NATIONWIDE — As with humans, dogs can experience digestive discomfort, picky palates and sensitive stomachs.

It can be hard for pet parents to anticipate their pets’ changing diets and needs. 

If your four-legged friends are picky eaters or show signs of sensitive stomachs, consider these tips from the experts at Solid Gold. 

Consult a veterinarian

A visit to a trained veterinarian is one of the best resources for getting recommendations and advice specific to your pet’s diet, conditions and needs. 

Sensitive stomachs can arise from a variety of causes, including diet, age, health status and stress levels, but veterinarians can conduct tests such as blood panels, stool samples and X-rays to help identify the cause of discomfort and provide information to help guide your next steps.

Make dog food more appealing

If your vet has confirmed that your dog is healthy and there are no significant reasons why he or she is being picky at mealtimes, you could try improving their relationship with food. 

If your dog is just uninterested in food, try adding toppers such as chopped carrots or bone broth, or warming up wet food in a microwave-safe bowl to release the flavorful aromas.

Try adding an appealing ingredient, such as tripe. Palatable to even the pickiest of dogs, green tripe is frequently given to help working dogs, competition dogs and other dogs who might be experiencing digestive upset due to stress or excitement, encouraging them to eat. Beyond being an excellent source of protein and omega fatty acid, green tripe has multiple nutritional benefits and contains vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. 

To help entice picky eaters with decreased appetites, Solid Gold created Green Cow Green Beef Tripe recipe, now with nutrientboost, a proprietary blend of superfoods, amino acids and plasma to support nutrient absorption as well as digestive and immune health. 

Whenever you make a change in your pet’s diet, remember to do so gradually, as introducing a new food too abruptly can create stomach issues.

Skip the table scraps 

If you and your family members have a habit of giving your dog food from the table or sneaking too many treats, this can cause him or her to not only fill up on your food, but it can also impact digestion. Human food can be too rich and fatty or contain too much sodium to properly digest. 

While it may seem harmless to give your dog a bite or two here and there, these kinds of table scraps can quickly throw off his or her nutrition and do more harm than good. 

Make dinnertime fun

Helping your dog overcome picky eating habits can start in your own kitchen. In fact, it’s likely you know your pet’s preferences best. 

Whether you opt to create a home-cooked meal or add nutrient-rich food toppers, there are multiple ways to easily encourage him or her to eat. 

A picky eater often plays with his or her food instead of eating it, so a feeding toy or bowl that makes it fun and time-consuming can also get your dog to be more excited about the food. 

Additionally, rotating the types of foods, flavors and other ingredients you add to meals can incorporate variety and encourage your picky eater to chow down.

Find more tips for caring for picky eaters or dogs with sensitive stomachs at www.SolidGoldPet.com.