Are Cane Corso’s Picky Eaters? (Explained!)

Do you own a Cane Corso? If so, you may have noticed that your dog is a bit of a picky eater. Cane Corsos are known for being one of the most finicky dog breeds out there.

They can be very particular about what they eat and when they eat it.

In this blog post, we will discuss some of the reasons why Cane Corso’s are such picky eaters and offer some tips on how to deal with it.

Key Takeaway

• Cane Corsos are known to be picky eaters and may often refuse or show disinterest in certain types of foods.
• If your Cane Corso is a picky eater, you can try changing their diet, adding some wet food to their dry kibble, mixing in a little cheese, or consulting with a vet for dietary changes.
• Giving your Cane Corso treats will not necessarily make them a picky eater, but it’s important to ensure that treats do not replace their regular meals and that they are given in moderation.

Are Cane Corso’s Picky Eaters?

Yes. Cane Corso’s are known to be picky eaters and they will often refuse to eat certain types of foods. They can get bored from eating the same food and will appreciate some variety in their diet.

You can feed them smaller high-quality and nutritious meals more often throughout the day, maybe even adding some wet food to their dry food or mixing in some cooked chicken or beef.

Dogs that refuse to eat can be either sick or just spoiled. Knowing what signs to look for will help you distinguish the difference.

However, eating the same food over and over again might cause dissatisfaction and your Cane Corso could stop showing interest in eating.

When it comes to choosing the right foods for your Cane Corso, make sure to include a little variety every now and then.

If your Cane Corso is suffering from a tummy ache or anything related to the stomach, might cause them to become picky eaters.

A visit to the veterinarian is a must. Usually, when a dog is sick, there are some obvious signs:

• Skin irritation
• Excessive sleeping
• Vomiting
• Lost interest in playing
• Licking a particular area of their body

A Cane Corso might also appear to be a picky eater if they have been overfed the day before. Aside from that, there is always the chance that your dog ate something that they shouldn’t while on a walk.

Also, medication or recent vaccination might make them feel not so much enthusiastic about eating.

My advice here is to wait a couple of days to see if your Cane Corso will show interest in eating. In the meantime, try mixing up their diet from time to time so they don’t get bored with the same food.

What Can I Do If My Cane Corso is a Picky Eater?

If your Cane Corso appears to be a picky eater, you should start by changing their diet first. One thing you can do is add some wet food to their dry food. This will make the dry food more appealing to them and might encourage them to eat it.

If your Cane Corso is still being picky even after changing the diet, you should observe your dog more and note any odd behavior. For instance, if your dog is not showing interest in a walk, combined with picky eating might be a clear sign of an upcoming illness.

Try to mix things up. Instead of going for a walk, try playing in the backyard. If there are no changes in the upcoming days, you should schedule a visit to the vet.

Never force-feed your Cane Corso as it will only have a negative effect. Instead, try to offer their favorite food and lots of treats while waiting for the vet visit.

However, you shouldn’t confuse picky eating with dietary requirements change. As your Cane Corso enters seniority, they won’t be eating as much as when they were in their ”best years”. Their metabolism will slow down and the amount of food and water they used to take would decrease.

What I normally suggest for pet parents with dogs that show no interest in eating is this. Change up the diet and offer them more appealing foods. Maybe try giving them some human foods just to distinguish if your pet has become spoiled or sick.

If they eat french fries but show no interest in kibble food, you are dealing with a picky eater. In this case, a change in their normal diet is needed.

Will Giving My Cane Corso Treats Make Them a Picky Eater?

Constantly giving treats to your Cane Corso can make them picky eaters. Let’s be honest, human foods are more appealing than dry kibble. So, you have to give these foods in moderation to prevent your Cane Corso from becoming a picky eater.

A Cane Corso will love getting treats. Especially if these treats are actually human foods. Heck, they are tall enough and might even snatch your hamburger from the table without you noticing.

Dog treats should be offered in moderation and only when your dog does something correctly. I normally use treats when I train my dogs. After each successfully completed command, I give my dog a treat. In the beginning, I am using human foods such as french fries to make them learn better.

After I am satisfied with how they perform the commands, I change the treats from french fries to something healthier like carrots, strawberries, or even broccoli.

Whatever you decide to do, just make sure to change things up. Do not offer the same treat over and over again and on every occasion.

Make sure that your Cane Corso has earned a treat. Do not give treats just because you love your dog. We all love our dogs, but giving them treats constantly can make them picky eaters.

Cane Corso’s are not typically picky eaters. However, constantly feeding them human foods as treats can turn them into picky eaters.

How Do I Get My Cane Corso To Eat?

If your Cane Corso is a picky eater, there are a few things you can try.

1. Physical exercise

Physical exercise is always good to get your picky Cane Corso to start eating. A simple walk might not do the trick. You might have to really tire your dog out and possibly yourself.

So, grab a stick or a ball and go to your backyard or the park. Let your pup have access to fresh water throughout the play. But, only water, not food. Play for at least one hour.

2. Mental exercise

In the middle of a physical exercise, when the Cane Corso is amped up and wants to play, hit them with some mental exercise. Tell your dog to sit or stay when they really want to play. Get away from them and call them to you.

Continue to play for a little bit and then give them a sit command again. The sit or stay command in the middle of playing will work their mental because they will have to use restraint and focus because they would just really like to continue playing.

3. Change the food you feed your Cane Corso

Eating the same food every day will make your Cane Corso lose interest in eating. So, if you are feeding your dog kibble, change the flavor. Maybe even throw in some mix of two flavors like chicken and beef.

If you are feeding your Cane Corso raw diet, do the same. A picky eater is a picky eater. Even if you are getting them the best organic food on the market, they will still be picky if that’s the only food they have been eating for years.

4. They could be stressed or anxious

In many cases, a Cane Corso will refuse to eat if they are stressed or anxious. In this case, you should try to create a calm environment and see if that helps. There are a few things you can do to help your dog feel less stressed. One is to provide them with a safe place to retreat to when they feel overwhelmed.

This could be their crate or a quiet room in your house where they can go to relax. Another way to relieve stress in dogs is through exercise. Taking them for walks or runs will help them burn off energy and hopefully reduce stress levels.

Lastly, try to stick to a regular routine as much as possible so your Cane Corso knows what to expect each day. This can help minimize surprises and changes that may trigger stress.

FAQs

Q: Should I be worried if my Cane Corso is not eating?

A: It’s natural to be concerned if your Cane Corso is not eating, as it can indicate a health issue. However, occasional loss of appetite can be normal, especially if your dog is not feeling well or has eaten something they shouldn’t have.

If your Cane Corso is otherwise healthy and not showing any other concerning symptoms, you can monitor their appetite for a day or two. If they still refuse to eat or show signs of illness, it’s best to consult with a veterinarian.

Q: Can dental problems cause a Cane Corso to be picky eater?

A: Yes, dental problems can cause a Cane Corso to be a picky eater. If your dog is experiencing pain or discomfort while chewing, they may avoid eating altogether or prefer softer foods.

It’s important to regularly check your Cane Corso’s teeth and gums for any signs of dental issues, such as plaque build-up, gum inflammation, or broken teeth.

If you suspect dental problems, have your veterinarian perform a thorough dental examination and provide any necessary treatments.

Q: Is it normal for a Cane Corso puppy to be a picky eater?

A: It is not uncommon for Cane Corso puppies to be picky eaters. They are still learning about different types of food and may take some time to develop preferences. However, it’s essential to establish healthy eating habits from an early age.

Offer them a variety of nutritious options and stick to regular feeding schedules to encourage consistent eating habits. If you are concerned about your Cane Corso puppy’s eating habits or overall health, consult with a veterinarian.

Q: How often should I feed my Cane Corso?

A: The frequency of feeding your Cane Corso depends on their age and individual needs. As a general guideline, it is recommended to feed adult Cane Corsos twice a day, dividing their daily portion into two meals.

Puppies, on the other hand, will require more frequent meals—typically three to four times a day. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the best feeding schedule and portion sizes for your specific Cane Corso.

Q: Can I give my Cane Corso table scraps if they are not eating?

A: While it may be tempting to give your Cane Corso table scraps if they are not eating, it is generally not recommended. Feeding them from the table can encourage bad habits and lead to behavioral issues, as well as digestive problems.

It’s best to stick to balanced, high-quality dog food to ensure they are receiving all the necessary nutrients. If you are concerned about their appetite, consult with a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues.

Q: How can I prevent my Cane Corso from becoming a picky eater?

A: To prevent your Cane Corso from becoming a picky eater, it’s important to establish a good feeding routine and provide consistent, nutritious meals. Avoid frequently changing their diet, as it can lead to food aversions and selective eating.

Also, ensure they have access to fresh water at all times and avoid free-feeding, as it can disrupt their appetite. Regular exercise and mental stimulation can also help maintain a healthy appetite in your Cane Corso.

Q: Should I consult a veterinarian if my Cane Corso is consistently refusing food?

A: Consistently refusing food can be a sign of an underlying health issue, so it is recommended to consult with a veterinarian if your Cane Corso is experiencing prolonged loss of appetite.

A veterinarian can perform a comprehensive examination, including blood tests and other diagnostic procedures, to identify any potential health concerns and provide the necessary treatment.

Q: Can stress or anxiety cause a Cane Corso to be a picky eater?

A: Yes, stress or anxiety can cause a Cane Corso to be a picky eater. Just like humans, dogs can experience emotions that affect their appetite. Significant changes in their environment, routine, or social dynamics can lead to stress or anxiety, resulting in a decreased appetite.

It’s important to address the underlying cause of their stress and provide a calm and secure environment. If their appetite does not improve or if you are concerned about their overall well-being, consult with a veterinarian or a professional dog behaviorist.