this range would not be an ideal choice due to the high FPR (fat-to-protein ratio).
Read our review of the full The Pets Table Air-Dried Dog Food range here
Things we like
- Single-protein
- Air-dried to preserve nutrients
- Beef with 10 essential amino acids
Main Ingredients Beef, eggs, carrots, dried apples, vegetable glycerin Texture Dry Type Main meal or topper Protein Percentage 29% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All adult dogs and puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Get.thepetstable.com"Introducing my pup to their food has been an absolute game-changer. She tends to be picky, but their mixed plan of fresh and air-dried food has completely won over her heart. Mealtime has become an exciting time and she actually begs for more and licks her bowl clean every single time! Bonus points for the instructions it came with to get my dog's stomach used to her new food."
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9. Best Puppy Food For Picky Eaters: Raised Right Puppy Growth Turkey
Raised Right Puppy Growth Turkey is one of 11 fresh recipes included in our review of the Raised Right product line.
Raised Right Puppy Growth Turkey derives most of its animal protein from fresh turkey, including thigh, heart and liver. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 59.4% protein, 21.9% fat and 10.8% estimated carbs, delivering a fat-to-protein ratio of about 37%.
One of the best fresh, human-grade dog foods on the market, especially for picky puppies. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Raised Right Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Things we like
- High amount of turkey-based protein
- Human-grade ingredients
- Helps picky puppies grow healthily
Main Ingredients Turkey thigh, turkey heart, turkey liver, carrots, blueberries, organic spearmint Texture Wet Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 59.4% AAFCO Standards Growth Best For All puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Raisedrightpets.com"Having a puppy with allergies and a senior dog undergoing chemo, I am delighted and grateful to find a food that's not only healthy but delicious for both of my beloved dogs!"
More Top Picks
To view more top dog foods by category… click the link below that best meets your personal feeding needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I switch to a new food without making my dog sick?
In this video…
Dr. Gary Richter shares a simple feeding tip that can help lower your dog’s risk of getting sick whenever you switch to a new food.
It’s best to switch your dog to a new food gradually.
Start by mixing 20% “new” with 80% “old” food. Then, slowly increase that amount to a full 100%… over the next 8 to 9 days.
| Schedule | Old Food | New Food |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1 and 2 | 80% | 20% |
| Days 3 and 4 | 60% | 40% |
| Days 5 and 6 | 40% | 60% |
| Days 7 and 8 | 20% | 80% |
| Day 9 | 0% | 100% |
How can I use a dog food topper to entice my picky eater?
Toppers and mixers are special foods that are made to improve the taste of dry kibble for picky eaters.
The following helpful video is produced by Chewy to show you how to use these special products to entice your dog to eat.
What's the best type of wet food to use as a topper?
Wet dog food comes in two popular textures. Chunky and fine-chopped (pate). Since most fussy eaters prefer the wet food, they’re likely to pick through the kibble so they can eat only the wet food.
So…
It’s better to choose a wet recipe that has a fine-chopped texture. That’s because doing so will make it more difficult for your dog to pick the wet food out from the dry food pellets.
You can view The Dog Food Advisor’s best wet dog foods here. And you can view the best fresh dog foods here.
What's the best way to feed a picky eater?
When feeding a finicky dog, it’s best to limit the time the food remains available.
So, start by serving your dog’s regular food at the usual time.
If your pet hasn’t eaten anything within 30 minutes, take the food away. Then, try again a few hours later. This helps your dog learn the habit of eating the food when you offer it.
Final word
The Dog Food Advisor does not accept money, gifts, samples or other incentives in exchange for special consideration in preparing our reviews.
However, we do receive a referral fee from online retailers (like Chewy or Amazon) and from sellers of perishable pet food when readers click over to their websites from ours. This helps cover the cost of operation of our free blog. Thanks for your support.
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