Important Disclaimer
The information provided here is for general pet health education only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never disregard professional veterinary advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here. If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital immediately.
- Species & breed
- Dog · Havanese
- Age
- 3 years old
- Sex
- Male
- Color
- Black & White
It's so common to run into this with dogs who've been raised on table food — from Ollie's perspective, why would he settle for kibble when he's used to the good stuff? The great news is that most dogs can be transitioned successfully with a little patience and the right approach.
Why this happens
Dogs fed table food exclusively often find commercial dog food bland or unfamiliar by comparison. It's not stubbornness so much as a learned preference. The smell, texture, and flavor of human food is simply more intense than most dog foods, so the adjustment takes time.
General tips for transitioning a picky eater
- Start with wet (canned) food. It tends to have a stronger aroma and a softer texture, which is often more appealing to dogs coming off table food. You can gradually introduce dry kibble later if you'd like.
- Warm it up slightly. Gently warming wet food (just to room temperature or a little above) releases more aroma and can make it much more enticing.
- Mix in a small amount of something familiar. A tiny bit of plain cooked chicken or low-sodium broth stirred into the dog food can help bridge the gap. The goal is to slowly reduce the "topper" over several weeks until Ollie is eating the dog food on its own.
- Stick to a schedule. Offer meals at set times — typically twice a day — and pick the bowl up after 20–30 minutes whether he's eaten or not. Free-feeding can reinforce picky behavior. A healthy dog will not starve himself indefinitely.
- Avoid caving too quickly. It's hard to watch him turn his nose up, but offering table food the moment he refuses dog food teaches him that holding out works.
What to look for in a dog food
For a 3-year-old Havanese, you'd generally want to look for a food labeled "complete and balanced" for adult dogs by AAFCO (that's the organization that sets nutritional standards for pet food in the US). Beyond that, a food with a named protein source (like chicken, beef, or salmon) listed first is a reasonable starting point. Your vet can give you a more tailored recommendation based on Ollie's specific health history.
When to see your vet: If Ollie goes more than 48 hours without eating, loses weight, seems lethargic, or vomits during the transition, that's a reason to call your vet sooner rather than later. It's also worth scheduling a general wellness visit soon anyway — a newly adopted rescue dog benefits from a baseline checkup, and your vet can confirm there's no underlying health reason for the food refusal and help you build a transition plan tailored to Ollie.
Was this answer helpful?
Your feedback helps us improve answers for every pet.