Try these dog foods for your picky pooch

16 dog foods to appeal to picky eaters

While most dogs come running when it's chow time, some dogs don't dive right into their bowls. These canines are considered picky or finicky eaters, and it may require a little trial and error to find a dog food they'll devour. Choosing dog food for a pet who isn't always enthusiastic about what's put in front of them can be challenging. In addition to flavor, you must consider other factors including life stage, breed, food type and diet to ensure you meet your best friend's needs.

What to consider when choosing dog food for a picky eater

While taste is obviously a huge factor in determining the right dog food for a picky dog, it's important to consider your pup's life stage, breed size, type of food and diet when determining what to feed them.

Life stages: Puppies, adult dogs and seniors have different dietary needs. Puppies are very active and need to consume more calories than adult dogs. They also need to consume more protein, fat, calcium and phosphorus.

While adult dogs also need food that's nutritionally complete, the amount of protein they require depends on the breed and activity level. As dogs age, they're more likely to be picky about what they eat.

Depending on the breed, canines enter their senior years between 7 and 10 years of age. Senior dogs typically require fewer calories, so their food should be lower in caloric density and protein and higher in fiber, omega-3s and antioxidants.

Breed sizes: Small dogs under 22 pounds may need more calorie-dense formulas than larger dogs, as they have smaller stomachs. Dogs over 60 pounds may need formulas that are developed to support joints and bone health.

Food types: Dry, wet, fresh, raw, freeze-dried and dehydrated are the most common types of dog foods. Dry dog food is the most popular type of dog food and is typically formulated with a combination of protein, fruits and/or vegetables and grains. When combined with dry dog food, wet dog food offers some textural variety that may incentivize your dog to eat more. It can also be served alone.

If you choose to put your dog on a diet of fresh or homemade food, the American Kennel Club recommends using trusted sources for vet-approved recipes to make sure your meals are properly balanced and consist of safe ingredients. You can also use fresh diets from a dog food meal delivery service.

Some dog owners choose to feed their dogs the kind of food their ancestors ate for years: raw food. Most raw dog foods are available in frozen, dehydrated and freeze-dried forms. Freeze-dried foods are made by removing moisture from the ingredients. Dehydrated dog foods are minimally processed and are heated to kill bacteria.

Specialty diets: Within the different types of dog foods are specific diets. The most popular varieties include organic, human-grade, vegetarian, low-fat, low protein and grain-free.

Typically more expensive, organic dog foods are made without artificial colors and flavors. Human-grade dog food is food that is safe for human consumption. Vegetarian dog food is typically made with chickpeas, peas or beans as a source of protein. Grain-free diets offer protein as the top ingredient and don't contain soy, wheat, corn or other grains. Finally, low-fat and low-protein diets are designed for specific needs and should only be followed at the recommendation of a veterinarian.

Dog food cost

According to the AKC, the average cost of dog food per year is around $120-$900.

Best dog foods for picky eaters

Iams Proactive Health Adult Minichunks: available at Amazon

This is a popular, flavorsome dry dog food that contains antioxidants, fibers and prebiotics. It's made with farm-raised chicken, omega-6 fatty acids and essential nutrients.

Wellness Core Natural Grain-Free Wet Dog Food: available at Amazon

Made by a top brand, this wet dog food is both tempting and nutritious for dogs of all ages. It's made with outstanding protein and doesn't contain artificial ingredients that you wouldn't want to feed to your beloved pet.

Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Dog Food: available at Amazon

Finicky dogs will appreciate the bold flavors of air-dried food, as the process of making it preserves the taste of the ingredients. This premium food contains quality ingredients and nutrients that are beneficial while the flavor is tempting.

Instinct Freeze-Dried Raw Meals Real Beef Recipe Dog Food: available at Amazon and Petco

A delicious, beef-based frozen dog food with freeze-dried raw ingredients, this food contains 85% protein and 15% non-GMO ingredients. The formula is free of artificial ingredients and is U.S.-made.

Blue Buffalo Blue Wilderness Wet Dog Food: available at Amazon and Petco

Some picky dogs prefer wet food. Made without artificial additives or grain, this canned food is nutritious in addition to having a flavor most dogs can't resist. You can choose from a nice selection of protein options.

Wag Dry Dog Food: available at Amazon

Our testers evaluated this Amazon brand dog food and found that most pups enjoyed the flavor. It's made with wholesome ingredients and is an excellent source of protein, which will appeal to pet parents who want the best for their dogs.

Primal Freeze-Dried Chicken Formula Nuggets: available at Amazon

If your dog is finicky, they might enjoy the rich flavors of freeze-dried food. This U.S.-made brand uses wholesome ingredients without artificial additives. It can be fed as the main course or mixed with your pet's favorite kibble to encourage them to eat.

Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Dog Food: available at Amazon

If you're looking for grain-free dog food that your pet is likely to love, this is a good choice. It's an American-made food that contains quality protein in a formula that's suited for digestive health. The recipe includes just 10 ingredients and no harsh additives.

Stella and Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Meal Mixers: available at Amazon

This is a delicious, well-loved, freeze-dried meal mixer made in the U.S. It's formulated with 95% cage-free, hormone-free chicken, as well as organic fruits and veggies and probiotics. It's also free from artificial preservatives and coloring.

Instinct Freeze Dried Raw Boost Mixers: available at Amazon

Raw food is a good choice for dogs who aren't interested in most types of food, thanks to the bold flavor. This appetizing freeze-dried meal mixer will make your dog's food more appealing. Made in the U.S., it's formulated with cage-free chicken and non-GMO fruits and vegetables. It also contains fiber and live probiotics that aid digestion and is made without artificial colors and flavors.

Other top products

Cesar Wet Dog Food is great by itself or as a kibble topper.
Purina Pro Plan Complete Essentials contains chewy bits that dogs love.
This Hill's Science Diet wet food is great for picky eaters and dogs with sensitive skin and digestive systems.
Whether you think your dog would love human-grade dog food as a topper or primary food, The Honest Kitchen Dog Food is a good pick.
Made with excellent protein, The Taste of the Wild Dry Dog Food appeals to most finicky dogs.
Dogs love Open Farm Dog Food for its flavor; our testers love it for the quality and nutrition it provides.

Want to shop the best products at the best prices? Check out Daily Deals from BestReviews.

Jennifer Manfrin is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.